How to have good cell phone manners in the business world

In a world where cell phone use is a given, sometimes we find it’s easy to forget about those around us. When it comes to your professional conduct, you certainly don’t want to offend the wrong person or present a less-than-stellar image. In the second part of this series, we’ll take a look at additional tips to keep in mind while using your cell phone.

Avoid multi-tasking. We’ve all done it. Found ourselves making what we thought would be a quick call in the produce department of the grocery store, and we’re still talking well into dairy and on into the check-out lane. Conducting conversations while trying to pay for your groceries, order from a menu, or take your car in for service just isn’t appropriate. Those that are trying to assist you can’t do their job if you are on the phone. Excuse yourself and resume your conversation when you’re not trying to do business with someone else.

Declare meetings a no-call zone. Get in the habit of turning your ringer off when attending meetings, and rely on your voice mail to do its job. Unless the call is specifically important to the meeting at hand and attendees are all aware of the call, do not allow an interruption from your cell phone. Your associates and potential clients will not be impressed if you do.

Watch your hands-free action. How many times have you been shopping or minding your own business, when a seemingly crazed person walks toward you, with flailing arms and animated conversation? It’s only then that you notice the device attached to their ear, and you realize they’re talking on the phone? This convenience is meant for the car, not a public arena. Limit your use of hands-free devices only to appropriate situations.

Keep your personal information personal. It’s easy in a cell phone world to become somewhat numb regarding your surroundings and how your calls affect others. Keep your personal information private, and go to a secluded place when calling your doctor, tech or attorney. You never know who is listening, and what information you might mistakenly give away. Your next potential customer could be standing next to you, and you may be projecting a less than professional image.

It’s easy to rely on your cell phone for right here, right now communication. But rethink the times and places you use it, so it won’t cost you your credibility or image.