COURTESY ALWAYS COUNTS

Today, it's easier than ever to stay in touch with customers, colleagues, family and friends. Whether in the office, at home, or on the go, there are communication tools that can keep you connected just about anywhere. But, along with these new tools are new rules on etiquette.

Remember, communication etiquette is about more than being courteous. The tone and manner of how you communicate could determine whether you win, lose, satisfy or disappoint a customer. To help, here are a few things to keep in mind.

How You Use A Cell Phone, Can Say A Lot About You.

Chances are, you take your cell phone just about anywhere. But, how far can that phone take you? To be a truly effective tool, you have to respect the people you call and the people around you. Try following these simple rules...

• Never take a personal call during a meeting. In fact, it's wise to either shut-off your phone or set it to vibrate.
• Don't shout. Today's microphones are very sensitive, so you can confidently speak at a normal volume.
• Keep conversations short. This will limit any annoyance to people around you. Plus, if you're calling someone else's cell phone, you won't eat up their minutes.
• Turn the ringer down. It's important to be respectful of the people around you.
• Never talk while driving. It's not safe, and, in some areas, it is now illegal. If you need to use your phone in the car, just pull off the road to make your call.
• Consider getting a headset and using your phone hands-free. This will allow you to concentrate either on work or on what's going on around you.

E-mail has changed the way we communicate. But, as you know, people are finding their mailboxes overflowing with messages. Here are some tips on using e-mail effectively.

• Keep your e-mails short and to the point, and you'll have a better chance of getting them read.
• Be specific in the subject line so recipients will know what your e-mail is about.
• Always run a spell-check before sending out an e-mail.
• DON'T WRITE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS - in the world of e-mail this is shouting and rude.
• Limit the size of your attachments - remember not everyone is using the latest computers with high-speed Internet connections.
• Be careful using "REPLY TO ALL" - consider who needs to read your response and send it only to them.
• Don't respond to chain letters, spam, or anonymous e-mails - and, to prevent viruses, never download files from anyone you don't know.

Keep voicemail messages short and to the point. When leaving messages, be brief, but identify who you are, and be sure to leave a callback number, even if you think the person already has it. If using a speakerphone, ask the person on the other line for permission first. If using a speakerphone in a meeting, identify everyone in the room. Limit the size of your faxes - remember you're tying up someone else's machine and using up someone else's paper.

Just remember that every communication is an opportunity to make or lose a sale. And, don't forget, we offer the tools and solutions you need to communicate more effectively.