Emails are an effective and easy way to communicate. Maybe they are too easy. As an entrepreneur or salesperson, you need to know when the best time is to make a call instead of sending an email.

Next time you're considering the best way to communicate, consider these advantages of placing a call:

1.    Conversation builds relationships.

Great relationships are the key to converting prospects into customers. Building relationships through email is difficult. You have to sell yourself with your products or services, so make sure you get to know your customers on a personal level.

2.    Phone calls create urgency.

Email discussions can drag on for months. If you call your prospective client, you may be able to convince them to buy on the spot.

3.    Talking in real-time lets you cover more ground.

When you speak with your client on the phone, you are going to speak freely with them and share your thoughts much more quickly. It will be much easier to get on the same page and you don't have to worry about forgetting key details.

4.    Your emotions are clearer.

When someone emails you it is hard to know what they are really thinking. About 80% of communication is nonverbal. Granted, you will still miss most of this on the phone, but you can at least listen to their tone and gauge awkward pauses. These will be telltale signs that something isn't going well and that you need to change strategies.

5.    Phones force your clients to speak with you.

Some people are notoriously bad at replying to emails. It is not uncommon for some people to take a month or more to respond. Many people never respond at all. Calling a client is a much more reliable way of getting through to them.

Email is a great way to communicate, but don't rely on it too much. Sometimes, you are just going to have to pick up the phone and reach out. You can communicate more easily and it may be all you need to close that sale.