It is extremely rare to find anyone without a cell phone in their pocket or purse. As a society, we rely heavily on them: from keeping in touch with loved ones to carrying out business transactions, from taking photographs on vacation to busting boredom. How do you ensure that you use your cell phone professionally? We offer our top tips below.
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Have two cell phones
Relying on the same phone for business and personal use can cause huge problems. Imagine the embarrassment of being in a meeting with a potential client and showing them a video of a produce. PING! “Hope you’re having a lovely day, snuggle bug!” It could be much worse! Having a separate cell for personal use ensures that, unless you give your business number to people who possibly shouldn’t have it, this kind of situation can be easily avoided.
Furthermore, by having a second phone, you can ensure that you have just the apps you need for business on the work one. This allows more storage for any photos or videos you may want to take as part of promotional work.
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Security
Make sure that all of your business and client details are secure. As a minimum, use a passcode or facial recognition on your cell to prevent any information you have stored on there getting into the wrong hands.
Consider a VPN, but do make sure that you carry out in depth research to ensure the one you choose meets all of your requirements. Data leaks appear incredibly unprofessional and could put the whole business in jeopardy.
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Privacy
Yes, cell phones are an amazing invention and allow you to converse whenever and wherever you are. However, you need to take into account that all and sundry do not need to be privy to the information you are sharing with colleagues and clients. Try to make sure you find yourself a quiet spot to take and make calls.
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Focus
When you’re in a meeting with someone, make sure you have your phone on silent. Obviously, if you are expecting a call in relation to the get-together, that is a different matter, but generally, it’s rude and interrupts the flow of conversation. It is easy to forget to use silent mode and if that does happen to you, apologise immediately and do not take the call. This sends out the signal that the person ringing is more important than the one right in front of you.
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Video Conferencing
Not all calls are voice calls these days. Skype and Facetime are popular methods to have virtual meetings. Do take into account where you are when you’re taking the video call; even if you are in your own home, there may be something inappropriate in the background that you don’t want the whole world seeing. Consider what you are wearing as well; casual shorts and a tee might work for you, but they don’t project the professional image you ought to be aiming for.
Professionalism is vital in whatever industry you work. Following our simple tips can really help to make a difference to the way you, and your business, are viewed.