DIGITAL ETIQUETTE FOR BUSINESSESTips, suggestions, and inspiration from GennGlobal

INTRODUCTION

The widespread use of digital technology has had a huge impact on our society and how we interact with each other.

As more and more activities shift towards being on the Internet, new social rituals are formed in these new mediums; as a result, new rules of etiquette are formed that ultimately influence how people interact with each other offline.

So what does this mean for your business? Next we will discuss how your business should behave online to navigate digital etiquette.

EMAIL AND MESSAGING

In instances where you need to transmit a formal message to another colleague, business, or client, send an email. Emails are considered a professional medium, so it is unlikely that this will be misunderstood.

Also, be weary of who you are replying to. You don’t have to hit “reply all” if you are replying to one person. Don’t disturb the other people if they don’t need to see your message.

SOCIAL MEDIA

If you aren’t skilled at using social media, you should hire a professional to do it for you—social media has become so ubiquitous and important that you can’t afford to do it right.

Make sure that any communications with customers or clients online are always polite and constructive.

While it is certainly acceptable to draft a response ahead of time for any situation, you should always personalise your message. If you use cookie-cutter responses, they will be noticeable and your audience might not see your message as genuine.

SMARTPHONES

Turn off your phone during any meeting. This follows the same logic as refraining from checking your phone at the dinner table—it is rude to those around you.

Smartphones are a great supplement to your working “toolbox” that allow you to stay connected to your business even while away from the office.

However, you shouldn’t use your smartphone too much for important projects with important information. For example, don’t write important emails or documents using them.

SKYPE AND VIDEO CALLS

Follow good video-calling etiquette: wear suitably presentable attire and be in a good location for a video call with no loud noises or distractions.

Always be sure to look at the camera when you are speaking.

Test your connection in advance of the call. Because so many things can go wrong with technology, you should try to mitigate as many potential problems as possible.