Sense of Urgency.  I believe we must have it to have success in sales and it doesn't hurt socially, either.

Do you respond to correspondence or voice mails quickly?  (def. quick; Moving or functioning rapidly and energetically; speedy).  With technology today what is our excuse not to respond ASAP?  I know it seems indignant to shout out the as soon as possible acronym in capitals, yet ASAP does not want to be confused with as slowly as possible.

Let’s say you have a job interview today and you feel it went pretty well.  How long does it take you to compose a thank you letter?  It should take you a few moments.  If you don’t respond within 24 hours they will think there is a lack of interest as well as an immediate comparison of how you will follow up with clients.  It is not that difficult. Otherwise, they won't be that into you.

When prospective companies, current clients or other professionals, who effect your livelihood, contact you it is critical to respond quickly.   The cat is out of the bag.  We all know you have a Blackberry, iPhone or other device of immediacy. 

Why do some teenagers have a greater sense of urgency than some adults I meet?  You need to respond to inquiries whether it be a voice mail or e-mail promptly.  If not….the client, manager, recruiter will sense you have a lack of interest.    Technology can be a double edge sword, I know, yet even if you don't have a definitive answer, let the sender or person who left you a message know that you received word with some time frame of when you will communicate next.

Please be healthy about this advice. Do check your messages privately and respond quickly. Do excuse yourself from the table to take an urgent call or respond to an e-mail.  Don’t go to a meeting or dinner party with your ear wired.  Oh and the personal ringtone...lose it.