Mobile Phone Etiquette

Whilst mobile phones have proved a godsend to busy people on the move, if not used appropriately, they can be highly annoying and disruptive so it is important to practice good etiquette in terms of what you should and should not do when considering mobile phone use at work. In fact, rude or improper use of a mobile phone can cost you considerably when it comes to business and many a deal has been called off because of things like meetings constantly being interrupted by a person making or taking a mobile call.

Here are some things you should be aware of:

• If you are in a meetng, ensure that your mobile is switched off or its ringer put on silent during the meeting. Do not put it on vibrate. Even if it is on silent, do not leave it out on the table during a meeting.
• Do not answer or make calls or text or respond to texts during a meeting or a business lunch.
• If you have absolutely no choice but to take a particular call during a meeting, have the courtesy to explain that to people before the meeting starts then, when you are in receipt of the call, discreetly excuse yourself from the room. Also, show courtesy to the people in the meeting by telling your caller that you are with people so that you’ll have to keep it brief.
• Always state your name when answering a call so that your caller knows they have reached the right person.
• Do not text a client unless it has previously been agreed that this is a suitable mode of communication between you both and never text to break bad news or to postpone or cancel an appointment.

You can read more about mobile phone etiquette by clicking on the link in the resource section.