Stop Hiding Behind Emails

Why You Need to Stop Hiding Behind Emails and Pick Up the Damn Phone

Let me guess: you’re an introvert, and the thought of talking on the phone makes you break out in a cold sweat. You’d rather send 20 perfectly crafted emails or texts than have a 5-minute phone call. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Nearly every creative I’ve worked with has said some version of, “But I’m an introvert, and I don’t like talking on the phone.”

Well, newsflash: most luxury clients don’t want email tag or cryptic DMs. They want to talk to a real human being. They want clarity, confidence, and professionalism. And guess what? You can deliver all of that in a quick phone call.

Here’s why it matters and how to get over the fear of the phone.

The Day the Phone Changed Everything

I’ll never forget the day it clicked for me. I was running errands, Bluetooth on, when a call came in:

“Hi, this is [name]. We want to book you for our destination wedding in Boston. I’ve seen your prices, and we’d like the top package.”

At the time, my top package was $10,000, not including travel or add-ons. By the end of the call, the total investment was $15,000. This was back in 2007/2008, and it was all settled in under 10 minutes.

Fast forward to yesterday morning: a lead for one of my clients called me before my office hours began. She wanted to confirm a quote we’d discussed months earlier. Why? Because she was meeting with her team that day to finalize services for 2025. A simple call gave her the answers she needed and kept the momentum moving forward.

See the pattern? Luxury clients value their time. They want quick, clear answers, and they don’t want to jump through hoops to get them.

The Reality of Luxury Clients

Here’s what you need to understand about luxury clients:

Time is money. They’re not interested in back-and-forth emails that stretch out over days or weeks. They’re busy people with big goals, and they need quick, decisive answers. A simple phone call can often turn a hesitant “maybe” into a solid “yes.”

But more than that, luxury clients want to feel cared for. Talking to someone on the phone builds trust and connection in a way that emails, texts, and DMs simply can’t. Your voice, your tone, your confidence—all of it reassures them that they’re in good hands.

If you’re hiding behind your inbox, you’re missing out on real opportunities to connect, convert, and serve your clients at the highest level.

The Problem with Email Tag

Let’s be real: email tag is the worst. Here’s how it usually goes:

• You send an email with a detailed response.
• The client replies two days later with more questions.
• You respond, and then they take another two days to reply.
• By the time you finally get to the point of decision-making, they’ve lost interest, moved on, or booked someone else.

Sound familiar? It’s exhausting, inefficient, and completely avoidable. Most of these scenarios could be resolved in a 5-10 minute phone call. You’d answer their questions, address their concerns, and likely seal the deal before their coffee gets cold.

So why are you still hiding behind your inbox?

The Fear of the Phone

I get it. The phone can feel intimidating. What if they ask something you don’t know the answer to? What if you stumble over your words? What if…it goes wrong?

Here’s the truth: the fear is all in your head. Picking up the phone is just like any other skill—the more you do it, the easier it gets. And the payoff? Totally worth it.

3 Mindset Shifts to Help You Pick Up the Phone

1. It’s Money Calling
   When someone calls you, it’s because they’re interested in working with you. That’s money on the line. Remind yourself that this call could lead to your next big booking or project. The fear starts to fade when you realize the potential reward.
2. Clarity Beats Guesswork
   Most problems or questions are resolved faster on the phone. Tone, energy, and context are so much clearer when you’re talking in real time. Plus, it’s easier to build rapport and show your expertise.
3. Put Yourself in Their Shoes
   Think about the last time you needed answers quickly. Did you enjoy being stuck in a never-ending email chain? Probably not. Your clients feel the same way. Be the professional who makes their life easier, not harder.

When Not to Answer the Phone

Of course, there are times when answering the phone isn’t the best idea. Here are a few examples:

• You’re in a noisy environment. (Think screaming kids, barking dogs, or airport chaos.)
• You’re unprepared to handle the conversation.
• You’re outside your professional hours and can’t be fully present.

In these cases, let the call go to voicemail and follow up promptly when you’re in a better position to talk. Professionalism always comes first.

How to Prepare for Calls Like a Pro

If the thought of phone calls still makes you uneasy, preparation is key. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Have Your Notes Handy
  Keep a cheat sheet of your pricing, packages, and key details nearby. This helps you feel confident and in control.
• Create a Quiet Space
  Find a calm, distraction-free spot to take calls. This ensures you can focus and give the client your full attention.
• Practice Active Listening
  Don’t just hear—listen. Pay attention to what they’re really asking, and respond thoughtfully. This builds trust and connection.
• Smile While You Talk
  Yes, really. Smiling while you’re on the phone makes your voice sound warmer and more inviting. Clients can feel the difference.

The Power of Picking Up the Phone

Here’s what happens when you embrace the phone:

• You build trust. Clients feel more connected and confident in your abilities.
• You save time. A 10-minute call can replace days of back-and-forth emails.
• You close deals faster. Clarity and real-time answers lead to quicker decisions.

And most importantly, you show up as the professional your clients need.

Bonus Tip: Use Call Logs to Stay Organized

One of the ways I stay organized while managing lead generation and client support for several photographers (and within my own business) is by using printable call logs and booking forms—customized for each client.

These tools allow us to:

• Quickly reference previous conversations.
• Take payments over the phone, eliminating delays.
• Identify recurring questions to improve copy on landing pages or sales pages for better clarity.

If you’d like to use my printable call logs, head over to my planner shop, Rustic Ink Mercantile, to grab them. They’re designed to help you take control of your client communications and make the most of every opportunity.

Your Call to Action to Stop Hiding Behind Emails

Stop hiding behind your inbox. Stop letting fear hold you back. Start showing up for your clients in a way that builds trust, saves time, and drives results. Pick up the damn phone and have real conversations. You’re capable of more than you think, and your clients deserve the best version of you.

So the next time your phone rings, remember this: it’s not just a call. It’s an opportunity to connect, to serve, and to grow. Don’t let it slip away.

Pick up the phone. Say hello. And watch what happens next.