Text Messaging ... Etiquette for the Addicted

Just got a text message that read "Hey are you guys ready for a glass of wine this weekend? Let us know if you are available?" Now that just sounds great but who the heck sent that message? Not in my contact list, not sure if the message meant my husband and me or with my assistant. We had just closed on a very lengthy transaction which took over four months and all had promised to celebrate when it finally closed. As a last resort I will call the number but had hoped to uncover the mystery prior to calling.

Text messaging looks like this form of communication is becoming more of a priority over the phone call and even email. A survey conducted by the 2008 REALTOR indicated that 35% of real estate practitioners use text messaging on a daily bases and those number seem to be increasing.

If you are a Text Message User then consider these etiquette tips:

• Don't assume the party you are texting recognizes your number or has you in their contact base. Unless you know for certain, leave your name. (Would have been great in my case).

• Ask your client if they prefer email, text or telephone communication for updates? If they say text messages then ask them to put your name in their cell phone contacts.

• Be respectful not to over text as the client may not have unlimited text messages or confirm this heavy use is acceptable to the client.

• Abbreviations ... not everyone knows text language. Be considerate that one may not understand LOL, BTW, QQ, etc. If your client uses abbreviations you are not familiar go to www.webopedia.com for additional help in breaking the code.

• Don't be an addict on the text messaging as the only source of contact. Remember that this is a relationship business and look to connect on occasion personally with the client. A voice conversation not typed.

• Respect others time and don't text at odd hours, keep it within business hours. Phones make noises when messages are received and your client may have the phone by the bed stand. You will receive points for a message at 2:00 am.

• Don't be a slave to your phone; you do not have to respond if a message comes in well after your business day concludes. Keep your response time within reasonable hours as well.

Texting - embrace it as it looks like it will be more and more part of our business. Just remember to use etiquette and others will give you the same respect.