Proper Cell Phone Etiquette for Business

October 19, 2008 By Mary White

As a small business owner or other professional, it’s important to practice proper business etiquette at all times. One of the most common etiquette breaches in the modern world relates to cell phone usage. When you, and your employees, are interacting with customers, networking contacts, and the general public, it’s essential to limit your cell phone usage to what falls within the boundaries of proper business etiquette.

It’s important to note that it’s not a good idea to model your cell phone behavior after what you observe other people doing. Inappropriate use of cell phones is a rampant problem in society – both in the business world and in social circles. People have become very attached to their cell phones, for conversation, text messaging, internet access, and more. In many cases, people pay more attention to their cell phones than to the people who are right in front of them. Even though such behavior is becoming common, it is not acceptable and it represents poor business etiquette.

Observe Proper Business Etiquette
While the convenience of a portable electronic device can be terrific, it’s important not to take that convenience too far. When you are speaking with a person face to face, or you are already having a telephone conversation with him or her, that person deserves your full attention. Don’t ignore or neglect the individual who has voluntarily given you his or her time to take another call or check for messages on your cell phone. It is both rude and disrespectful.

Let the Phone Ring
If your cell phone rings while you are engaged in a dialogue with someone else, taking that call needs to be left for another time. Ignore the ringing, apologize, and turn off the ringer. Doing otherwise demonstrates disrespect for the person who is in front of you at that point in time.

Make Eye Contact with People, Not Your Phone
When people take the time to meet with you, they deserve your full attention. They don’t need to have to look at the top of your head while you’re checking or sending text messages. This, also, is disrespectful and rude.

Silence Can Be a Virtue
If you’re in a business meeting, the other people you’re with don’t need to have to her your cell phone ringing. Before going into an appointment or group meeting, turn off your cell phone or leave it on silent. If your phone rings while you are in a meeting, apologize to the person or people you are with. Whatever you do, don’t answer the phone. Turn it off and leave it alone until the meeting is over.

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