Tell My Cell

The other day some friends were chatting and the need to send texts to multiple recipients came up.  I hadn't had any need to do it so I couldn't readily give them any advice.  But not one to leave my friends without a solution, I did some research.  Turns out there are a lot of apps out there for doing just that, so in getting them an answer I thought I'd share it with you too. 

My first response to them was "I haven't really had a need for that because most of the folks I need to send message to en mass are likely sitting at a computer or are just more comfortable checking email for business and not as accustomed to getting and communicating through texts. But am I right? Do you communicate during your business day through text? Do you want to get notices about changes in meeting times or short messages via your phone rather than email?  Do you like the idea of "tell my cell"?  Or is texting and particularly group texting really better for getting news out about critical situations to those who need to act or respond quickly. It seems that group texts get used by companies for notifications such as systems that are down, unplanned but urgent meetings and so forth, where pre-programmed groups can be messaged easily.

You might want to do a search and see which of the many apps you like to make texting more efficient such as Easytext, but before you start using texting for business you might want to consider that most forms of texting are inappropriate to use in a business setting. How you text  reflects on the professionalism of your company, and it's far too easy to create misunderstandings with texting.  Today an email or telephone call is a better method for scheduling appointments, making requests or communicating an important idea.  And be careful not to cross professional barriers simply because you are using a form of communication associated with people's personal lives more than professional ones. Keep your text messages professional by using language that you would use in a work email or company memo. Use proper punctuation, and do not abbreviate words needlessly. Keep your messages brief -- but not so brief that your recipient does not understand your message. 

Remember the laws of priority....texts are still thought to be instant communication.  Be respectful of your recipient and respect those who text you.  If you need a response, ask for it.  If you are giving an update, say so. This helps the recipient know to respond accordingly.  Make sure you respond to texts that require a response as soon as you can.  If you need more time to respond, respond by texting that you are busy and will get back to them at your first available opportunity...and make sure you do so. 

Come join our discussion on our blog or I welcome your feedback through email.  

Don Pablo's operates 38 locations throughout DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MI, MN, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX and VA. The chain of Tex-Mex restaurants seeks to occupy spaces of 6,500 sq.ft. to 8,000 sq.ft. in freestanding locations and endcaps of shopping centers. Growth opportunities are sought throughout Wilmington, DE; Annapolis and Baltimore, MD, southern NJ, the Philadelphia, PA metropolitan area and northern VA during the coming 18 months, with representation by DJM Realty. The company prefers conversion of existing freestanding restaurants. For more information, contact James Avallone, DJM Realty, 445 Broadhollow Road, Suite 225, Melville, NY 11747

Vanity Shop of Grand Forks trades as Vanity at 175 locations nationwide throughout 28 states.  The stores, offering women's and junior's apparel, occupy spaces of 2,500 sq.ft. to 3,500 sq.ft. in enclosed malls.  Growth opportunities are sought throughout the existing market during 2013. Typical leases run five years.  A vanilla shell and specific improvements are required.  Preferred cotenants include Target. Major competitors include Aeropostale, Charlotte Russe and Wet Seal. For more information, contact Dane Tollefson, Vanity Shop of Grand Forks, 1001 25th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102-3116

Apple American Group, LLC trades as Applebee's at 340 locations throughout CA, DE, IN, MA, ME, MN, NH, NJ, NV, OH, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI and WV. The company prefers to occupy spaces of 5,000 sq.ft. in endcaps or freestanding locations. Growth opportunities are sought throughout the existing markets, exclusive of RI, and CO, ID and OR during the coming 18 months. Typical leases run 20 years with four, five year options. For more information, contact Patrick Eulberg, Apple American Group, LLC, 6200 Oak Tree Boulevard, Suite 250, Independence, OH 44131