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Netiquette for Small Business

By Lori Olson

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 12Jul2009 Word count: 520 Viewed: 269 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Today's business is conducted heavily online. You know about social networking, branding your products, beingfound. One concept, however, often gets lost in the shuffle. Online business etiquette is something that must be quickly embraced, due to the surge of this medium. Online etiquette delves into various aspects, many fallacies that we do not realize we commit. Therefore, it is imperative that we strive to correct them, and allow our communications to be polite, professional, and strong.

A common mistake is the use of all capital letters. Although you may be trying to emphasize an aspect of your writing, it is commonly seen as shouting and is therefore offensive. Tone is often lost on the internet, as we rely solely on context, and lose inflection. Therefore, we are more subjective to things such as all capitals, because we substitute this for the missing inflection. We assume that it's shouting; that the person is aggressive. While you may not mean this at all, you have already put off your reader by allowing this to come across.

Similarly, the use of red font coloring is also seen as aggressive. Red is subconsciously recognizable with hostility and causes alarm. We use red for emergencies, such as a fire alarm. Red is automatically given a negative association. Therefore, when used in text, it puts the reader off and consequently on edge. Similarly, red is harder on the eyes, and therefore more difficult to read. This too detracts from the impact of your message on the reader.

Another frequent mistake is not responding quickly during email correspondence. Although you may have a load of emails, it's important that you do not forget to respond, nor take a significantly long time in crafting your response. Each customer is important, as you are to your businesses. It is important that your correspondent does not get discouraged or feel unimportant, insignificant. That business cannot be lost in such a harsh economy. Regular and speedy email correspondence is a simple way to lock in your customer. They will feel a need to continue with you, rather than finding another business. Similarly, when a business is contacting you, it is important that you extend this same etiquette. Replying is key. Even if you have no intentions of continuing with this business arrangement, let this knowledge be known, instead of allowing them to dangle, trying to grasp at straws. In this economy, it is not right to allow others to have false hope. Allow yourself to build a good reputation, that will let people recommend you, and allow your business to grow and flourish. You cannot risk being impolite.

If you are hiring a new employee, you may be receiving hundreds of resumes. Although this is an overwhelming task, it is important to respond to all applications. It will leave your company in a solid spot, with people who were not hired thinking well of you still. Make sure that your company always stands strong. Never burn bridges by acting without netiquette. Conduct yourself politely, and as cliché as it may sound, do what you would want others to do for you.

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