Texting vs Writing

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I remember when writing a letter by hand was considered a very personal and kind of a special art form.

However, texting has grown to be the preferred means of communication, most certainly in our personal lives but in the business world as well. When used appropriately, it benefits sender and receiver with ever quicker communications. If someone is busy at the moment, a text is a great and a discreet way to ask them to call me when they are available.

But, when used in business, a co-worker who sees you texting friends may one day be promoted and become your boss. Not a good image for him or her to have of you.

Never text friends on the job. It may seem you can get away with it. After all, you’re not on the phone, so a little surreptitious thumbing isn’t going to get noticed. Yes, you bet it will. Break time, or lunch are the best time to respond to important texts just as you should use those times to respond to voice messages.

Watch out for what you write wrong. Inane mistakes abound. Avoid getting caught in an auto-correct mistake by always rereading your text before sending it. One family member once wrote my fear, instead of my dear family.

The grandma rule applies to texts as well as to e-mails. If you wouldn’t send that message for grandma to read, then you shouldn’t send it in a text. The time you send that private text is the time it suddenly goes viral, at least ­viral within your office, and you’re stuck with damage control.

What is acceptable content for a text? Apply the journalism “Who, What, When, Where” rule. If it’s something factual about who, what, when, or where, it’s fodder for a text, but if it’s about why or opinion, then it may be time to pick up the phone, say it in person., or just keep it to yourself.

Focus on the person you are with. Whether you are meeting, or having a drink with a client or colleague, make sure you put your phone away and on vibrate so it won’t disturb your conversation. They'll appreciate that you think he or she is more important than your phone.

If you run out of power, or your mobile device crashes, pick up a piece of paper and a pen and write someone a letter, or hand written note. They will be extremely impressed.

Finally, never, ever try to text while driving, or crossing the street. Period end of sentence and story!!!

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