We all use cell phones and let’s face it, would be very difficult to run our business properly without one.
The first commercially available cell phone was released in 1983, making them a very recent invention. In the year 1990, 12.4 million people worldwide had one. By the end of 2009, less than 20 years later, the number of cell phones worldwide reached approximately 4.6 billion, 370 times the 1990 number, penetrating the developing economies.
Do you remember how life used to be without cell 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.
As cell phones have evolved and exploded in popularity in such a short amount of time, there are some rules that we need to follow so that we are using them politely and not inadvertently offending any of our customers.
• Watch your ring tone – Your taste in techno 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 cell 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 cell 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. A nice welcoming greeting is “Welcome to xyz company, this is John.”
• Watch your voice tone, speak softly – We often hear people raise their voice when they speak on cell phones. If you are in a noisy environment and are concerned the caller cannot hear you, cup your hands around the mouthpiece to provide a simple 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, while keep all your customers satisfied.
 |
|
