Texting Etiquette

To text or not to text? That is the question…  

As many of you know we live in the digital age where texting and emailing are the norm, and sending hand written memos, and even voice calling seem almost archaic. Because texting is now part of the “norm” you might be expected to communicate in a professionally via SMS text message. Below are a few helpful tips on texting professionally:

 

  

 

 

1.     Get Permission

·         Different individuals/companies prefer different forms of communication. Before hitting the “send” button on your phone, it is always important to verify with the professional contact if it is ok to communicate with them via text message.

2.     Text Smart

·         Treat the text just as you would any professional communication.

·         Remember you are texting a professional contact, NOT your friends, so…Do NOT: use abbreviations (No LOLs, HRUs, TTYLs).

·         Also, do not send emojis ( No J , L, 0_0).

·         Use full sentences when texting and try to avoid the use of negative words.

·         Not everyone will understand what some abbreviations mean so in order to avoid confusion, avoid abbreviations.

3.     Proofread

·         Always proofread any message before you send it out. Do not always count on autocorrect, because sometimes the corrections made are not always correct.

4.     Text Right

·         A text is professional when sent during normal business hours (ideally M-F 9 am to 5 pm), so please think twice before you send a text before business hours or during the weekend.

 

The rules of engagement with texting can be confusing! If you are unsure it is always ok to simply ask.

 

                                                                                                                                 ~Bridget Ofori