What to Do (and Not Do) with Your Smartphone

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that many people in business these days prefer digital communication over the alternative. Smartphones have evolved over time and adapted to this need. That said, using a smartphone to communicate does still have its fair share of unwritten rules to follow. Let’s discuss some of the dos and don’ts of smartphones.

Do Practice Proper Etiquette

Yes, there is an etiquette to using a smartphone, just like any in-person interaction that you might take part in throughout the day. Although smartphone use is so widespread that it has become a bit synonymous with informality, there are still opportunities where you should focus on the formal, so to speak, and get your etiquette in order (like, say, during a phone interview or talking to a prospective client). After all, that first impression might be your only shot at closing a deal or securing your desired outcome.

Don’t Use the Speakerphone

Using your speakerphone for a business call is just not a good look. You run the risk of background noise, and there is always the chance that someone might overhear or interject at an inopportune moment, making you look unprofessional as a result. Truth be told, most smartphones do not offer the same kind of sound clarity that you might expect from a headset or microphone, anyway. It might sound okay to you, but it’s usually not as pleasant for the other end.

Do Control Your Smartphone Notifications

Smartphones, for all of their benefits, are distractions as well. Therefore, it makes sense that you do all you can to limit the amount of distractions that your smartphone thrusts upon you. You can do this through your notification settings, turning on and off notifications based on your particular needs. This will keep you from checking it more often than necessary, leading to greater productivity (and happiness, too, probably).

Don’t Use Social Media While You’re in a Mobile Meeting

It’s often tempting to scroll through social media while you’re using your smartphone, but it’s not a good idea to get accustomed to doing this during actual work-related meetings. A lot of this is because virtual meetings make it too easy to check out and do other things, and people might not see as big of a need to pay attention (after all, they’ll get the meeting minutes from someone else, right?). Remember that it’s important to stay focused on your meetings and save social media for your downtime where it is less disruptive.

How does your business use smartphone technology in the workplace? With a mobile device management tool from Virtual Business Solutions, you can ensure that your team is using their devices in a way that supports your company’s mission. To learn more, call us today at (504) 840-9800 ext. 105.