I do not like sending text for business. I find them to be too personal. I would send the text
the same way I send an email. I would start with whom it may concern, the body of text,
then sincerely , then my name and contact info other. I would not use slang or abbreviations
these are unprofessional. This form of communication can be effect if you stay professional
and it is quickest way to get a reply of people are busy. If who ever uses this form of
communication sets boundaries about texting their customers and the customers texting them
it can be effect and a great way to communicate. I think more and more people will use this
form of communication in the future but I prefer email of a phone call to keep a professional
element. I also would not want customers to have my personal phone number. If everyone
has your personal numbers it can cause issues for employees sometimes. Business
Communication should only use texting as a last resort to give information, as the receiver
of the information can interpret the message in multiple ways and tones that could reflect
negatively on the sender. When communicating via text message I believe it is important to
begin the text with a greeting as well as clear precise information so that it can not be
interpreted wrong lastly ending the text with an option to follow up with a phone call or
email will help let them know that if the message wasn't clear they can have options for
guidance. I feel that the text message should include the same elements as an email. A text
message to customers should contain a subject line to inform him or her of what the text is
concerning, a greeting that is formal but not too casual, and the body of the text should
contain the message that is to be delivered, any meeting arrangements, and the details about
the meeting. A behavior that should be avoided during a professional text includes slang and
talk-texting. It is definitely possible to remain professional and still communicate via text
however it is essential to always check for grammatical errors, and never replying with a
single word. I feel that in the future, all employers will communicate with their customers
and employees via text. I think half the world already does. While texting a message to a
customer, it is necessary to formally start the interaction with a greeting. It is necessary to
ensure that negative or sensitive questions are avoided. Similarly, it is necessary to focus on
quality content. Even if the message is short, it should be valuable for the customer. Short
answer options must be provided to the customer as it will ensure a faster reply.
In the text channel of communication, it is necessary to maintain a cordial and friendly tone.
While replying to the customer, very short replies or one-word answers must be avoided as
it can imply that the service provider is not giving due importance to the customer. In order
to make sure that communication is professional, it is necessary to respond in a timely
manner 10 Best Practices for Communicating With Clients Via Text. (2015, August 17)..
Even if the degree of personalization is restricted in the digital form of communication, it is
necessary to be sensitive to the customer’s knowledge and understanding. Similarly, simple
and understandable language needs to be used during digital communication so that the lack
of face-to-face interaction will not hinder the engagement process.
The future of texting as a form of business communication seems to be bright. But it is
necessary for businesses to focus on the quality and simplicity of the interaction process.
When it comes to talking to a customer you should first introduce yourself and why you are
contacting the customer along with a nice greeting also. What texting behaviors that should
be avoided would shorting spelling like how nowadays it is common to shorten words while
texting like you to u. Things like this should be avoided to have the conversation not be
misunderstood or seemed like you don't want to bother with the conversation this can be a
huge deal for a customer they might feel disrespected or they might feel like you are wasting
time. So for me I know if I have an issue with something and I communicate with an
employee and they respond to me in a sarcastic way or in way I don't expect to be treated
then I get mad and start giving more attitude and just make things harder and a bigger deal.
So having good communications at all times lets the conversation get to the point and solve
the issues or come to an understanding about an issue. When sending a text message to a
customer, the elements that should be included in the message should be an introduction of
yourself so that they are aware of who is texting them, including a professional greeting.
You should avoid using abbreviations or internet slang, such as LOL (laugh out loud) or
TTYS (talk to you soon), these terms are not professional, and the receiver may not be aware
of what they mean. A text message should be short, but gets to the point, the last thing you
want to do is send an extremely long text message, which may be received in several
different paragraphs and can cause confusion to the reader when trying to piece the message
together. Text messaging can be a great form of communication, as it allows the receiver the
opportunity to read it and respond when they have time. Texting is a good way to schedule a
business meeting with someone, or to follow up on a business meeting to see if the person is
still interested and would want to further discuss any topics, texting puts less pressure on the
receiver than a face to face or phone call follow up. I personally think that texting will
become more prevalent in the future for business communication, it allows you to connect
with anyone at any time, however, I don’t think that everything related to business should be
communicated via text, I think there should be a mix of texting, emailing and phone
communication. As an example, if we are negotiating, I would prefer to negotiate via email,
face to face, or a phone call, rather then a text message, and if I am sending a contract to
someone, I wouldn’t send it via text message attachment, I would send it via email. I would
like to start by saying that as someone who has had the luxury of technology growing up, I
have had a hard time adjusting to it. As a 26 year I do not have social media and my phone
is usually nowhere close by. With that being said I do much better with face to face
communication, and if necessary phone calls will do. More recently a friend of mine has
given me his business, and the communication through texts and phone calls is an
adjustment. I have to call to set up appointments, confirm, appointments, cancel
appointments, and check back to make sure they are happy with the service. When I call to
confirm I usually start with a Hello, this is Ariel with (blank). I follow that with how are you
today? I don't ask for a name, but I do say "I was just calling to confirm your appointment
for (blank) at 12pm. After that I give them my estimated time of arrival, whether that be 5
minutes early or late, and I say "I will see you soon, thank you and goodbye". Usually it
goes pretty smooth. I try to smile when I talk to customers. Texting is a bit harder, but in a
text I say the same thing, adding that I have left a voicemail on their answering machine, and
my contact information for questions. I use punctuation, and proper grammar, as well as
spell check. Professional, does not have to mean rigid, with no personality, but there are
little things we can do to remain ourselves, and speak properly, and respectfully in a work
environment. When your employer asks you to send a text to a customer you need to include
professionalism and formal vocabulary, avoiding slang terms. Being mindful of your words
is key to a successful professional text message. Emoticons are the new way of expressing
your emotions in a text message. In a professional manner, it is best to avoid these symbols
of expression. Be short but informative in your professional text message. Being direct helps
your customer understand what you want and need, including no more then two sentences.
For example, begin your text with a simple greeting and ending with kind regards including
your name or business. In my opinion, I believe texting can be a great way of business
communication when done in a professional manner. It can be a quicker way to receive a
faster response when in hurry of an answer. It can save company time and finish a job faster.
Receiving faster answers to your questions in regards of your company also leads to success
in the long run of your business. If my employer asked me to text a customer I would first
want to get a few details of what expectations my employer has in sending a message. Can
my boss tell me anything about what this costumer is like and what I should expect in terms
of what kind of communication that I need to use? What message does my employer want
me to send and what type of information do I need to include to be sure the receiver is able
to understand and process the content? I would introduce myself and who my employer is. I
am not texting or emailing a friend or posting a comment on social media. I need to be
mindful in that when I type my message. I want to avoid being too casual with the costumer
and make sure that I am writing with appropriate grammar and tone. I need to conduct
myself as a professional and write in that manner as well. I can be professional with this
form of communication by using a proper greeting or introduction, knowing my research
prior to writing my message, learning what my target audience or person is about, and being
able to communicate my point in a clear and understanding way. By knowing and
understanding the message that my employer wants to relay to the customer, it will allow me
to properly be effective when I write the message. By using effective methods such as being
practical, factual, concise, and clear, using this channel of communication can still be
effective.
