Follow these best practices to improve your texting etiquette at work, and build your overall business relationships with colleagues and customers. Better communication = better business.
Texting etiquette for work can vary depending on the workplace and the specific situation, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
Use professional language: Even though texting is a more casual form of communication, it's important to use proper grammar and avoid slang or abbreviations. Use complete sentences and avoid using all caps, which can come across as yelling.
Respect others' time: Don't send texts outside of work hours unless it's an emergency. If you need to contact someone urgently, try calling or emailing instead.
Keep it concise: Texting is a great way to quickly convey a message, but keep your messages brief and to the point. Avoid sending long paragraphs or multiple messages in a row.
Be mindful of tone: It's easy for messages to be misinterpreted, so make sure to use clear and concise language to avoid confusion. Avoid using sarcastic or humorous tones that may not translate well over text.
Remember this fail-safe method... If you have to ask whether or not it's appropriate, don't send it.
Confirm receipt: If you need a response to your text, it's a good idea to confirm that the other person received your message. This can be as simple as asking "Did you receive my text?" or "Can you confirm that you got my message?"
Keep personal and work separate: Unless it's a personal emergency, avoid mixing personal and work-related texts. Stick to work-related topics and avoid sending personal messages or discussing personal issues over text.
Know when to switch to another communication method: Texting may not be appropriate for all situations, so be aware of when it's appropriate to switch to a phone call or email. If the conversation is becoming too complex or sensitive, it's usually best to switch to a different mode of communication.
For more tips on writing business texts and emails, the book "Effective Business Writing" can help individuals with hands-on writing exercises and more texting etiquette for work. It also includes plenty of sample business texts that you can copy and send!
Organizations may also schedule Author Elizabeth Rossi's "Effective Business Writing Workshop" at an upcoming sales event, employee training, or professional development day. This business writing course is proven to help employees feel 86% more confident and effective when sending business emails and texts.
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