Ten Tips to Improve Your Tech Label

Website design By BotEap.comCompanies today insist on certain technological standards for their workforce because companies are legally and ethically responsible for all information that comes from their computers, fax machines, Blackberry, cell phones, etc. But beyond legal compliance issues, to build true business credibility, your tech etiquette skills must match or exceed your personal etiquette skills when dealing with people.

Website design By BotEap.comPeople judge your character by the levels of politeness and basic manners you demonstrate during face-to-face interactions, as well as by the technological interactions they have with you. For example, you can have impeccable etiquette skills when you are with people and you can treat all people with dignity and respect when they are in your presence. However, if you don’t return phone calls or emails, or if you forward a series of inappropriate pranks with uninvited email attachments to someone, your character will be in doubt and risk being viewed as a superficial charmer.

Website design By BotEap.com* Your cell phone does not ring at inappropriate times and places.

* Avoid loud and one-sided phone conversations in public.

* NEVER provide confidential information about company business through your cell phone, text messages, instant messages or emails.

* Silence your audible ringtones, like songs or sounds.

* Avoid checking, reading and sending instant messages and emails on laptop or Blackberry during business meetings.

* Never send emails using the CC function instead of using the Bcc function, thus exposing everyone on the list.

* Avoid overuse of the “reply all” feature in emails instead of selecting a specific targeted list for those who will receive the email.

* Be very careful not to use emotional language or threats in text messages, instant messages, or emails such as, “If I don’t get this report in the next hour, your job is at stake.”

* Avoid the excessive use of emoticons such as:>} in instant messages or emails.

* Avoid excessive use of shorthand for those unfamiliar with your shorthand terms, such as LM for message left or NW for next week.

Website design By BotEap.comThe behaviors demonstrate levels of trust in business. Sometimes it is better to talk less and raise levels of business propriety as a way to deepen relationships with customers and associates.