5 must-have SMS tips for pros

5 must-have SMS tips for pros

In the last few years SMS has emerged as one of the most common and widely used communication tool. Little doubt, it is one of the most popular mobile application and one of the biggest revenue generator for telcom service providers. One uses SMSes for almost any and everything.

But mind you, rules are different when one enters the working world. In the workspace their are certain etiquettes of SMS communication that need to be followed.

Here's your SMS etiquette guide for the working world.

Email vs SMS?

While people do not access their email at all times, it's safe to assume that they will respond to an SMS. So, if you are looking for instant connectivity, SMS is a great communication tool. Also, while email seems too formal, SMS is viewed as a quick and informal way of saying something short.

SMS or a phone call?

If the content is short, it's better to SMS than to call -- it's non-obtrusive, especially if you don't know the person too well. However, if you have to exchange five messages to get an answer, better pick up the phone.

In business, as a rule, bad news should never be communicated via SMS -- the recipient deserves a face-to-face meeting or at the very least, a phone call. Even socially , although it's very popular to "drop a text" , at times it's better to call example a condolence message which reads "am srry 4 ur loss" or a personal message stating "I wnt to brk up" is too casual even for the "Y" generation!

When not to SMS
While waiting for a bus/train/plane/doctor or a business meeting to start. It's inappropriate while driving, listening to a speaker, during a business meal, a business meeting or when sitting in a teleconference.

Like companies warn their employees about too-casual work attire, there should be a warning about too-casual SMS language too.


SMS language -- too casual for business?

While some may argue that it's the age divide, personally I find that the language used for business texting is at times too casual. While I agree that SMS is considered a casual communication tool, compared with email or phone, there's no substitute for simple words and articulate sentences when doing business.

Can I use those emoticons?

Emoticons, acronyms and slang are fine for teenagers & college students, however at work, they can give the impression of being frivolous or worse still, convey that the sender has a poor command over the language.

When typing an SMS, think about your audience, the content and the image your message conveys of you, before clicking "send". When in doubt, play it safe and keep it formal.

: An Excerpt