15 Tech Tips for 2006 Business Communicators

Some technology-driven business communication rules seem too obvious not to know. Yet, we continue to see breaches in good business communication manners (not to mention good sense) being violated with alarming frequency.

In 2005, I witnessed quite a few communication technology blunders: so I started a “do and don’t” list. Most are grounded in evolving “good communication technology manners” – while some are intended as more practical career advice.

And I’ll admit it: some of these are merely my own peeves. I was more peevish than kindly to the fellow with the iPod earbuds who wouldn’t answer the ringing office phone because “hey, the song wasn’t over, yet, man…and that’s what voicemail is for, anyway.”

Really? That’s what voicemail is for? I don’t quite agree!

Maybe we all need to be clear about appropriate business use for new technologies. Some might seem obvious. And you might agree vehemently or disagree vociferously with others -- or you may even want to express peeves/advice that didn’t make the list!

Hey, man: that’s what the “comment” button at the bottom of a blog is for, anyway!

Feel free to add, subtract, agree, and disagree with any of the following 15 items:

1. Don’t put more than 20 words on any PowerPoint slide. Use compelling graphics to drive your point home.
2. Turn your cell phone off when you’re meeting with clients. If you forget, don’t answer it when it rings. Simply turn it off abruptly.
3. Don’t listen to music on earbuds in your office. Answer the phone when it rings, instead of letting it roll to voicemail. Don’t assume that your boss knows that listening to Coldplay is more important than promptly serving customers.
4. Get to know the security guards. Someday, you will forget your digital ID badge, and you’ll need real people to vouch for you.
5. Don’t communicate anything really important…like “I quit” or “You’re fired” over the phone or email. Do it in person.
6. Use commuting time well. If you’re driving, listen to informational or instructional podcasts or more in-depth radio news like NPR. If you use public transportation, you can read, do paperwork, listen to your portable mp3 player or work on your laptop…but don’t yap on your cell phone.
7. Don’t use your cell phone to ease the boredom of your commute by calling friends and colleagues to catch up. If you really like your friends and coworkers, you’ll call them when you really have something to say.
8. Send callers directly to voicemail when you are out of the office. Don’t make people wait five rings to get your recording.
9. Use spell check. Just don’t rely on it completely: it doesn’t catch everything.
10. Don’t complain about jet lag. Drink lots of water and take a nap on the plane.
11. Do be quiet. Don’t bray on your cell phone in public places…including public rest rooms.
12. Don’t leave long, rambling voice mail messages. Be concise.
13. Turn off the cute little noises on your office computer. They’re distracting.
14. Don’t email people huge attachments without their consent. Use services that let recipients elect to download your monstrous files.
15. Do leave relevant blog comments! Comment spam stinks!

¶ 11/13/2005 01:42:00 PM