Business English

Today, it’s common to see a number of different professionals in a number of different fields of employment engaged and rather busy with their work. However, business experts have an especially minimal amount of free time available in the office, and as such, they often find themselves returning phone calls—or calling back fellow industry specialists who’ve contacted them regarding a matter of professional significance. Return phone calls are typically issued in response to business call messages, or short summaries left when a professional isn’t able to take a phone call, for the purpose of highlighting the reason that contact is being initiated.

In terms of tone, return business phone calls can capture a number of different moods and attitudes, which the caller can decide upon; some business calls are friendly, while others are naturally competitive. However, generally speaking, returned phone calls should be made as soon as possible and should concern the matter for which contact was initiated by the caller. Consider the following example of a typical return business phone call, as continued from the previous example of a typical business phone call message.

Lotner: Hello, my name is Jared Lotner, and I’m returning a message I received from Jack Tempt.

Tempt: Hello, Jared. Thanks for returning my call. How’s everything going?

Lotner: Not too bad, thanks for asking. You mentioned that additional product information I asked about in your message, right?

Tempt: I did. I was able to secure files containing the data you wanted to see.

Lotner: That’s awesome! Would you like to disclose it to me now? I could also review the file itself if you email it.

Tempt: Whatever is most convenient for you sounds good to me.

Lotner: Could you email it over?

Tempt: Certainly! I’ll send it right now.

Lotner: Great, thanks. I’ll call you back after I take a look.

Tempt: Sounds good.

In this example, neither caller is pushy, rude, or unprofessional, but it’s apparent that they respect one another and understand that they’re both rather busy. Mutual respect is a hallmark of the business world and especially the business world in terms of phone calls as time is a valuable commodity. Lastly, this example shows how important business return phone calls are, as they can initiate the development of multimillion-dollar deals and agreements, as well as relationships that span across multiple decades.

As many quick-learning students of business know, business phone calls are great for developing professional relationships and making agreements, for a number of different reasons. With that said, when a lot of time, money, and respect are on the line, it’s not unusual for two or more individuals to meet and discuss a matter of significance face-to-face.

Face-to-face meetings have been important parts of the business process for years, and all signs indicate that they will remain so for many years to come. However, arranging a face-to-face meeting is a process most often completed through a business phone call; thus, it’s imperative that this call be as precise as possible. Consider the following business phone call example, wherein the caller sets up a face-to-face meeting:

Lotner: Hello, Jack? It’s Jared. I had a chance to review the information you emailed, and I’m very impressed.

Tempt: That’s great to hear, Jared! I was hopeful that you’d be satisfied.

Lotner: Well, I certainly am, and if possible, I’d like to meet you in-person to discuss some questions I had.

Tempt: That’s definitely possible; when were you thinking, for the meeting?

Lotner: I’m a bit busy the rest of this week…Would next Tuesday around noon work?

Tempt: Let’s see…Yes, I’m all free next Tuesday at noon.

Lotner: Excellent! Would you like to meet at my office? I can also come to yours, if you’d like.

Tempt: Your office works for me.

Lotner: Fantastic! I’ll see you then.

Tempt: I’m looking forward to it.

This typical example might seem insignificant, but it could once again mark the start of a massive, mutually beneficial partnership. In the “real world,” arranging a meeting might be slightly more difficult, because of each businessperson’s busy schedule, but if one remains professional and courteous, the process should be successful.