The day I got my first iPhone was life changing. The apps, the Internet and the information available at my fingertips—it was tech heaven. It’s pretty remarkable how advanced phones have become considering the “cutting-edge” capabilities of my first cell phone 10 years ago.
And now it seems like most everyone I know owns an iPhone, Droid or Blackberry. According to Consumer Reports, 35% of Americans own smartphones, which means more and more people are using these devices for work-related tasks.
But, beware, that smartphone of yours could make you look like a real dummy. Here are four things to avoid when using your mobile device at work:
1. Sending emails full of typos
As a general rule of thumb, I try to avoid sending emails to clients from my iPhone, unless it’s urgent or I’m offsite at a meeting.
I recently worked with a vendor who used her smartphone to send 95% of her emails. Her email signature even said, “Sent from my <device name>, please excuse typos.”
No, no, no, no. I understand typos happen, but if you need to send emails from your smart phone, be SURE to read through them before hitting send. Typos cannot be disclaimed or excused in email signatures.
2. Unprofessional text messages
While most people probably don’t use text messaging often in business situations, it does happen. Just like emails, you should always proof your texts—especially if the recipient is your boss or a client. Auto-correct and predictive text features can be one-way streets to embarrassment land.
3. Never putting the phone down
If you’re constantly on your phone during meetings, whether checking emails or playing Angry Birds, chances are you are missing out on key information. Even if you can multi-task with the best of them, put the phone down and pay attention. Also, don’t forget to turn your ringer off before joining a meeting or conference call.
4. Relying on Google Maps too much
As someone who openly admits to being “directionally challenged,” Google Maps is a real lifesaver. However, even mother Google can be wrong at times, especially in a fast-growing city with new roads popping up all the time. Plan ahead and get directions from other sources before relying on Google Maps, or you might just find yourself in the middle of nowhere and late to an important meeting.
Smartphones have changed the way we live and work, but these devices can certainly cause unnecessary embarrassment in business situations. Do you have any good stories about how your smartphone has cause you embarrassment?
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