Is Mobile the way to Run a Business?
Is mobile the way to run a business? This may be more of a pet peeve than good solid advice—but not only do I run a business (from my computer), I’m also a reader of many blogs and I’m a writer.
I was recently reading an article about writing for people on mobile devices. This means your writing should be short and to the point—that’s not a bad thing, it’s actually a good rule of thumb. But after seeing Internet pages on my cell phone, I wonder how much is too much.
More and more we are becoming a mobile society and that has its advantages, but shouldn’t we draw the line somewhere? I know many people now check and respond to email through their Blackberry mobile devise or other mobile devise. For quick messages to indicate you’re out of the office this is fine—but I personally don’t think business should be done on a Blackberry or any other cell phone device. Why? Because being limited to a character count your message can be misconstrued and not clear. You can’t run a full blown business in a few short words.
I’ve recently had this problem. I was contacted about some freelance work and each time I’ve inquired about the specifics of the project, I get a short message with no details and underneath the message it informs me it was sent from a Blackberry device.
If you travel with your work and have to keep up with it on your mobile device, this is great—just don’t use it as your only way to communicate. Most people own a laptop with wireless capabilities these days and wi-fi hotspots are on just about every street corner—even in rural areas—check out McDonalds. Not to mention that Netbooks with built-in broadband are extremely cheap these days.
I recently sent out a guest blog post to another writer. The message I received from him was the way business should be done when mobile. He simply explained he was traveling and would get back to me when he was at his computer. He did not try to conduct business with 500 characters from a mobile device. I like this guy.
Updating Twitter, Facebook and Myspace from your mobile device is one thing, but if you want to run a business, please do it from your computer so you can give specific details in replies to queries. If you’re away from your computer, then explain you’re mobile and will respond as soon as you can (from a computer or Netbook.) This is not only more professional, it shows that you care about how you conduct business.
If you’re wondering; Yes, I am one of those people who form perfect sentences and use proper grammar when I send text messages on my cell phone. The few times I’ve had to use this new txting language—I simply cringe. LOL is about the only thing I don’t cringe at. Shortcuts like msg, l8tr, txt, pls, plz, drive me nuts. Does it mean I’m old-fashioned and behind the times? No, it means I truly love our written language and I hate to see it botched all to hell and back—and maybe I am old-fashioned because I’m also one of those people who believe the reader wants to see the personal side of the writer—they want to see a little bit of purple prose in what you have to say. Writing tight and short messages is necessary at times, but don’t forget the human side of doing and running a business.
Go mobile if you must and let your contacts know you’re mobile, but run your business professionally—from your computer—not your mobile device. Grab your laptop and find a wi-fi hot spot—that’s what I do when I travel.
Image courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29881930@N00/2086643318/
Written by Patti Stafford from Patti StaffordPosted on January 22nd, 2010 and filed under Writing
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10 Responses to “Is Mobile the way to Run a Business?”
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Brava, Patti, I too am an old-fashioned journalist.
It’s not the device that runs a business.
Since I have my iPhone I daresay I use it for 90% of the things I did on my laptop. I use it for quick messages, sure, but the (well written) mails from my phone are exact the same as from my laptop. Also all my contacts, important files, whatever is on my laptop, it’s on my phone too, so again no difference.
Ok, you might argue about working space, that it might be cumbersome to operate, but that’s a personal thing. No problems for me.
In today’s fast paced world I would hardly think that anyone would disagree that there has to be some mobility in today’s business world. However, I do think that there are people that appreciate a business not being run on the fly!
I think mobile is the most important gadget now-a-days. And yes of course using it you can run your business really well.. I think for everyone mobile becomes necessity.
very useful posting
Thanks and Have a nice weekend!
I work in mobile and I see absolutely nothing wrong with conducting business “communications” with mobile. We live in a world where in some countries, majority of web surfing, e-mail, etc are conducted with your mobile rather than on a computer.
Do you know that mobile penetration is higher than computer / internet penetration in most countries?
To send e-mail communications via Blackberry is the norm in the business world. It’s where you are constantly connected while on the go. You no longer need to be bound to a desk to work. You can view, edit on Ms Office documents on your mobile. Smartphones are so business friendly and advanced that there’s almost nothing that your computer can do that your smartphone can’t.
If mobile e-mail seems impersonal to you, then best make a phone call to discuss or arrange to meet in person. There – again the mobile comes into play.
For speed to make decisions and move quick enough as market demands, mobile e-mail or communications is the way to go. Nevertheless, big decisions still needs face to face meetings, but once a general goal is determined, execution can be done via mobile. No doubt.
I very much agree with this because using a mobile phone device to actually manage your site is not the best way, until the technology of doing so is available I believe laptops and computers are the best ways to run a website.
Thanks for all the great comments everyone–even if you don’t agree with my personal preference.
I think mobile is more attractive to the younger generation.
After trying to view webpages and email on my mobile device–my eyes aren’t as good as they once were. I simply prefer a big computer screen and full-sized keyboard.
I would like to use mobile for day to day dealings.But for business dealings If we use mobiles it will not be comfortable.