For a small business, an inexpensive tool to build brand awareness and promote service is social media. With the internet comes speed & efficiency, but a firm focus on basics and careful responses with an eye on reputation building are required. Discussed in this article are a few tips on digital etiquette. Evolution in social media networking is inevitable and things may change, but the basic doctrine of good communication – simplicity, courtesy, and attentive composition – will never go out of style.
Smart Phone
Ensure your phone is in the silent mode in meetings, factory tours, presentations, speeches and any other setting where a ringing phone would be disruptive. These are common digital etiquette. During business meetings, avoid the temptation to constantly check your phone or tablet. When you are with customers, business associates or colleagues, give them the courtesy of your full attention and do not take calls or send texts. Do not try to compose important company documents on a smart phone where keyboards can be very finicky. Instead, wait to use the fully functional word processor on your computer. Also, try to use your mobile phone for business activities only, saving personal calls for emergencies.
Emails are a relatively formal means of communication within businesses, whether between employees or between an employee and a customer. It’s best to keep the tone professional, check for spelling & grammar before sending it. Do remember that there’s always a chance someone else will have access to the correspondence – either now or in the future. Professionals still use email as a formal means of communication in the workplace, as well as for official company memos and electronic documentation. In fact, archived emails are sometimes used as evidence in legal cases. When you compose or reply to an email, use a professional business-letter format and tone. Assume that someone on the outside of the company could read your message later. Don’t include personal or otherwise embarrassing content in the body of your message. Use the “Reply All” and “CC” function only when absolutely required.
Social media
Keep your social media profiles properly updated, professional, and complete. Include a photo that is appropriate for business, and take the time to understand the security settings of each network you use. A daily posting on a Facebook business page or a LinkedIn profile will suffice. Ensure your information is genuinely interesting to your business contacts. Do not share internal company activities with the external world, especially if fellow employees have personal profiles and befriend or connect to the workplace’s social networking public profile.
Digital etiquette (using computer)
Laptop and desktop computers should be used for business activities. Keep in mind that in many cases your computer may be used by fellow co-workers and managers, so it is a bad idea to leave personal documents and photos on a work PC. If you are a business owner and you do not already have an Internet usage policy, now is the time to create one.
Experiment with new posts, keep things conversational and most importantly, have fun. You will learn that you can enjoy this part of your job too. This will keep you well-equipped to kick-start your journey towards becoming a socially thriving small business. Good luck!