Cell phones. We can’t leave home without them, we feel frantic when we’ve misplaced them, they have the power to keep us connect to loved ones, and are an integral part of our business. What did we do before we had them? They’re truly a key part of our lives whether we’d like to admit it or not.
The question comes down to, how do you use your cell phone?
- Is it an asset to your personal and work life or do you find yourself ruled by it?
- Have you set up boundaries or are you blissfully unaware that there even should be such a thing?
- What’s your cell phone etiquette and how is it effecting your life?
Recently an article came out by Karen Leland, author and president of the Sterling Marketing Group, about cell phone etiquette. I thought it was a great reminder about what not to do and so I tweaked her points to relate more to the real estate industry.
Take a few minutes to read through these points and see how well you’re doing or if you’re committing any of these cell phone faux pas!
1. Monkey see, monkey do - According to a paper published in the Human Ethology Bulletin, the act of pulling out a cellphone is a contagious behavior and may influence those around you to do the same. The next time you’re in a meeting or at a dinner with a client, and you’re tempted to check your phone, think about the costs. Would you rather start the endless phone checking trend or take the time to really interact with those in front of you.
One of the worst things you can do is to excuse yourself for an important call. It sends the message that the client your with isn’t as important.
2. Your phone makes you less popular - We all know the places it’s “forbidden” to check your phone (ie. movie theater, place of worship). However, it’s important to remember that having your phone out and checking it on a regular basis when you’re with a client or even friends and family can be harmful to the relationship. You represent the face of your company and clients want to know they have your full attention.
3. Stop embarrassing yourself- It can be easy to get so wrapped up in a conversation regarding a real estate deal or conversation with a buyer or seller that you don’t realize what others around you are overhearing. Personal and confidential information with a buyer or seller should remain that way. If you find you’ll be talking about details of a deal, or find yourself in a heated discussion with a client; take the time to move to a more private location. You’re always representing your brand and, whether you know it or not, others are taking note.
4. Don't cell yell- Have you ever noticed cell phone conversations merely because the person talking seemed to be yelling into the phone? On a landline, your voice gets amplified by a microphone in the receiver and sent to your earpiece, allowing you to hear the true volume at which you are speaking. On a cellphone, there is no magnification into the earpiece, so you only register the volume coming from your mouth.
Oftentimes, we get so into a conversation, we really have no idea how loud we’re talking. It may take practice, but reminding yourself to talk quieter will keep you aware of your volume and help you nix this faux pas!
There may be a few of these that you feel don’t apply to you, or you may find that most of these are all-too-true in your life!
Taking a few minutes to assess where you’re at, and coming up with a few simple guidelines for yourself can make a huge difference in your personal and business relationships... not to mention how you represent your company!
We hope this post is helpful as it’s something that applies to us all!
The next time you’re tempted to check your phone when you’re out with a client or friend for dinner, remember that nothing is more important in that moment than the person sitting right across from you!
Have a few thoughts on the matter? We'd love to hear from you!
Allie Coyle
Blogging & Copywriting Specialist
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