Surface Ripples

WhatsApp: Blessing or Curse?

Many of us now use the well-known messaging service WhatsApp - an app that performs across platforms whether they be Android or iOS.

WhatsApp allows us to communicate both with our nearest and dearest, our friends and groups that we’ve set up or of which we’re members. Rather like email however, there is in my opinion a proper way to use it.

First things first: we need to remember that when we send a WhatsApp message, we’re “intruding” into someone else’s “private space”.  We may have agreed that we’ll WhatsApp them (for example, when they’ve asked us for information).

The problem comes when people want to start a conversation and fail to plan it.  By this I mean, they need to compose in their minds what they want to say and then type it out in full.  How many times have we all received messages like this?

“Hello/hi there/good morning”

“I wanted to ask you something”

“Can you let me know…?”

“TVM”

It’s only with the third sentence in the above message that we get to the crux of the matter.  I’ve developed a habit of sending my message or question in full.  If the other person can answer it, right away, great.  If not (and it’s not urgent), I can wait. 

Do you have a “WhatsApp Etiquette” that you’ve developed for your business and/or for yourself?

I’ve spent more than half my life delivering change in different world markets from the most developed to “emerging” economies. With a wealth of international experience in international financial services around the world running different operations and lending businesses, I started my own Consultancy to provide solutions for improving performance, productivity and risk management.  I work with individuals, small businesses, charities, quoted companies and academic institutions across the world. An international speaker, trainer, author and fund-raiser, I can be contacted by email. My website  provides a full picture of my portfolio of services.  

Labels: Customer Care, Productivity, Teamwork

posted by William Martin @ 07:52