With smartphones, the lines of business communication are more open than ever. If you need to get a hold of a business contact, you can call them or email them, and it usually won’t be long before they receive your message, if they don’t get it immediately. In addition, almost everyone uses text messages on their phone, and it’s a safe bet your business contacts do, too. But does that mean you should take care of important business communication that way? It’s probably not uncommon for you to communicate via text messages. If you’re going to conduct business with texting, here are some tips to do so wisely.
Don’t Be the First
You shouldn’t assume anyone that you conduct business with will want to do so via text messages. It’s a good idea not to text anyone unless they’ve texted you before. If you prefer to send text messages, don’t do it without asking if it’s okay.
Be Discerning
Text messages are a very quick and easy way to communicate, but you should be very discerning when you decide to send texts for business purposes. A text message is usually read right away and interrupts whatever else the person is doing. Don’t send a text unless it’s urgent or important. People don’t like to be bothered with unimportant text messages.
Don’t Rely on Texts
It can be convenient to text sometimes, but you should not rely on texts. You should send emails or make a phone call in most instances. If the subject of your message requires a back-and-forth exchange, just pick up the phone. If the message is vital, an email is a better way to manage it.
Be Professional
If you’re going to send a text message, don’t use text speak or abbreviations. You should speak with proper grammar, spelling and punctuation. If you don’t, your message will appear sloppy or unprofessional. There is also the risk the recipient won’t understand an abbreviation, no matter how common you think it is. Be sure to proofread before you hit the send button.
Identify Yourself
Don’t assume that the person you’re texting has your phone number saved to their contacts. If you don’t identify yourself in the text message, you might confuse the person. It will waste time to have to clarify who you are later, so don’t forget to include that info in the beginning.
Consider Timeliness
Many people keep their phones on them at all times. Just as you wouldn’t make a phone call in the middle of the night, don’t send a text then, either. For off-business hours, send an email, especially if the matter can wait. If it’s very urgent, make a phone call rather than texting.
Be Concise
Text messages are good for sending short messages only. If your message will take more than one or two texts, just send it in an email. Avoid being wordy or including unnecessary details that will only take up space and make your message difficult to read.
Uphold Your Image
Most importantly, text messaging shouldn’t be treated as casual communication just because it’s frequently used that way. You want to uphold your personal reputation and image at all times, so never text something you wouldn’t say to a person’s face or go on record with in an email.
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