The Phone Lady's Blog

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booking meetings

The #1 Action That Builds Trust and Relationships

By Mary Jane Copps | February 9, 2020
man checking time waiting for meeting

There’s a long-standing bit of etiquette that’s often overlooked today. I do understand why. Our schedules are jam-packed and our deadlines seem to multiply daily. We book meetings on the hour and if one happens to run a bit late, there’s a domino effect that … Read more

#1 Way to Increase Your Phone Conversations with Prospects and Customers in 2020

By Mary Jane Copps | January 25, 2020
reviewing calendar appointments

“The only constant in life is change.” -Heraclitus (500 BC Greek philosopher) Change is not something I thrive on. In fact, those who know me best might say that I often strive to avoid it. But I think it’s more accurate to say that I’m … Read more

The #1 Way to Increase Phone Conversations with Prospects and Customers

By Mary Jane Copps | July 28, 2018

Last week I received an email request from a not-for-profit in Toronto. They had found my website and were looking for information on how I might help them with fundraising calls. I happened to be at my desk when the request came in and I … Read more

When Does The Meeting Start?

By Mary Jane Copps | February 18, 2018

This past week, one of my coaching clients had an “aha moment” that will forever change her attitude to the phone calls she is required to make. She spoke to me about this revelation with such clarity that I need to share it with you … Read more

What Choice Will You Make?

By Mary Jane Copps | November 19, 2017

Last month I agreed to help a colleague book meetings with SaaS (software as a service) companies, primarily in California. This is work I enjoy and I’m able (usually) to deliver excellent results.  Also “working the phone” allows me to identify new communications trends and behaviours. While I … Read more

What Prospects Think When You Don’t Follow Up

By Mary Jane Copps | October 1, 2017
businessman waiting for meeting

My phone rang last Wednesday at 4:08 pm,  just as I was settling in to do some prospecting calls. It was my colleague and friend Steve Foran, CEO of Gratitude at Work. It’s always great to talk with Steve; he’s incredibly energetic, knowledgeable and generous. But … Read more

Building Relationships By Text

By Mary Jane Copps | January 24, 2016

  Okay … that headline might startle you, but texting (SMS-Short Message Service) is part of your phone, and its growth as a communication tool cannot – should not –  be ignored. I’m honoured to introduce you to Trumpia, a team of hard-working, forward-thinking entrepreneurs … Read more

Listening to Directions

By Mary Jane Copps | August 23, 2014

Some of my summer has been occupied by phone projects for a diverse group of entrepreneurs. I  love doing these projects. For me there is something delightful about sitting at my desk with research tools on my computer screen, pen and paper close by (along … Read more

Radio New Zealand logo
How to tackle your telephone hang-ups. People with bad cases of telephone anxiety can experience nausea, increased heart rate and shortness of breath at the sound of a ringtone. Listen in...
Why it’s completely normal for a phone call to fill you with dread (and how to get over it). Read the stats and Mary Jane's advice.

Phone Phobia Hits the News

Phone phobia, or telephobia, has been getting a lot of attention in the news recently. See what Mary Jane has to say about it...
This Hour Has 22 Minutes
22 Minutes correspondent, Brandon Hackett, figures out which end is up on this thing called a telephone, with help from The Phone Lady. Watch Telephone Lessons for Millennials.
The Wall Street Journal.
Banks Curtail Employee Use of Voice Mail: Voice mail is viewed as an expensive vestige of a bygone era. See what The Phone Lady has to say.