Monday, June 11, 2007
Manners - some people have them, a lot of people don't!!!
Thank you to those of you who have visited the blog and commented on my new adventure!!
Today's topic should stir some thoughts and comments! It seems that in much conversation recently, many people have complained about the lack of manners in folks in general, especially when it comes to a simple RSVP. From people in business not bothering to return a quick call or even send an email response to folks not responding to party invitations.
Recently, a business coach colleague and I hosted a breakfast to introduce the business community to utilizing coaching to help in retention in their businesses. We invited 55 people with a hand addressed invitation and interestingly, only 5 people called or emailed their RSVP. Then when I did a follow-up call and left a message, only 5 of those bothered to call me! Now after the breakfast, in following up with the people who attended, having left a message, people still don't return phone calls!
And last weekend was my granddaughter's birthday and my daughter-in-law sent out party invitations and only a small percentage of people called to RSVP!
What's with people these days??? Do they just NOT care? Are they so self-absorbed that it doesn't matter in their life that other people have taken the time to write out an invitation, or even call or email them to invite them to an event; to be included in our personal or business lives, yet they can't take 2 minutes of time to let us know if they will come!!!
As you have probably picked up by now, this is a very sensitive topic with me! One of the things I now do, is to not include these people in my parties any more! And you know, there are some people with whom I enjoy spending time, but won't include any longer! If you don't have the courtesy to call me, why should I bother to prepare food and celebration to include YOU!???!
And for those people in business, what kind of message does it send out to other business owners if you don't respond to phone calls or emails? Who really wants to do business with YOU!
Folks it is time to be responsible in life! What are we teaching our children and grandchildren if we can't bother to let people know!
As always, I welcome your comments!
Margaret
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6 comments:
Hilarious! I feel honored to be mentioned! Please RSVP people!
Kerri
You could add me to the list for dropping the ball many times by forgetting to shoot a quick email or RSVP!! UGH! Very well said. I believe as a whole, most of us just have gotten too busy with life and need to slow down and take the extra 5 mins to pick up the phone or simply email.
Great food for thought! Keep them rolling.
Great points M!
As Doctor Phil has been often quoted to say, "We're not socializing our kids!" This also includes two generations now where being "considerate" is just not on the radar. Many people don't even know what RSVP means!
Of course, being responsible and willing to be held accountable is part of the challenge. The majority of our society want the freedom to choose and also embrace the freedom to choose not to be held accountable for the choices they make. Yes, ironic isn't it?!?
People rude enough to not RSVP often show up and say "What are ya so upset about! Ya invited me didn't ya!?!?"
Not much to offer as a solution, since it is obvious it will never be viewed as a problem by the sources of the inconsideration.
Perhaps letting them suffer the consequences is the best solution. Can you imagine the surprise such a NON RSVP person would get if they showed up and you didn't answer the door? Or if they didn't get invited anymore?
Of course, they'd just find another source to be rude to - this is their way and the world is full of opportunity to repeat rudeness.
Keep up the good posting M!
Coach John S. Nagy
Thanks for the reminder. And it certainly motivates me to add some comments since there is an implicit if not explicit invitation - rsvp request in sending the link! Only kidding. My sister came back from a wedding she attended with a report that 25-30 poeple had cancelled last minute after the catering had been confirmed and the guarantee made! What injury to add to the insult. You pay for the guests who RSVP and then cancel at the last minute!
Love the blog idea! Pegotty
I agree with you on the social side of RSVP's, but on the business side my experience has been a 10% response to a written invitation which you got. And by calling you got a 20% return and that is even better. During my years selling Doncaster, an upscale women's clothing line, out of my home, my partner and I worked very hard to educate people to call for appointments and to respond to our phone calls. It took time but it finally worked and we were thrilled to have a 50% response for most shows. And, yes, we sent hand adressed invitations with a RSVP.
Well said.
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