Ask, Don't Assume

With technology making staying in touch readily available and accessible, and that can be great, what isn't great is when someone assumes how to contact you and/or pay you.
 
When you meet someone with whom you want to engage, ask him or her "If it is appropriate, I'll follow-through on our conversation...would you prefer a call, text or email?", and then use that preferred method.
 
Similarly, when paying for services or splitting a charge with someone, ask what form of payment works best, as there are many, so saying something similar to "Okay, so I owe you $XX, and I'll get you that by tomorrow. Do you prefer Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or ApplePay?" is smart, as not everyone uses all forms of payment, and if not set up, have hoops to jump through to access what is rightly his or hers.
 
Asking, and not assuming, works well in life in general. Respecting preferences and noting choices makes for good rapport-building and good relationships, so in contact, payment, and other things, do ask, don't assume!

Phase Out Some Phrases...

"Silence is better than unmeaning words."  ~ Pythagoras Greek philosopher and the eponymous founder of the Pythagoreanism movement.  Words matter. The use of words becomes as much as a habit as brushing our teeth, and if we do not consider that meanings change over time, and the implication of what we say (and how we say it) have an impact on others, we may be sending the wrong message...unintentionally. Here are some words and phrases to please consider phasing out. These are not pet peeve words, rather these tend to conjure up negative or off-putting ideas for some/many, and while not everyone will find them problematic, wouldn't it be nice to avoid the potential and amp up your effectiveness anyway? Phrases to Phase Out      Replacement Verbiage We'll just agree to disagree While we may not agree on this, let's respect each of us has our reasoning and neither is wrong Kind of (nothing - simply be specific) You don't understand You need to Would you consider? I am counting on you to... Relax/Calm down What can I do to assist? Obviously Some find/agree... For those of you who know me, I am... I'd like to introduce you to... I am Please meet It is what it is Here's where we are, and here's the approach I am taking I don't care Whatever you prefer/Your preference works for me By shifting your phrases, you ensure others, and you, know where you are, where you are going, and you have clear messaging for moving ahead!