Texting is rapidly becoming popular as a method of business communication. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the unwritten rules for business texting. So I wrote them down. Here they are:
For instance, if you've got a smart phone, there's absolutely no reason to be texting somebody for driving directions.
I don't know about you, but if I get SPAM text, that's the last time I'll allow any communications from that person or company.
You never know if the wrong person might be looking over the recipient's shoulder.
If you're typing in a phone number, double-check it before hitting send. Better yet, cut and paste it.
Texting is designed for short messages displayed on a small screen. Complex stuff should go in an email.
If you must emphasize a word or phrase, use asterisks like so: "I'm not *entirely* sure."
Texting makes you 23 times more likely to get in a fatal accident, which is about the same as driving while intoxicated.
Texting after you've had a few is a perfect way to kill your credibility or (worst case) entirely ruin a business relationship.
You coward!
When you do this, the other person is always thinking: "Damn, I wish I could just slap that effing phone out of his hand."
Is that "thx" really necessary? Or is it just cluttering up the recipient's screen?
Texting does not lend itself well to nuance. Shoot for clarity rather than cleverness.
As crazy as this sounds, the recipient might be doing something more important than texting you back.
The same rules apply to texting as apply to phoning: nothing after 9 p.m. or before 7 a.m.
Unless, of course, you want the recipient to think you've got the vocabulary of a 12 year old.
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