EP 437 - Are You A Responsible Texter

Just over 25 years ago the first text message was sent. Like most inventions, it wasn’t thought that it would really catch on. Who knew that billions of text messages each month would be sent and that it would be a major influencer on the way we communicate?

Convenience, speed and efficiency have turned texting into a primary form of personal communication, and it is very common in business for the same reasons.

While it’s fun and easy to send an abbreviation-filled, emoji-studded message to a friend, the rules are different when texting clients, colleagues and your boss.

Here are today’s Hot Tips For business texting while Celebrating the Anniversary of the First Text Message:

Text only when there is an established business relationship. A text should never be your first contact with a business associate.

If you wouldn’t call after hours, don’t text after hours.

If it is complex, make a call. Anything over two sentences should be an email or call.

Don’t text ANYTHING confidential. This is an electronic record that doesn’t really go away.

Remain professional. Skip the emoji’s and spelling counts.

Reply promptly.

Sign off with a clear departure, such as a thank you

Finally, don’t text and drive. There’s evidence that shows texting-and-driving is actually more dangerous than drinking-and-driving. So while that work text might feel important, it most definitely is not more important than your life.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.