Smartphone Etiquette
Tech etiquette is becoming a very hot training topic!
I was recently interviewed by Investment Executive Canada on this subject and in the next month I am presenting tech etiquette to four diverse client groups: Residential Construction Industry Conference, bankers, investment counselors and the Insurance Institute of Northern Alberta.
One thing in common
Although these industries are diverse, their focus on the customer is what ties them together. They understand the importance of customer relationships for their success. When technology is used well it should make our jobs easier AND build good relationships.
Feel like a number
But how we use technology can sometimes stand in the way of good customer service. We’ve all experienced incidents where it undermined relationships, made us feel ignored or like a number.
More than just rules
People like to do business with and work with those that they know, like and trust. A large part of that know, like and trust comes down to showing respect for others and that you care about them.
Smart tech etiquette isn’t just the rules, it’s how we use those rules to make others feel valued and appreciated whether they’re your customers or your colleagues.
3 scenarios
Tessie Sanci, a writer for Investment Executive Canada, had three scenarios for investment advisers that she wanted tech etiquette advice for. I’ve included the link to her great article because the scenarios are so common to anyone in business. http://www.investmentexecutive.com/-/casual-friday-smartphone-etiquette-for-advisors-and-teams
Check out the article and the 3 scenarios to see if you follow the smart phone tips when:
- Welcoming a visitor to your office
- Attending a meeting with a client or a prospect
- Attending a team or staff meeting
The more things change…
Technologies are constantly changing and evolving, and so are the tech etiquette rules to keep up with them. But how you use the rules and the technologies should always make the people you’re dealing with in person or electronically feel like they are valued and appreciated. That takes a little care and thought, but it will set you and your organization apart in the new business world.
Thank you for sharing this great experience! Fortunately for the sales associate he caught himself before losing a valuable customer. And kudos to you for giving him a second chance.
Thanks Dwight, I completely agree with your sentiments. Where and how you take calls is a mark of respect or disrespect.
I also remember and miss Maxwell Smart and his shoe phone and the dome of silence.
I used to have a “No cell phone” sign (a picture of a phone in a red circle with a line through it) on my office door. I intend to put it back. So often I have clients in and our discussion of their tax affairs is interrupted by their shoe phone (remember Maxwell Smart). I used to think that if they want to pay me for the time they spend yaking on their shoe phone then fine but I really don’t have the time to spare so turn it off when you are meeting with your accountant, lawyer, investment councilor etc. Their time is worth a lot and it’s not unlimited. If you’re really important you don’t need to answer your phone all the time. The President of the United States does not interrupt his meetings to answer his Blackberry.
Thank you Karin and Cindy for your comments on this important subject.
Meal times spent together are precious and setting standards provides everyone a chance to be heard without interruption.
We try to lead by example.
No technology at the sunday family dinner table.
this was difficult at first.
Our Grandchildren ( 3yrs twins) let anyone with a cell phone at the table know that this is “no technology time!”, we need to talk about things.
I must admit it’s embarrasing if I forgot to tell the adult about our rule and one of the kids correct them, however saying that it becomes a big joke
Lead by example and it’s amazing what the kids have to say when they use their voices!!
cindy
Finally! Am I glad someone sees this my way. NO ONE is so important that he/she needs to be reachable all the time! The really important people don’t have that problem … If someone comes to you he/she deserves your undivided attention at all times!
I have declared my dining room table and living room a cell phone free zone while we gather for a meal or a conversation! It’s sad, but there was no other way.