Business Text Messaging

Yes, business text messaging is common and used in a number of ways.

First text messaging can be used to update remote employees, those who are not in the building. This may be home based workers, those in satellite offices, working in the field, or those who are traveling. It can keep such workers informed and in contact with other employees.

Business text messaging can be used to get news out about critical situations to those who need to act or respond quickly. Downed systems, unplanned but urgent meetings, a patient in dire need, and so forth can necessitate notifying workers immediately. Preprogrammed groups can be messaged easily.

Whether it's sudden changes in a schedule or a critical update on a project between meetings, text messaging can fill the gaps.

SMS messaging has also been used quite successfully with suppliers and BTB customers. These quick messages save time and yet assure that necessary information gets relayed between two companies.

Businesses text messaging is used increasingly for marketing purposes with customers. Special offers, invitations to special events, coupons, communicating with recruits, ticket sales information, important deadlines, and many other types of communications are conducted via SMS and are used on an opt-in basis.

Whether you as an individual are new to using text messaging within your work group or your business is now considering the use of text messaging for broader purposes, there are probably a few things you should learn about.

Certainly, individuals should learn a bit about text messaging etiquette and "language" to assure their messages are most effective.

Businesses considering the use of text messaging in a mobile marketing campaign should acquaint themselves with the standards and best practices set forth by the Mobile Marketing Association. These documents also include the Code of Conduct related to customers privacy.

Of course, finding the SMS service that suits your needs may also be on the list of things to research before diving into business text messaging.

There are no hard and fast rules and the expectations may vary based upon the culture and the nature of the business where you work. However, here are some tips that can help in learning business text messaging etiquette:

Use text messaging at work for professional business primarily. An occassional comment to show support or praise is acceptable in some situations.

Business text messaging is appropriate only for brief communication that doesn't require much detail. More detailed messages would need to be communicated via e-mail.

Respond to/acknowledge text messages. If co-workers, supervisors, or others message you it is important that you read and acknowledge the message just as you would any other communication.

Avoid "lingo" that the recipient might not understand. Typical text messaging lingo is not understood by all co-workers.

If you ask a question via text message, understand that the other person may be busy and unable to get back with you immediately.

In most instances, texting during meetings is as inappropriate as taking a voice call. Your attention should be on the person leading the meeting. If you are awaiting an important message, you can view it and then if you must respond immediately, excuse yourself. If you anticipate such an interruption, you might mention this prior to the start of the meeting. The ability to focus on your face-to-face interaction is even more critical with customers.

General etiquette regarding cell phone and text messaging etiquette at work is also discussed in this Monster.com article.

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