Business Phone Etiquette
Get Voicemail, Automated Attendants and Phone Features Working For You
By James Bucki, About.com
Today's sophisticated business phone systems can do more harm than good if proper business phone etiquette is not employed. Simply put: Treat your callers in a way that you would want to be treated on a business telephone call. The main areas of business phone etiquette are listed below and they will help you and your employees create a business phone culture in your company that your customers and business associates will enjoy using.
Business Phone Etiquette to Transfer a Call
Proper business phone etiquette can make a positive impression on your callers. Transferring a telephone call is more than just knowing what buttons to push on your telephone system. The business telephone etiquette that you and your employees use directly reflects upon the image that your business portrays. Learn how to professionally transfer a call without frustrating your caller
1. Explain Why
Explain to the caller why you need to transfer the call. Reasons may include: the caller reached the wrong department (or wrong number), the caller has questions that only another department can answer, or you do not have authority to make the decision the caller is seeking. Regardless, make sure the caller knows "why" and that you are not just passing-the-buck.
2. Give Your Info First
First give the caller your name and extension in case you get disconnected. This will give the caller a sense of importance and that you are personally concerned about the caller's situation. Secondly, tell the caller the name of the person (or department) and extension number that you need to transfer the call to. And, remember to always be pleasant.
3. Ask Permission
At this point, ask the caller for permission to initiate the transfer. This will give the caller a chance to ask any other questions and give them a feeling of control.
4. Wait for an Answer
Do not blindly transfer the call as soon as you hear the other phone ring. Wait for the other person to answer and explain to them the reason for the transferred call. This will give the other person a chance to prepare for the call and the caller will not have to explain the situation all over again.
5. Make an Introduction
Return to the caller and announce the name and/or department that you will be transferring the call to. Thank the caller for their patience and ask if there is anything else that you can do.
6. Complete the Transfer
At this point you can complete the transfer by connecting the caller and the other person or department. Remember to end your connection by hanging up the phone or disconnecting your head set.
MY THOUGHTS
How many times have you felt utter frustration when calling an office and you get transferred from one line to another - in a very unprofessional manner? Our frustrating experiences on business phones should be our main motivator when we handle the calls ourselves - even if the call got to you by mistake. Business etiquette on the phone is essential. If we can have information on the number of customers we lost becasue of the lack of business phone etquette, we will invest in training everyone on how to handle phone calls. If music is the window to our souls, the phone is the window to our businesses.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
business etiquette on gift giving
8 Gifts You Should Never Give to Your Boss or Co-Workers
Business Etiquette - Guidelines for Giving Your Boss a Gift
By Lahle Wolfe, About.com
What Not To Give Your Boss or Co-Workers
There are no formal business etiquette “rules” that require anyone to give a gift to a co-worker or boss, but many people do exchange gifts at work. It is important to remember that giving the wrong gift can convey a message that is too personal, romantic, or even offensive. You also run the risk of making the recipient feel uncomfortable if they do not offer you a gift in return, or alienating co-workers if your gift is showy.
Deciding on the right gift to give can be difficult, but the following gifts are never right:
1. ”Adult” Items: Items that could be considered sexual in nature are inappropriate (and may even be illegal) in the workplace. Anything “adult” in nature should never be given in the workplace setting – even to the closest of co-workers. This not only includes the obvious like pornography and adult “toys,” but also includes artwork, books, and any image or rendering that depicts nudity or that may suggest a sexual act.
2. Gifts That Carry a Discriminating or Demeaning Message: Never give gifts that could be considered offensive to women, minorities, or any race, culture, groups, or individual with disabilities – even if presented in the “spirit of fun.” This includes cards, gifts, artwork, caricatures, publications, and any other item that could be interpreted as stereotyping or discriminatory.
3. Politically-Oriented and Religious Gifts: Unless someone has specifically asked for a particular political or religious item, book, or gift, do not try to guess on one. If you do honor a specific request, keep in mind that the item could still offend someone else in the office and give it wrapped and in private.
4. Personal Care Products: Grooming items and sundries are generally too personal to give, especially when given to a member of the opposite sex. This includes body and skin care products, perfumes, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and shaving sundries. That scented hand lotion you love might seem like a good idea but when given to a person with allergies or asthma you are giving a gift that cannot be used.
5. Intimate Clothing: All under garments, and in most cases, any articles of clothing except for hats, scarves, or gloves are not good gifts to give co-workers or your boss. A corporate T-shirt is acceptable, but may seem a bit on the “cheap” side.
6. Romantic Jewelry: If you give jewelry, stick to small, casual items and give them only to members of the same sex unless the gift is being given by a group.
The key to remember when giving jewelry is that some items may be interpreted as a romantic gesture, especially if the jewelry is expensive. The best jewelry items to give are inexpensive or moderately priced watches (including pocket watches) or simple, trendy bracelets or pins. Pearls, diamonds and gemstones are generally not a good idea if the gift is intended as a casual gesture.
7. Flowers: Do not give roses. It is better to give poinsettias, “lucky” bamboo, or other plants instead of flowers. They last longer and cannot be interpreted as a romantic gesture.
Casual flowers like daisies, wildflowers, or bulbs the turn into blooms are also fine. (Hint: No one really likes a chia pet.)
8. Cash: Never give your boss or a co-worker cash (but gift cards are acceptable). Cash should only be given by the company or employer when it is given as a taxable bonus, not as a personal gift.
Business Gifts Etiquette Tips: Giving no gift at all can be better than giving the wrong gift. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if the gift is something you would let a child see (even if they would not enjoy the gift itself). If you would not let a child see the gift, it may not be appropriate to give to someone at work.
MY THOUGHTS
I agree - giving no gift at all is better than giving the wrong gift. This is a very valuable business etiquette tip on gift giving. I guess a basic rule would be to be more discerning - consider the lifestyle, likes and dislikes of the person you're giving the gift to. This business etiquette tips on gift giving at work clearly suggests considering our relationship with the recipient.
Business Etiquette - Guidelines for Giving Your Boss a Gift
By Lahle Wolfe, About.com
What Not To Give Your Boss or Co-Workers
There are no formal business etiquette “rules” that require anyone to give a gift to a co-worker or boss, but many people do exchange gifts at work. It is important to remember that giving the wrong gift can convey a message that is too personal, romantic, or even offensive. You also run the risk of making the recipient feel uncomfortable if they do not offer you a gift in return, or alienating co-workers if your gift is showy.
Deciding on the right gift to give can be difficult, but the following gifts are never right:
1. ”Adult” Items: Items that could be considered sexual in nature are inappropriate (and may even be illegal) in the workplace. Anything “adult” in nature should never be given in the workplace setting – even to the closest of co-workers. This not only includes the obvious like pornography and adult “toys,” but also includes artwork, books, and any image or rendering that depicts nudity or that may suggest a sexual act.
2. Gifts That Carry a Discriminating or Demeaning Message: Never give gifts that could be considered offensive to women, minorities, or any race, culture, groups, or individual with disabilities – even if presented in the “spirit of fun.” This includes cards, gifts, artwork, caricatures, publications, and any other item that could be interpreted as stereotyping or discriminatory.
3. Politically-Oriented and Religious Gifts: Unless someone has specifically asked for a particular political or religious item, book, or gift, do not try to guess on one. If you do honor a specific request, keep in mind that the item could still offend someone else in the office and give it wrapped and in private.
4. Personal Care Products: Grooming items and sundries are generally too personal to give, especially when given to a member of the opposite sex. This includes body and skin care products, perfumes, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and shaving sundries. That scented hand lotion you love might seem like a good idea but when given to a person with allergies or asthma you are giving a gift that cannot be used.
5. Intimate Clothing: All under garments, and in most cases, any articles of clothing except for hats, scarves, or gloves are not good gifts to give co-workers or your boss. A corporate T-shirt is acceptable, but may seem a bit on the “cheap” side.
6. Romantic Jewelry: If you give jewelry, stick to small, casual items and give them only to members of the same sex unless the gift is being given by a group.
The key to remember when giving jewelry is that some items may be interpreted as a romantic gesture, especially if the jewelry is expensive. The best jewelry items to give are inexpensive or moderately priced watches (including pocket watches) or simple, trendy bracelets or pins. Pearls, diamonds and gemstones are generally not a good idea if the gift is intended as a casual gesture.
7. Flowers: Do not give roses. It is better to give poinsettias, “lucky” bamboo, or other plants instead of flowers. They last longer and cannot be interpreted as a romantic gesture.
Casual flowers like daisies, wildflowers, or bulbs the turn into blooms are also fine. (Hint: No one really likes a chia pet.)
8. Cash: Never give your boss or a co-worker cash (but gift cards are acceptable). Cash should only be given by the company or employer when it is given as a taxable bonus, not as a personal gift.
Business Gifts Etiquette Tips: Giving no gift at all can be better than giving the wrong gift. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if the gift is something you would let a child see (even if they would not enjoy the gift itself). If you would not let a child see the gift, it may not be appropriate to give to someone at work.
MY THOUGHTS
I agree - giving no gift at all is better than giving the wrong gift. This is a very valuable business etiquette tip on gift giving. I guess a basic rule would be to be more discerning - consider the lifestyle, likes and dislikes of the person you're giving the gift to. This business etiquette tips on gift giving at work clearly suggests considering our relationship with the recipient.
business etiquette for corporate events
Business Etiquette for Corporate Events
Useful Tips for Good Manners at Meetings and Social Events
By Rob Hard, About.com
Appropriate business etiquette is expected of everyone, especially at corporate events. However, few are trained in the art of good manners. That means most people learn meeting etiquette and how to conduct themselves at business events “on the job.”
Of course, not everyone is completely at ease with knowing whether they are conveying proper business etiquette to corporate hosts, colleagues and other guests.
Keep in mind, the purpose of etiquette is to create an environment that allows everyone to feel comfortable. The following Q&A provides some business etiquette tips for meeting environments.
1. When should you respond to an RSVP?
Event invitations will provide most of the important information of an event, including details about the host, type of event, purpose (even as much as a brief agenda), location, time, specific instructions, and – of course – the RSVP.
Events today rely on a variety of RSVP options, including email, phone, mail in cards, and more. It is important for guests to respond quickly when they receive an invitation, and it’s best to respond within a week. If you must decline at the last minute, please notify the host prior to the event or first thing the next day with sincere regrets.
2. What should you wear to an event?
Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:
* Business attire (suits and dresses)
* Black tie/black tie optional (more formal evening wear)
* Business casual (trousers/khakis with long sleeve shirts)
* Jackets and ties required (as instructed)
Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.
3. When should you arrive for an event?
The event host spends significant time and resources to plan and execute an event, so most people know the answer to this question: be on time! If you are a representative of the host, the answer is that you should arrive up to 30 minutes early (you will be given a time, show up when requested).
If you are a guest, understand that the organizer has been selective with the invitation list. Many invitations will include a brief agenda that highlights when guests may arrive for the event, typically providing a window of 15 to 30 minutes for registration and welcome reception times.
Also, it’s important to stay as long as possible or to the conclusion of an event.
4. When should you extend a handshake at an event?
Always upon arrival and departure. This is an easy rule that few people violate. Greet everyone with a firm, sincere handshake, a friendly smile and direct eye contact. However, when approaching a group of individuals, it’s important to note that guests should always shake the hand of the host first.
Of course, there are scenarios when handshake greetings aren’t possible, such as when both hands are full. In those situations, either party may nod and use some sort of other body gesture to convey the greeting.
5. How should you introduce people in a group at an event?
Most people will find themselves at some point introducing various individuals at an event, especially when they are the ones who will be expected to know all parties. But what’s the order of introductions? Simply remember to rules:
* Introduce lower ranking individuals to higher ranking individuals.
* Remember to include titles (e.g., Dr., Judge, etc.) and name prefix (e.g., Mr., Mrs. Ms.).
6. What should you talk about at the event?
It’s important to have strong listening (don’t interrupt) and conversation skills in group situations. This means maintaining open body language (stand up or sit up straight, don’t cross arms, and maintain good eye contact) and showing interest in what others have to say.
Contribute to conversations by being able to speak to a variety of subjects, find topics of mutual interest and avoid correcting what others have to say. Make sure to involve everyone in the group in the discussion (and not just one or two). Encourage people to talk about themselves, and be graceful when providing and/or accepting compliments.
It’s unfortunate to add the following, but necessary for some: avoid the use of foul language and slang in conversations.
7. What shouldn't you talk about at the event?
Just as it’s important to understand what to talk about, there are several topics that should generally be avoided:
* Personal finance topics
* Personal health topics (yours and others)
* Divisive topics
* Gossip
8. When should you defer extra courties (deference) to others at an event?
It may sound old fashioned, but it’s very important to let people know that you hold them in high esteem. And the act will usually not go unnoticed by the recipient. Several examples (but certainly not an all inclusive list) of when deference is important at an event:
* Follow the lead of others (e.g., host) to know when/where to sit.
* Hold doors for others.
* Don’t assume empty seats are available.
* Allow others to take the better seat.
* Wait to speak until others acknowledge you.
* Wait for the host before taking a first drink.
* Wait to eat until after everyone is served and the host has begun.
9. What other business etiquette rules should be kept in mind?
* Never drink more than two alcoholic drinks.
* Allow the event host to make the first toast.
* Notify hosts of any dietary restrictions prior to an event.
* Understand how to use flatware (eat outside in).
* Glassware is placed to the right.
* Bread plates will be placed to the left.
* Place the fork and knife in the 4:00 position when finished.
* Place napkins on the chair seat or arm when briefly stepping away.
* Research the event topic and venue before arriving.
* Thank the host in person prior to leaving.
* Send a “thank you” note to the host within a week.
10. What should you wear to an event?
Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:
* Business attire (suits and dresses)
* Black tie/black tie optional (more formal evening wear)
* Business casual (trousers/khakis with long sleeve shirts)
* Jackets and ties required (as instructed)
Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.
11. What should you wear to an event?
Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:
* Business attire (suits and dresses)
* Black tie/black tie optional (more formal evening wear)
* Business casual (trousers/khakis with long sleeve shirts)
* Jackets and ties required (as instructed)
Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.
MY THOUGHTS
Wow!!! I should have read this years ago. This would have helped in our planning of events and we could have avoided certain problems. These business etiquette tips will certainly go a long way. I like the "what to talk about" part. Sometimes we get carried away, especially when we are with people we are familiar with. Business etiquette for corporate events should be part of the orientation we provide our conference staff. or all staff for that matter.
Useful Tips for Good Manners at Meetings and Social Events
By Rob Hard, About.com
Appropriate business etiquette is expected of everyone, especially at corporate events. However, few are trained in the art of good manners. That means most people learn meeting etiquette and how to conduct themselves at business events “on the job.”
Of course, not everyone is completely at ease with knowing whether they are conveying proper business etiquette to corporate hosts, colleagues and other guests.
Keep in mind, the purpose of etiquette is to create an environment that allows everyone to feel comfortable. The following Q&A provides some business etiquette tips for meeting environments.
1. When should you respond to an RSVP?
Event invitations will provide most of the important information of an event, including details about the host, type of event, purpose (even as much as a brief agenda), location, time, specific instructions, and – of course – the RSVP.
Events today rely on a variety of RSVP options, including email, phone, mail in cards, and more. It is important for guests to respond quickly when they receive an invitation, and it’s best to respond within a week. If you must decline at the last minute, please notify the host prior to the event or first thing the next day with sincere regrets.
2. What should you wear to an event?
Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:
* Business attire (suits and dresses)
* Black tie/black tie optional (more formal evening wear)
* Business casual (trousers/khakis with long sleeve shirts)
* Jackets and ties required (as instructed)
Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.
3. When should you arrive for an event?
The event host spends significant time and resources to plan and execute an event, so most people know the answer to this question: be on time! If you are a representative of the host, the answer is that you should arrive up to 30 minutes early (you will be given a time, show up when requested).
If you are a guest, understand that the organizer has been selective with the invitation list. Many invitations will include a brief agenda that highlights when guests may arrive for the event, typically providing a window of 15 to 30 minutes for registration and welcome reception times.
Also, it’s important to stay as long as possible or to the conclusion of an event.
4. When should you extend a handshake at an event?
Always upon arrival and departure. This is an easy rule that few people violate. Greet everyone with a firm, sincere handshake, a friendly smile and direct eye contact. However, when approaching a group of individuals, it’s important to note that guests should always shake the hand of the host first.
Of course, there are scenarios when handshake greetings aren’t possible, such as when both hands are full. In those situations, either party may nod and use some sort of other body gesture to convey the greeting.
5. How should you introduce people in a group at an event?
Most people will find themselves at some point introducing various individuals at an event, especially when they are the ones who will be expected to know all parties. But what’s the order of introductions? Simply remember to rules:
* Introduce lower ranking individuals to higher ranking individuals.
* Remember to include titles (e.g., Dr., Judge, etc.) and name prefix (e.g., Mr., Mrs. Ms.).
6. What should you talk about at the event?
It’s important to have strong listening (don’t interrupt) and conversation skills in group situations. This means maintaining open body language (stand up or sit up straight, don’t cross arms, and maintain good eye contact) and showing interest in what others have to say.
Contribute to conversations by being able to speak to a variety of subjects, find topics of mutual interest and avoid correcting what others have to say. Make sure to involve everyone in the group in the discussion (and not just one or two). Encourage people to talk about themselves, and be graceful when providing and/or accepting compliments.
It’s unfortunate to add the following, but necessary for some: avoid the use of foul language and slang in conversations.
7. What shouldn't you talk about at the event?
Just as it’s important to understand what to talk about, there are several topics that should generally be avoided:
* Personal finance topics
* Personal health topics (yours and others)
* Divisive topics
* Gossip
8. When should you defer extra courties (deference) to others at an event?
It may sound old fashioned, but it’s very important to let people know that you hold them in high esteem. And the act will usually not go unnoticed by the recipient. Several examples (but certainly not an all inclusive list) of when deference is important at an event:
* Follow the lead of others (e.g., host) to know when/where to sit.
* Hold doors for others.
* Don’t assume empty seats are available.
* Allow others to take the better seat.
* Wait to speak until others acknowledge you.
* Wait for the host before taking a first drink.
* Wait to eat until after everyone is served and the host has begun.
9. What other business etiquette rules should be kept in mind?
* Never drink more than two alcoholic drinks.
* Allow the event host to make the first toast.
* Notify hosts of any dietary restrictions prior to an event.
* Understand how to use flatware (eat outside in).
* Glassware is placed to the right.
* Bread plates will be placed to the left.
* Place the fork and knife in the 4:00 position when finished.
* Place napkins on the chair seat or arm when briefly stepping away.
* Research the event topic and venue before arriving.
* Thank the host in person prior to leaving.
* Send a “thank you” note to the host within a week.
10. What should you wear to an event?
Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:
* Business attire (suits and dresses)
* Black tie/black tie optional (more formal evening wear)
* Business casual (trousers/khakis with long sleeve shirts)
* Jackets and ties required (as instructed)
Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.
11. What should you wear to an event?
Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction:
* Business attire (suits and dresses)
* Black tie/black tie optional (more formal evening wear)
* Business casual (trousers/khakis with long sleeve shirts)
* Jackets and ties required (as instructed)
Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, etc. Organizers will be specific about attire requirements.
MY THOUGHTS
Wow!!! I should have read this years ago. This would have helped in our planning of events and we could have avoided certain problems. These business etiquette tips will certainly go a long way. I like the "what to talk about" part. Sometimes we get carried away, especially when we are with people we are familiar with. Business etiquette for corporate events should be part of the orientation we provide our conference staff. or all staff for that matter.
Monday, August 24, 2009
business etiquette awareness
Business Etiquette: To tweet or not to tweet
Tips for managing social media communications in the workplace
by Karri Sandino
LEXINGTON, KY - Temptation hits. You're at your desk, taking a break and you want to send a few innocent tweets on Twitter. And maybe post that video of the office softball team party on YouTube.
Before you do, ask yourself, "Is this really appropriate?"
It's no trivial question; today's social media tools — Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and others — are fast, easy and ubiquitous. Most importantly, almost anyone can read what you write — including your boss.
Participation is enormous and growing. Visits to Twitter, for example, jumped from 7.9 million in February 2009 to 22.9 million in June 2009, reports web analytics firm Compete.com. By comparison, USA Today and New York Times Web sites each attract about 16 million monthly visitors.
Tweet with care
humana
advertisement
Even as we continue to wrestle with the foibles of e-mail — misspellings, miscommunications and reply-all catastrophes — these new tools aren't here to complicate our communication activities.
Rather than find out the hard way, think twice about what you tweet or post. Review or ask about your organization's policies for social media or online communication.
Local printer and imaging technology firm, Lexmark International, Inc., focuses on educating employees about corporate expectations for their online communications, said Jerry Grasso, vice president of corporate communications at Lexmark. "We ask employees to think about how any comment they make will reflect on Lexmark and provide guidelines," he said.
Here are a few more tips for managing social media in the workplace:
• Mind your meetings. Avoid using your phone during meetings and consider leaving it at your desk. Tweeting is not the same as doodling in the margins as you listen. Your coworkers — or worse yet, potential clients — could think you're ignoring them.
• What's your social media manifesto? Don't shy away from creating your own social media guidelines tailored to your specific job, work habits and lifestyle. For example, if you're not sure you're comfortable having coworkers, clients or your boss join you on Facebook, you could learn to adjust your privacy settings, or invite them to join you on LinkedIn instead and explain that you're saving Facebook for family and friends. Then be consistent by treating future invitations in the same way.
• If you can't say something nice, don't say anything. Steer clear of criticizing your employer. Instead, consider applying the same business-friendly approach to social media that you do to work e-mail.
• Words travel fast — especially on the Web. Keep in mind that your employer could hold you responsible for any negative perceptions resulting from something you've written. Assume that every word you write online could eventually make its way back to your boss and the CEO of your company. Sarah Pitt, corporate human resources officer with Forcht Group, said, "Social media has been useful for recruiting as an organization. But as a human resources person, I would tell employees to be careful about what they post. If we found out that someone posted something negative or potentially damaging about the company, there could be disciplinary action."
• Remember how wide your audience can be. Speaking of recruiting, keeping your posts free from inappropriate information, photos and videos is essential for job seekers. Take time to spiff up on your online presence. Even among followers or friends, use sensitivity and plain old common sense. If you just received a raise, for example, don't tweet about going out to celebrate. Many of your colleagues, who may not be getting raises, could see your tweet.
Businesses with social media guidelines
Passing trend or not, numerous businesses have already committed to reaping the benefits of the word-of-mouth connections that Twitter and Facebook can cultivate. Think of your favorite local business, and you'll probably find them there. According to news and ad monitoring service VMS, Twitter is capable of generating about $48 million worth of marketing action, or about three billion impressions in 30 days.
For those interested in developing a social media policy, grab a few tips from several national brands.
The Associated Press wrote in a memo to employees, "The bottom line is that the company supports social networking as a personal and professional tool, but expects employees to bear in mind how their actions might reflect on the AP … We all represent the AP, and we all must protect its reputation."
With a nod to common sense, Cisco Systems encourages employees to consult its policy, saying, "If you are writing about Cisco business where you have responsibility, you may wish to make sure your manager is comfortable with your taking that action."
Wal-Mart's Twitter policy, posted on its Web site, helps consumers identify designated Wal-Mart twitterers. It reads, "While many of our 2.2 million associates around the world are using Twitter and other social networks, all official Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Twitter users will be identified on this landing page and will have a link back to this page (http://walmartstores.com/9179.aspx) from their Twitter profile." It adds this disclaimer, "Nothing in any Twitter page constitutes a binding representation, agreement or an endorsement on the part of Wal-Mart."
In other words, feel free to post, but consider your reputation and your employer's point of view first.
WHAT I HAVE TO SAY!
Well, this article about business etiquette should make us stop and think for awhile before writing anything on the social networks. The social networks are so "free" we can get carried away. I guess the key in business etiquette when using social networks is discernment and discretion. Use the message boxes which are more private than writing on the walls!
Tips for managing social media communications in the workplace
by Karri Sandino
LEXINGTON, KY - Temptation hits. You're at your desk, taking a break and you want to send a few innocent tweets on Twitter. And maybe post that video of the office softball team party on YouTube.
Before you do, ask yourself, "Is this really appropriate?"
It's no trivial question; today's social media tools — Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and others — are fast, easy and ubiquitous. Most importantly, almost anyone can read what you write — including your boss.
Participation is enormous and growing. Visits to Twitter, for example, jumped from 7.9 million in February 2009 to 22.9 million in June 2009, reports web analytics firm Compete.com. By comparison, USA Today and New York Times Web sites each attract about 16 million monthly visitors.
Tweet with care
humana
advertisement
Even as we continue to wrestle with the foibles of e-mail — misspellings, miscommunications and reply-all catastrophes — these new tools aren't here to complicate our communication activities.
Rather than find out the hard way, think twice about what you tweet or post. Review or ask about your organization's policies for social media or online communication.
Local printer and imaging technology firm, Lexmark International, Inc., focuses on educating employees about corporate expectations for their online communications, said Jerry Grasso, vice president of corporate communications at Lexmark. "We ask employees to think about how any comment they make will reflect on Lexmark and provide guidelines," he said.
Here are a few more tips for managing social media in the workplace:
• Mind your meetings. Avoid using your phone during meetings and consider leaving it at your desk. Tweeting is not the same as doodling in the margins as you listen. Your coworkers — or worse yet, potential clients — could think you're ignoring them.
• What's your social media manifesto? Don't shy away from creating your own social media guidelines tailored to your specific job, work habits and lifestyle. For example, if you're not sure you're comfortable having coworkers, clients or your boss join you on Facebook, you could learn to adjust your privacy settings, or invite them to join you on LinkedIn instead and explain that you're saving Facebook for family and friends. Then be consistent by treating future invitations in the same way.
• If you can't say something nice, don't say anything. Steer clear of criticizing your employer. Instead, consider applying the same business-friendly approach to social media that you do to work e-mail.
• Words travel fast — especially on the Web. Keep in mind that your employer could hold you responsible for any negative perceptions resulting from something you've written. Assume that every word you write online could eventually make its way back to your boss and the CEO of your company. Sarah Pitt, corporate human resources officer with Forcht Group, said, "Social media has been useful for recruiting as an organization. But as a human resources person, I would tell employees to be careful about what they post. If we found out that someone posted something negative or potentially damaging about the company, there could be disciplinary action."
• Remember how wide your audience can be. Speaking of recruiting, keeping your posts free from inappropriate information, photos and videos is essential for job seekers. Take time to spiff up on your online presence. Even among followers or friends, use sensitivity and plain old common sense. If you just received a raise, for example, don't tweet about going out to celebrate. Many of your colleagues, who may not be getting raises, could see your tweet.
Businesses with social media guidelines
Passing trend or not, numerous businesses have already committed to reaping the benefits of the word-of-mouth connections that Twitter and Facebook can cultivate. Think of your favorite local business, and you'll probably find them there. According to news and ad monitoring service VMS, Twitter is capable of generating about $48 million worth of marketing action, or about three billion impressions in 30 days.
For those interested in developing a social media policy, grab a few tips from several national brands.
The Associated Press wrote in a memo to employees, "The bottom line is that the company supports social networking as a personal and professional tool, but expects employees to bear in mind how their actions might reflect on the AP … We all represent the AP, and we all must protect its reputation."
With a nod to common sense, Cisco Systems encourages employees to consult its policy, saying, "If you are writing about Cisco business where you have responsibility, you may wish to make sure your manager is comfortable with your taking that action."
Wal-Mart's Twitter policy, posted on its Web site, helps consumers identify designated Wal-Mart twitterers. It reads, "While many of our 2.2 million associates around the world are using Twitter and other social networks, all official Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Twitter users will be identified on this landing page and will have a link back to this page (http://walmartstores.com/9179.aspx) from their Twitter profile." It adds this disclaimer, "Nothing in any Twitter page constitutes a binding representation, agreement or an endorsement on the part of Wal-Mart."
In other words, feel free to post, but consider your reputation and your employer's point of view first.
WHAT I HAVE TO SAY!
Well, this article about business etiquette should make us stop and think for awhile before writing anything on the social networks. The social networks are so "free" we can get carried away. I guess the key in business etiquette when using social networks is discernment and discretion. Use the message boxes which are more private than writing on the walls!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)