Your preferred mode of communicating with clients...

Email seems to work best for me. I have clients all over the world and email is not time-zone dependent. One of my clients didn't even know that I've been in Italy the past two weeks. I've had many clients with whom I've never talked to on the phone or met in person.

I prefer email as well when more immediate action like a phone call is not necessary. It allows me to think through my response and to reply after I have had the time to be more thoughtful on the subject.

I think that in my business many clients prefer to contact me by email initially. This anonymity offers them the opportunity to be upfront with their organizing issues without putting a voice/face to their name. Once we get to corresponding and there is a rapport developed between us, email becomes a tool for ease of communication.

I find that it depends on the client and my client's or my needs at the moment. Recently I was going send a client a follow up email on a recent training session, however, I decided to call instead. The phone call led to more work where the email probably wouldn't have.

To solve the problem of not always being in one place and traveling a lot I find having SKYPE and a SKYPE phone number very useful.

I'm a virtual gal as well, and email works best for me. The only time I really use the phone is my initial chat with a new client, or if a project is complex and detailed. Even then, though, an email gives me a hard copy of the project details, so I almost prefer that method.

Email is quick efficient and doesn't take the other person's time up until they have the time. Texting hasn't caught on with me. I use the cell some but not much. Mostly I like face to face communication. It does generate more moving around but when buying or making any kind of deals I like to be there to see what I'm getting and make a personal contact that can then develop into a relationship - or not.

My form of communication is whatever is best for that client. I always ask the client the best way to communicate changes, updates, questions and milestones. And do what is most comfortable for them. Regardless of my comforts or what works best for me is irrelevant.

I always put the customer first.

I wish I could admit to being as flexible as Scott is. :)

If I want quick, factual, and efficient, I use email.

If I want give-and-take and good feedback, I use the phone. This prevents a confusing volley of emails.

If I want to build trust and real connection, I meet in person - generally for coffee (I think meals are too distracting).

Yup. :)

• Jennifer