What is your phone number?

We’re getting to a point where phone numbers matter less and less. Names are saved in my phone so I don’t have to remember them, but a phone call or text is just one of a dozen ways I can contact someone.

As we head toward an essentially number-less future, some relics from the past keep popping up. Just this week alone, I’ve seen a handful of situations where people gave out multiple phone numbers “so I’m easy to reach”, when the reality is that it makes it more difficult.

A man gave me his business card this week, which included a “mobile” number and an “office” number. Which should I call to reach him? If he doesn’t answer one, should I leave a message right then, or try the other one next and leave a message? It’s silly.

“What is your phone number?” – singular.

A more strange example was a landscaping truck that I was behind in traffic. The back of the truck explained what they did, and included two prominent phone numbers stacked on top of one another. There was no indication of what each did, just two numbers to call. Why? Do they go to two different people, so I just try both repeatedly until I get someone?

Clarity always wins

It’s a small thing, but clarity is always your best choice. If you want someone to know where to call you, give them the number. If you need to have multiple places to pick up calls, VoIP systems can help with that, or you could even use a free Google Voice account. Don’t put the burden on your customer to figure out where to call, just make it super easy for them to reach you and begin that connection.