At times, when communicating through email or social media it’s easy to forget the person on the other end of the conversation. Writing, without the aid of visual cues, can sometimes get the better of us, as we write whatever is on our mind, or at the fastest speed possible, forgetting our manners as we write.
These are eight etiquette lessons that are worth remembering as more and more of our communications are through messaging tools.
Pretend you’re offline. Basic premise: if you wouldn’t say it offline, don’t say it online. It is observed that somehow if it is through a Tweet, blog, or email, people act as if what is being said online won’t have the same ramifications as if said in person.
Remember, it’s not all about you. Not everyone wants to hear your every opinion and perspective. It’s easy to whine, brag, and gloat online.” Choose to talk about something meaningful, informative, and/or helpful—something that adds value. People want to read about topics that will enhance their lives, their businesses, and their knowledge, so provide your clients with information, tools, and tips on subjects that are of interest to them.
Don’t ignore spelling and grammar. In essence, your communications to your boss and colleagues shouldn’t resemble texts to your best friend. What you write and how you write it is a reflection of who you are and what you care about. Don’t get careless when writing a blog, or a post.
Don’t hide behind social media. Unless you’re living in a computer-less time warp, you’ve probably been guilty of using email to send a message you didn’t want to deliver in person. The thing is, though, words still matter as much online as they do in real time—and they stick around longer. When possible, avoid using social media as an easy out when you’re facing a tough conversation or want to spout off an annoyance. There is no such thing as ‘behind someone’s back’ in the world of social media. On the flip side, don’t worry that one nasty online comment from a disgruntled customer will ruin your business. How you handle it may make all the difference.
Leave the sensational to someone else. Don’t make claims that cannot be guaranteed. Social media is a place to be honest and truthful. The fact is, rumors and sensational posts may send readers flocking to you at first, but dishonesty and irresponsible behavior will ultimately come back to haunt you. It is recommended waiting an hour (or even a day) before you send that sensational message into the public domain.
Take control of yourself. Ultimately, you—not your boss, or your spouse—are responsible for your choices and behavior. When it comes to social media, it means actively choosing to infuse your communications with positivity, tell the truth, give credit where credit is due, and be polite—to name just a few possibilities.
Consider yourself a brand, and act accordingly. Even if you are one in 100 or 100,000 employees, you are more than that. Messaging, especially social media, can be far-reaching — the viral potential of information that can be shared online means your thoughts can be seen by anyone. Remember that how you act is reflective of who you are and, in the case of business, of your brand as well.
Blog, but mind your manners. Blogs can be a way to grow your business, engage business partners, and establish thought-leadership. It’s a heady feeling to have your voice heard by scores of virtual blog visitors, but make sure you’re writing smart. Stay clear of plagiarism. Be very careful that you aren’t using someone else’s words or images without proper acknowledgement. Also, pay attention to the input you’re getting from your readers’ comments—sometimes longer blog posts spark more in-depth discussions than shorter updates.
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