Internet Etiquette 101

Important things to remember when engaging with people online.

Answering your email the best you can and watching for what you write in social media is like doing a “handshake.” Your ways will surely affect how people think of you. Knowing your business is good, but knowing how to deal with people can result to a more lasting business relationship.

Here are some online etiquette that can help you:

• Be unbiased when interacting with another person. Do not be aggressive, sarcastic or make any innuendo. Do not try to be funny. These could increase doubt and could be mistaken as being too friendly.
• Write in complete sentences using words that are honest and believable. Never use emoticons. That is nice in social media, but never in business virtual communication. Always check your grammar and punctuation before posting, emailing, texting or blogging.
• Social media is not the platform to write your essay. Post only brief messages. Again, no emoticons, web-friendly irritants or shorthand. You should also be acquainted with operational rules before using them. Include vital details in your business profile with your contact information and company news. Self-control is needed at all times.
• Remember to consider the receiver in your online dealings. Put yourself in the shoes of the other person on the other side. Always be polite; there is nothing wrong in being yourself but make sure you are honest in dealing with your client.
• Carefully think of your identifiers and select a professional user name for yourself. Do not be cutesy. You could also consider using your business name as your user name and have an email address that uses your own domain name.
• For clarification, call the person. Texting may even create a bigger confusion. If you chose to email, make it easy to read, courteous and simple. You can write the vital information and use short but concise paragraphs. Using bullets can make it look short and organize.
• Turn off your phone or anything that might distract you before making a video call to your client. Always give your full attention and look at the face and not the screen. Listen intently and be interested in what your client has to say. If there is any question, address it right away.
• Keep your email messages short, but concise. Do not forget to check your grammar and punctuation before sending your message. Use the proper greetings like Mr., Miss, or General unless you are in the first-name basis. Stay professional and even if you are already in the friendly level with your client, do not send the person forwards, jokes, and chain letters. Before you send a big file, do ask the person’s permission first and make sure it works so cross-check the compatibility of the software first.
• Never showcase your competitor’s shortcomings. That is negative marketing and consumers know that you are bashing your competitor and that is truly in bad taste. Besides, consumers can research online. Instead of doing that, focus on your own product/s and how it can meet your client’s needs.