Three Common Texting Mistakes in Business Communication
Texting is quick, convenient, and an increasingly common way of business communication. But with that convenience comes the risk of miscommunication. Here are three common mistakes people make when texting for business—and how to avoid them.
1. Being Too Casual
Business texting doesn’t require the same formality as an email, but it shouldn’t be too casual. Skipping greetings, using excessive abbreviations, or emojis can send the wrong message.
Example of a Mistake: “Hey! U free for a quick call 2day?”
While this might work in a personal setting, it can come across as unprofessional in business.
How to Fix It: Instead, write: “Hi [Name], are you available for a quick call today?”
2. Being Unclear or Vague
In a rush, it’s easy to send texts that lack clarity. If the recipient has to guess what you’re asking or discussing, texting becomes inefficient.
Example of a Mistake: “Can you get that report to me soon?”
“That report” and “soon” are vague. What report? And when exactly is “soon”?
How to Fix It: Instead, write: “Could you send me the Q3 financial report by 3 PM today?”
3. Sending Long, Overly Detailed Texts
Texts are meant to be short and to the point. Sending a lengthy message with too much information defeats the purpose of texting and can overwhelm the recipient.
Example of a Mistake: “Hey, I wanted to let you know that I’ve spoken with the team, and we’re thinking of moving the meeting from Wednesday to Friday, but we haven’t finalized it yet because we’re waiting on approval from Sarah, who’s out of office, and we need to coordinate with the others as well…”
How to Fix It: Instead, write: “Meeting change: Can we move from Wed to Fri? Waiting for Sarah’s approval.”
By avoiding these common texting mistakes, you can communicate more clearly and professionally, ensuring that your messages are effective without creating confusion or frustration.