New Guidelines for Texting at Work
A recent Wall Street Journal article prompted this post on texting in the workplace. You may be the one questioning whether to text a client. You may also be the one who mistakenly sent an “I love you” text to your co-worker….a text that was intended for your partner!
The WSJ article also goes on about group texts sent by co-workers to other team members that are on the “list”. Some feel obligated to respond (“ha ha so cute”) to the latest photo of a child winning at sports or the cutest French Bulldog you have ever seen. The most embarrassing was a text to a husband whose pet name is “pumpkinbear”. The article goes on to explain this was a true story and someone sent this to her manager by mistake.
What are the new guidelines for texting at work? Is it appropriate to text a client?
Here are tips to keep you straight when texting at work: whether you are texting a co-worker or a client
What is their preferred method of communication: When texting a client, pause a moment. This is when you need to tap into your emotional intelligence. Use your best judgment. First, what is their preferred method of communication? Have you asked them? If you don’t know, ask before sending the text. When a client texts you first, by all means, reply back by text as soon as you can.
Emoticons: No, do not use emoticons when texting for business.
Announce who you are in your text: Don’t assume you are in the contact list of the person you are trying to reach. Start the text by stating your name, for example: “John, good morning. This is Lori Smith with Company XYZ”.
Complete sentences: Avoid abbreviations. Keep your reputation in tact. Provide a professional and brief message when texting whether you are sending it to a co-worker or client.
Reply promptly: If a client sends a text requesting more information, treat it as an urgent matter. Respond in a timely manner.
About Lisa Richey | Business Etiquette Speaker
I bet you know first-hand the issues that many companies are facing in the workplace. The lack of conversation skills, maybe an employee doesn’t understand they have a certain reputation and need guidance to tweak and change it, or employees are not living up to the stated dress code. You may have a strong desire for your staff to be “likeable “or want them to connect with the many generations that are your vendors, employees and clients.
HR professionals and sales organizations, contact me to speak on topics such as personal branding, how to build stronger and better relationships with clients and colleagues, ways to connect the multi-generations that make up the workforce and of course how to dine with ease and grace during a business meal.
Many of my clients comment that my delivery is engaging, informative and makes an immediate difference within an organization.
From Portland, Oregon to the Middle East, I have delivered my popular programs to hospitals, financial firms, universities and management consulting companies. I have helped thousands of people to become more polished, professional and powerful.
My broad base of clients includes Deloitte, Ernest & Young, Siemens, Starz Channel and The Ministry of Bahrain. The audiences have ranged from a group of 12 up to 250. I am available for corporate in-house training or conferences.
I believe etiquette and manners should not be thought of as stuffy and judgmental. Etiquette is about self-interest. Not rules.
If you are interested in learning more about a business etiquette training session for your team, I invite you to have a conversation.
Call 610-212-1862
Lisa Richey provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals.