According to a recent survey, 74 percent of business communication takes place by e-mail, voice mail, telephone, cell phone and fax. When you can't be there "in person," use these cutting edge courtesies to make a great first impression and to grow healthy, profitable relationships using the latest technology.

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Are you wondering why your phone has stopped ringing? Check your mailbox-your electronic mailbox, that is. That's where your messages are. E-mail has become the number one means of business communication. People rely more on the Internet and less on the telephone to converse with clients and colleagues outside of the office as well as their coworkers on the inside.

The explosion of electronic messaging has created as many problems among co-workers as it has solved. E-mail abusers are ruffling feathers. Maybe you recognize some of these people.

There are those who wait until the last minute. An hour before the face-to-face meeting or the teleconference, they send a list of ten issues you need to be prepared to discuss. They would have you believe that they are so busy and important that they couldn't get the word to you sooner. Truth is that they procrastinated. Now their problem becomes your problem.

These same people also wait until the eleventh hour to let you know that they won't be at the meeting. They wouldn't dare pick up the phone and tell you personally so they hide behind e-mail. When you don't get the message because you were actually on your way, they act surprised, saying, "But I sent you an e-mail."

There are the people who send out emergency e-mail. Mid-morning you get the message that the marketing proposal needs to be ready for presentation to the client at 2 PM. Not only that, the boss needs to approve it.

Do these people really think that you have nothing else to do and that you are sitting at your desk watching for e-mail? They don't have the courage to call you or come to your office and risk experiencing your reaction to this lack of consideration in person. Worst of all, when the deadline is missed, they are quick to reply, "I don't understand. I gave that to Mary."

Then there are the people who never respond. You know who they are. You can send e-mail till the cows come home, and they won't answer. When you confront them, they swear they didn't get your message. They blame it on their server or the latest virus.

E-mail is only as good as the people who use it. Be considerate of recipients. They are not sitting at their desk with nothing else to do. In fact, they may not even be at their desk. If you have waited until the last minute and need help, pick up the phone or walk to your co-worker's office. Use the Internet to build relationships, not destroy them

(c) Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all media reserved.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com