Electronic Communication: PROCEED WITH CAUTION, Bay Chamber 4/11/12

Posted by: Jack Kerigan 04/11/2012

With the increased use of mobile devices and our need for speed, electronic communications have become the norm. However, these written communications may be judged differently than you think; and they often affect your value!
Click here to download the pdf presentation.

Email is a short word [literally, for electronic mail] that has changed our lives and has become a popular means of business communication. According to a recent survey, nearly 2/3 of executives polled, prefer e-mail over other forms of communication. But clicking "send" too quickly could be launching the wrong message into posterity.

Disregarding the importance of the Subject line.
Use correct formatting, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Don’t expect an action without asking for it.
Striking the wrong note.
Limit size and frequency.

CareerBuilder.com, 7/15/11

Mobile searches have quadrupled in the last year and smartphones now outsell PCs (Canalys, February 2012). However, using these devices at an inappropriate time, or in the wrong way, can send the wrong message…literally.

Texting a potential “conversation.”
Texting during conversation and meetings.
Let the recipient know who you are.
Avoid the use of abbreviations. Not everyone knows what they mean.

Chicago Tribune, 1/24/11, “text_ettiquete”

Most employers start their search of a candidate’s personality online—in the social media. And, prospects now look online to determine what they can about a Potential business. Social Media is a public medium & should be used with care.

Keep business & personal communications separate.
Don't post personal communications to a public "Timeline" or "Wall."
If you wouldn't discuss it face to face, don't post it online, privately or publicly.
Airing bad feelings.
Spelling and grammar is still important.

cbsnews.com, 6/30/11

And the Solution?

Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes; proof read, use spell-check and include a signature.
Before sending that first text message to a client, ask to see if it’s ok (in something other than a text message).
Don’t mix Business and Personal in the social media, watch who your friends are and check your privacy settings.

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Electronic Communication: PROCEED WITH CAUTION, Bay Chamber 4/11/12

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