Texting for business?

[fastfredracing]

Do you do it? I have been doing it for a few years now, and has really worked out well for me. Way easier than being tethered to a phone, and voice mailbox. Helps me to keep the wrenches in my hand instead of the phone, then I can return the texts when I have a chance.
I had a customer tell me yesterday " text you? I'm not a 16 year old girl, no I'm not going to text you!".
I look it as using modern technology to make our lives/jobs easier.

[Gogar]

Let the customer decide how they want to communicate with you.

Texting is ok, but texts can actually get misinterpreted a lot more than you think because the reader of the text applies the 'tone' of their choosing.

Like, when your wife texts you a question and you text back "Sure, whatever." and she looses her mind because she reads "SURE. WHATEVER." for example.

[onewhippedpuppy]

It gets used as often as email for inter-office communication, especially when we are out on the road or have people spread over multiple facilities. My boss gets so many emails that he usually takes days to reply, but a text typically gets a quick response. It seems pretty universally adopted, even by the 50+ crowd.

[Rot 911]

I'd say half my legal clients prefer texting. Several of them are older, corporate clients.

[speeder]

Anyone who makes an association between texting and 16 year old girls has just ID'ed themselves as a true country bumpkin. In larger cities throughout the world, texting is widely used by nearly everyone.

I've found that the demarcation between people who text or not has little to do with age and everything to do with tech savvy.

[Rick Lee]

I pretty much only use it when on my way to a meeting to let them know I'm on the way, running late, etc. Otherwise, only with customers I know very well and will not misinterpret anything.

Yesterday a customer (I know well) emailed me through her iPhone, said she and her asst. were going to "double tag team their boss" to get this budget approved. I replied, "I'll leave that one alone." Could have been risky to write that to someone I don't know well.

[dipso]

I text prices and job descriptions, sometimes. It's a great record.
I get confirmations by text.

[stomachmonkey]

Text, Skype all works.

Friend of mine has a new service that from early on looks like it is a good Skype competitor for business as well as a cool social tool.

Called Rabbit.

[Zeke]

I would think texting is fine for an auto repair business. Legal work, not so much. I text when I can but I'm not very good at it. I have an iPhone and use it sideways to lengthen the screen, but it's still not that easy for me to rip like my granddaughter. Her thumbs are glued to the screen, one handed w/o looking too.

I prefer email. Works better than anything when dealing with insurance cos and the like. Maybe I should get a tablet.

[speedy72911t]

Just don't rely on it too heavily. If there is even the slightest hint of miss-communication you get on the phone. I have burned myself a few times by relying on txt and email with clients. Especially when a sale is on the line. Voice is always a better way to get the job done.

[VINMAN]

I prefer to talk on the phone. To me, if the converstaion takes more than two sentences it warrants a phone call.

[speedy72911t]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

I prefer to talk on the phone. To me, if the converstaion takes more than two sentences it warrants a phone call.

I think I may use that as my own limit from now on! I try to limit txts to times for meetings, running late or even early or just to check and see if they are available for a phone call.

I do find it ironic in one sense. I worked hard at the whole Getting Things Done mantra. Part of which is narrowing down your email addresses, phone numbers, physical mail and such into one process so things don't get lost in the mix. That worked for about a week. Now I have to pay attention as I may get contacted by clients through FB, Skype, txts, email, phone or even occasionally snail mail. Crazy.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I use texting as the main form of communication with clients and employees as long as it's a short sentence or two. Email for anything long.
Both are better imo than a phone call as there is a written record of the conversation. Especially with my employees who apparently cannot hear or remember a thing I say. Written word is much better.

I find the voice recognition (talk to text) on the apple products to be very accurate as long as its quiet and you enunciate well.

[saxen]

Nope won't text- that's what email is for.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

I prefer to talk on the phone. To me, if the converstaion takes more than two sentences it warrants a phone call.

Yup. I prefer to talk to people for most things, but use text messages occasionally.

With our medical records system, there is the option to get stuff by e mail for the patients, not sure how many avail themselves of this. I don't look at mine often enough for it to be a good way to communicate with me, but everyone who matters knows this.

[911SauCy]

Originally Posted by saxen

Nope won't text- that's what email is for.

In sales I let the customer predicate what type of communication style best works.

Email is good, text (if theyre accustomed to it) is wayy better and voicemails are soon going to be a thing of the past.

Rule to live by: If your email length exceeds one smartphone screen, it's too long!

[porsche4life]

Yup! With customers that I know are comfortable with it I love it! Excellent for short non urgent messages. I have people text me addresses and contact info a lot because I am usually driving and that way i've got it saved for later. I will use it to double check an appointment, or send a small amount of info that they have asked for. But like others have said, I let the customer dictate that.

[stealthn]

Originally Posted by Gogar

Let the customer decide how they want to communicate with you.

Texting is ok, but texts can actually get misinterpreted a lot more than you think because the reader of the text applies the 'tone' of their choosing.

Like, when your wife texts you a question and you text back "Sure, whatever." and she looses her mind because she reads "SURE. WHATEVER." for example.

Excellent response - well said

[Baz]

I don't text. But if a client wants to text me - that's fine. I can read their text and call them back.

I usually recommend emailing as the preferred method unless it's an emergency, then a phone call is fine.

I don't carry my phone on me - but it's in the truck and I check it throughout the day.

And I check and return emails whenever I get home.

I'm a landscaper - how important is it really that someone talk to me right away?

I'd rather talk when I'm not working.

[Baz]

I also like email because I keep all my photos in my desktop - and where appropriate, can send them very easily.....