JS Tip 212: From the Customer Service Workshops: Your Business Etiquette Suggestions (Part Two)

The conversation continues. Two weeks ago, we asked for your suggestions about business etiquette. Last week, we talked about face-to-face business etiquette.

Today, we’ll talk about proper use of telephone technology. How to use it best and treat people politely.

Next week we’ll end our discussion.

Business Etiquette Regarding the Technology

Etiquette Tip Number Seven: Avoid jargon and acronyms in your messages. Sandi Killick writes, “I can’t tell you how many e-mails I’ve received where I have to stop and decipher the strange combinations of letters. Even when I know the abbreviations, I find it rude.” Jargon and acronyms are exclusionary. Don’t use them.   

Etiquette Tip Number Eight: Always leave a message. Aaron Wilson came back to his office after two weeks away. He discovered he’d missed sixteen calls; none had left a message. Leave a message and eliminate the mystery: “Aaron, this is Charlie. I respect that you’re out of the office. I’ll call Annette with my question. Thank you.”   

Etiquette Tip Number Nine: If you leave your phone number, say it slowly. In fact, write it in the air as you speak it. “Please call me back at eight . . . oh . . . one . . . six . . . six . . . one . . . . and the rest of the number. Paul Robischon estimates he can get three digits of a rapid-fire phone number. Then he has to replay the message. Frustrating.  

Again, agree or disagree? Let us know.

We’ll end our discussion next week.

If you have questions, comments, or arguments, let us know. We love this stuff.