Comments on: 3 Ways To Be Professional While Using Mobile Apps

By: Steven Vincent

Steven Vincent — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:22:40 +0000

A buddy encoraged me to check out this post, nice post, interesting read… keep up the cool work!

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:03:08 +0000

Agreed! I know in the future with the more prevalent mobile becomes it will not be an issue. However in the interim there may be a weird dynamic between the client and yourself. I don’t know if telling them would change anything ebcause then it may appear that you are trying to cover up always being a mobile device. Its an interesting situation that I tried to avoid by just making my mobile signature as close to my computer signature as possible. I think that you however have raised key points and questions about what is to come and what is correct on the mobile platform.

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:37:15 +0000

I also think that this is something that is changing as mobile devices become closer to the norm. I would guess that where some people may consider it the way Lisa and I mentioned, others may still consider a mobile response as a low priority response. That in particular is something that I worry about as I shift my communications to be centered around my mobile device.

I want to feel that my client considers all communication I have with them on the same level because, to me, it is.

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:32:36 +0000

Josh,
I agree. I was trying to get more at the fact that if they see “from my mobile device” they may start to wonder if your actually doing work for them at all. I do like the fact that you and Lisa mentioned that it shows that you are working outside of what is considered normal and putting the client in front of whatever else your are doing at the time.

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:16:24 +0000

@Lisa: I agree with that completely. I think that it can be important to show that you’re serving the client as quickly as possibly by being available through your phone at all times.

If you’re that worried about the bragging factor of labeling the device, perhaps you can change the signature to simply ‘Sent from my Mobile Device’. It gets the same message across without specifically mentioning the hardware.

By: Chad Engle

Chad Engle — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:54:10 +0000

Lisa,
I think those are valid points to think about. I think showing continued support to clients after hours or while you are on the road is a great point.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:06:20 +0000

Chad – great article. Its interesting that so much of our professsional time and responsibilities
are spent on tech and devices we do not even have common best practices for.
Sometimes I’ll see someone do something and think “where has this person been hiding” but the reality is in a lot of ways many just stick with what works, until something bad happens.
I think tip #3 has some other angles to consider. I choose to leave me “sent via iPhone” + sig. Two reasons: clients care way more about your communication with them than being jealous you own XX and they don’t. Responding to your client while on the road, after hours, etc (via mobile) shows your dedication and consistent support.
And you as the expert SHOULD be rocking the latest and the greatest. This indicates you are up on the industry. It’s like “comm arts” on your coffee table. Thx Chad.

By: Anca

Anca — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:14:27 +0000

all these make a lot of sense.

Also, another pet peeve with grammar / spelling is you’re vs. your. If you don’t know which one is which, better spell you’re as ‘you are’ and leave it at that. ;)

By: Amy Wise-Bacis

Amy Wise-Bacis — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:07:49 +0000

Great tips! With so many time-saving technologies available it seems people are getting lazy with critical elements of business, like grammar, punctuation, etc. It really does make a difference when a person takes the time to get it right.
I’d also have to add to the list: #4. Don’t use acronyms that are not common place in business. Examples: AAMOI I’m ABT2 leave, ADBB (defined: As a matter of fact I’m about to leave, all done bye-bye).

By: Joshua Smibert

Joshua Smibert — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:57:42 +0000

Such a good point. Often I get smiley faces and IM abbreviations in emails, never realizing that they were sent from a phone.