We had reactions to our announcement that we won’t be having a landline in our new offices, using cellphones instead. Well-meaning friends expressing concern that we were pushing the boat out too far for our own good, others telling us we were doing exactly the right thing.
Here’s why we’re thinking that landlines are a bad idea: We only call people when we can’t talk to them in person, when there’s a physical distance between us. A phone line allows us to have conversations regardless of that distance. At least, that’s the idea.
The reality is that far too many companies hide behind their phone systems. They hide behind computerized voice controlled answering systems, they hide behind voicemail, they hide behind receptionists. All barriers designed not to have to have the conversation that the caller is trying to initiate.
We’re thinking that when somebody calls us they have a good reason for doing so.
And that in return is enough reason for us to pick up the phone. In person, whether we’re at a desk or in the kitchen or out grabbing a coffee. So whether you want to talk to Jo-Ann or Andreas or Geoff or anybody else who works with us, you’ll have their number. And when you call, we’ll answer.