We all use mobile phones and let’s face it, would be very difficult to run our business properly without one.
The first commercially available mobile phone was released in 1983, making mobile phones are a very recent invention. In the year 1990, 12.4 million people worldwide had one. Less than 20 years later, the number of mobile phones worldwide has reached almost 5 billion.
Do you remember how life used to be without mobile phones?
We used to write letters and make phone calls and if we weren’t there when someone tried to call us, they would either leave a message for us or call again.
To take a trip down memory lane, take a look at this article on theage.com.au. They discuss how quickly the mobile communication sector has grown, and has been consistently innovative and influential in the way we communicate. For the full article, click here.
Because mobile phones have evolved and exploded in popularity in such a short amount of time, etiquette is necessary to ensure responsiveness to our customers whilst making sure we don’t inadvertently offend any other customers in our vicinity. Here are some of my top tips for mobile communication.
- Watch your ring tone – Your taste in techno or screamo ring tones may not be your client’s taste. Try to choose something that is socially acceptable, like a classic ring tone.
- Be aware of who is around you – When you are using your mobile phone at a customer’s site, always speak professionally, no matter who it is that you are speaking with. You never know who can hear you and your manner many reflect on your business.
- Send the call to voicemail if in company – Never accept a mobile phone call while you are talking with a customer, unless it is a family emergency. If you are expecting an important call, it can be acceptable to warn the customer beforehand that you may have to take an urgent call – but keep it brief and offer to call them back if it becomes prolonged.
- Always answer professionally – Answer politely as if you are taking the call in your office.
- Watch your voice tone, speak softly – We often hear people raise their voice when they speak on mobile phones. If you are in a noisy environment and are concerned the caller cannot hear you, cup your hands around the mouthpiece to provide an effective noise filter.
- SMS can be inappropriate in business – Always call unless you have an agreement with your client that sms is OK.
- Do not SMS when driving – statistics show that there is a 26% higher chance of having an accident if we are texting and driving at the same time.
Follow these simple tips and you being able to run your business on the go AND keep all your customers satisfied.
