Before digital communication became mainstream, texting was considered taboo in business. You simple don’t do it if you wish to be considered professional. Nowadays however, text messages have become an accepted means of communication in business. But here’s the caveat, you have to do it right or it might come off as rude and unprofessional. On that note, here are a few things to remember about texting in business. Consider these as your guide to texting etiquette:
1. Start with a simple, straightforward introduction
Do not assume that your message recipient already knows you even if you’ve been exchanging messages back and forth for awhile now. Make sure to introduce yourself first before you state the purpose of your message. Be friendly without being too forward. If it’s something you wouldn’t say in person, don’t say it in your message. To make it easier for you, imagine having a face-to-face conversation with the person you are texting.
2. Personalize it
The last thing you want is to make the other person feel like “just one of the many;” or just one of several others receiving the same text message. Avoid sending an edited template or an overused spiel. Make it original. Make it personal. And above all, make it heartfelt. You don’t know how much of an impact a warm message will have on the recipient, so make sure to make the message a bit more personal while of course keeping things professional. Other mentioning the recipient’s name in your message, mention a few other personal details or inquire about things they normally talk about like perhaps their pets or something else. Remember however, to always make it sound professional.
3. Reply
Whether it was you who sent the message first or it was the other party, make sure to reply to each message in a timely manner; do not make the other party wait for your response, especially if it’s a time-relevant inquiry like dates, events, schedules, deliveries, etc.
4. End on a positive note
In relation to the above, end the conversation on a positive note once you feel that the conversation has come to an end. Do not leave the conversation without warning. A good way to end the conversation is to ask if there is anything else they want to talk about or need help with, and if they say no, thank them for their time and wish them a good day.
Have all your office calls answered promptly by professional and courteous agents. Contact TAB Answer Network today. Call (800) 880-4324 for questions or to inquire about our front office, order entry, scheduling, and other services.