Coach Jaynine's Business Blog

There are signs everywhere asking that you turn off your cell phone before approaching the bank teller. Customers respect this sign and they respect the bank teller. So, why do they not show the same respect to other business owners and his or her staff?

Answering a cell phone that is ringing or to view text messages while you are in the middle of conducting business is rude. The business owner who is telling you about a certain product or service doesn’t know if he or she is suppose to stop talking, move away to give you your privacy to talk, or go help someone else. Remember, time is money. Even if the event is an Expo or Tradeshow, the business owner is trying to answer as many questions as possible on that busy day.

Another scenario depicting rudeness is when someone is talking on his or her cell phone at the checkout counter and the clerk is trying to ask a question or return your change. He or she is typically very young and again does not know if he or she should interrupt you while you are on your call or wait patiently while the line behind you gets longer. Please help the store clerk and do not answer your phone while it is your turn to receive service. Also remember to stop talking or texting before it is your turn at the checkout. This will avoid mistakes at the checkout.

As we approach the final days of Christmas shopping and the stores become more crowded take a few minutes to review my cell phone etiquette tips below.

1. Turn your cell phone on vibrate when out shopping. The crowded shopping malls with music playing, each shoppers cell phone ringing, and people talking can create unneeded stress and anxiety in many people.

2. Talk in a low voice. Do not get into a screaming match with someone on your cell phone in a public place or talk about private intimate subjects. You never know when small children are in close proximity.

3. Respect the business owner or store staff. Do not answer your cell phone or text while conducting business. If you are texting while the business owner or store employee is trying to explain how to use a product you may not hear what you need to hear. Remember, store employees earn their income based on commission. If you are wasting his or her time by talking on your phone, you are reducing their earning power. They want to enjoy the holiday season too. Let them have the ability to earn as much commission as possible.

4. Respect others. Do not hold up the airplane, the checkout line, or monopolize the business owner by talking on your cell phone and making others wait. We all are busy and we all think our calls are important. However, if the call is not a true 911 call then it can probably wait until you are done conducting business. If you are attending a home party sales event (i.e. Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Party Lite etc., show respect and do not interrupt the presenter by answering your cell phone or start texting. We all are busy but trying to show off how busy or important you are by answering your cell phone or texting during a conversation is just plain rude.

5. Safety. Cell phones can be a great way to monitor your children or spouse while out holiday shopping. Using the text feature is a great way to find each other in the mall. If you receive a text message or phone call from a lost spouse or child just let the business owner or store clerk know you must excuse yourself and answer the call because it is a child. They will understand. However, keep the call very brief.

I do not know why people began leaving their manners at home. But, lack of cell phone etiquette has become a hot topic at networking events. Business owners swap stories on who was treated the rudest by a potential customer or client. They often do not know what the right or wrong way is to respond to the rudeness. You can make it easy for the business owner or store clerk by practicing cell phone etiquette.

Business owners and store clerks are very busy trying to offer great customer service. So please, while you are out shopping this holiday season, please remember to use cell phone etiquette. But also remember to use cell phone etiquette all year.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at 6:12 am and is filed under Business, Customer Service. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.