Texting as a business tool is an excellent form of communication. It allows us the opportunity to stay in touch with people in a quick, effective and efficient manner. Here are 10 techniques for using the proper etiquette when texting for business.

There is a time and place for texting. Think about your surroundings before you pull out the device.Always remain professional. Use short, succinct sentences conveying the subject. If you need a response, ask for it. If you are giving an update, say that. Then the recipient can respond accordingly. Respond to texts that require a response as soon as you can. It is a communication tool. Treat it as such. If you need more time to respond, respond by texting that you are busy and will get back to them at your first available opportunity. Then do get back to them. Consider the tool when reading or writing a text. The communication is meant to be succinct, therefore say exactly what you mean and read exactly what is sent. Spell all words out. Abbreviating can cause miscommunication and confusion defeating the purpose of texting in the first place. It can also be very annoying if the recipient has trouble deciphering the abbreviations. Always use correct punctuation. Avoid using all CAPS; it is the equivalent to yelling. Stick to business and leave the personal matters to other times. Avoid using casual expressions to express emotions. Texting does not convey emotions effectively. Make a point to schedule a call or include a suggestion to follow up within the text. Texting shouldn't replace all other forms of communication. Talk to the person on the phone or face to face acknowledging the text content. If you receive a text that wasn't intended for you, respond by saying that the text was sent to you by mistake. Never address the subject. This is a courtesy you would appreciate if the situation was reversed. Be open and transparent, sign your text. The recipient may not have you plugged into their contacts and may dismiss your text as unimportant.

Remember, texting is communicating. You must be clear and concise with the information you are conveying. It is an effective and efficient tool when used with the proper etiquette. Using these techniques when texting will help eliminate miscommunication and confusion, save time and money. But remember, it should not be the only form of communications. Voice and face to face communication are vital to any relationship. If texting is used improperly, it becomes outside noise. By using these 10 techniques you can contribute to the basic business tenant for proper text messaging etiquette.

Karen Anise has over 20 years' experience in private, public and corporate finance. She enjoys sharing her commonsensical knowledge about current topics recognizing that the subject matter she writes about is from practical experience in various business and industry environments. She is committed to sharing applied guidelines to encourage people to be deliberate in all aspects of living peacefully.

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