Happy Friday, everyone!
In recent weeks I’ve come across a couple of articles (here and here) that state that texting is fast becoming the new email in the business world – with 9.8 trillion texts sent in 2012.
So here is this week’s poll question:
Do you use texting to communicate with clients and/or colleagues? What do you feel are the pros and cons of texting when it comes to business communication?
Looking forward to reading your replies!
I do not text with clients. It's too time consuming texting characters on a cell phone and is very distracting. I'd rather talk on the phone or use email.
Jeffrey M. 'Mark' Tillery
After holding business meetings and pre-production meetings and agreeing on the way forward i follow up the projects with text messages. It helps because even when they are in other meetings we can still communicate .texting is also easier coz it comes with is own codes and language . eg Bn in mting since mon, wil buz ltr. when the accountant collects the cheque she sms's " sorted".
No. I do use email extensively, but in my opinion, texting is for friends, not business. Also, it's too easy to make an error when trying to input, and the texting slang, in my opinion is unprofessional. But then, I'm an old guy.
I do use texting occasionally with clients and employees. With the Clients, it is important for me to communicate with them in the manner they want. So, those who say send me a text, I sent a text, for those who say send me an email, I use email, some want me to see them so I call on them. It is not what I want that matters but which method of communication is best for the client. However, when I am making a Sales Call, it is always across the desk from the client. I just use the email or text to set the appointment.
I use texting quite frequently depending on the client. I have one client who simply doesn't check his email so he just texts me his schedule every week. I think it might be a generational thing.. For the 25 and unders texting is an everyday part of their life as we grew up with it. On the contrary there are other clients we only communicate via email or phone - and some others are walk in only.
I'm afraid I am too old school - I despise the abbreviated language in texts and agree with Mike that texting is not for business and is unprofessional. Even when texting with friends or family or co-workers I spell out words. A modicum of syntax, spelling, punctuation and grammer is just a bugaboo for me. After receiving enough communications, resumes, et al loaded with those kinds of errors, I have become more conscious of how annoying things like 'btw' are.
Sorry....
Couldn't agree with you more, Jerry. It's however the client wants to communicate.
I agree with Diane's philosophy. As far as handling my clients, texting is out, unless they request that I do so. I too only text by spelling out the words. To me, texting is not very client professional. If I can't reach them via email or phone, I might try leaving a message or even try by snail mail. Having been in this business since 1972, I too am old school in radio sales when it comes to communicating with my advertiser clients.
I'll couch my response in the "old codger" mode. I have always been a fan of e-mail and many times my clients would even request we use that form. As to texting I do text with a select few friends and family. In fact, It is hard for me to get my grown children to do anything but text. However, I think that texting a client is not the way to go unless the client prefers that style or the two of you agree to it. Basically, I feel texting may be social but not very personal.
Again this is from the "old man" context.
Only if they text me -- I text in return understanding that it's their preferred method of communication.
I have several clients who prefer texting to other forms of communication. It is non intrusive and doesn't take a lot of time. Of course, I check to see if they desire to receive texts from me before I send any. With some of my very busy clients, this has been the most effective way to get their OK on a spot. I also text my boss and other members of our staff, it's very efficient way to get a response or to convey simple information. We have some very young staff members and they rely on texting more than phone calls or e-mails, it's the best way to communicate with them at a distance. You also have a record of when a text was sent and what was said, so that's an advantage as well. With clients, I will fax something then send a text to make sure they don't miss or overlook the fax. When calling on the phone, frequently messages are not taken down or they are ignored. With a text, it's there on their phone, it only goes away when the user deletes it. I don't use the various texting acronyms in a business text because I don't think that looks professional.
I LOVE being able to e-mail my clients. It has worked really well, and I never feel like I'm interrupting something important as I do when I stop by their business, and they are busy. I do text with one client, who prefers it, and it works well for us. However, I spell out every single word, with emphasis on good grammar and punctuation. It drives my daughter crazy, but I will never result to the short-hand way of texting. You must set the example of professionalism even in this new world of social media.
Only if the client texts me first, and only for small things. Not to discuss business. Maybe to confirm appointments or let them know I emailed a script.
I swore I would never start texting anyone. I learned, however, that I had a handful of clients I would never get a response from unless I got on board the texting bandwagon. When it's easier for the client it's easier for me. So I communicate with eaach client in their preferred method.
I am in agreement with Jerry Baker's comment. I believe one of the reasons I am a very successful sales person is because I am a great listener and can easily adapt to what my clients prefer. Some not only request, but enjoy texting me. So in that case, I have no problems conforming. For the most part, it is used for "I'm on my way" or "Is it ok for me to come see you tomorrow at 10 AM?" I use emails a great deal and I schedule a face to face with my clients every month.
I don't like texting, personally. That said, I have a handful of clients who do like to use texting to ask quick questions, make or confirm appointments, and extend impromptu invitations (my last one was "Got an elk burger on the egg for you." from my client who sells Big Green Egg grills). One advantage to texting that I'll have to acknowledge, it's intrusive (like a phone call, or radio advertising, for that matter), whereas email is passive.
Guess I'd have to echo what others have said - the client dictates the preferred method of communicating.
I just happened across something that made enough of an impression that I thought it worth sharing:
Calling someone back in Washington D.C. for the first time today, the person was not in and I eventually went into her voicemail. Instead of ending her greeting with "leave me your name, number, and a brief message and I'll get back to you," she instead said (I'm paraphrasing), "If you need to get in touch with me sooner, the best way to reach out to me is by email. My email address is..."
Wow - brilliant!! - one small, easy extra step that goes a long way toward facilitating communication.
I think I'll change my own voicemail greeting...
