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.

How to have good cell phone manners in the business world

We love them, these little gadgets known as cell phones. We can’t seem to live without them, and we certainly can’t imagine what we did before we owned one. They’re convenient, and yes, necessary. They’ve also brought about an entirely new set of questions regarding cell phone etiquette.

We’ve all experienced the loud and obnoxious cell phone user having a heated conversation right next to us in a checkout line, a restaurant, or a lobby. And we’ve probably all experienced the untimely important cell phone ring right in the middle of a meeting, or in other inappropriate circumstances. So what are the rights and wrongs when it comes to cell phone use? Specifically, as a professional, where should you draw the line? In this series we’ll take a look at the basics of cell phone etiquette:

Ring-a-ding-dong. You know what they sound like, those whimsical cell phone rings that belt out the latest Top Ten hit or marching band beat. It might be cute to the owner of the cell phone, but to the rest of us, it’s annoying. Don’t fall prey to loud, irritating rings for your business calls. It may just make the wrong impression on a very important person.

Limit your calls. It’s tempting to check in with your spouse, partner or business associate the minute your airplane lands or the second you get a break in your conference session, regardless of how important it is. If you’re in a situation where you can’t distance yourself from those around you, rethink the need of your call. When you give others no choice but to hear your entire conversation, then try to limit your calls to more appropriate times.

Lower the volume. Cell phones tend to bring out the same instinct you get when talking to someone who speaks a different language. You automatically go into “loud” mode. Your cell phone is sensitive, and can easily transmit your “normal” voice. Remember to keep your volume down and speak in a natural tone.

In the next part of this series we’ll discuss additional rules of etiquette to keep you within the “good manners” boundaries of cell phone use.