When I speak about phone etiquette, I talk about how to leave a good message -- one that does not need to be replayed multiple times to obtain the information. One point I emphasize is the importance of always leaving a phone number; it is not practical to expect people to have all phone numbers readily available, so providing that information may expedite a response.

A reader recently shared details about her business that take this concept a step further. If you are texting a message to a business phone, include all pertinent information, just as you would with a voice message. What is your name? What are you inquiring about - should you include an order or account number? Are there any specific details that would help identify and/or facilitate a fast answer?

Texting is another form of communication -- it's fast, it's convenient, and it's discreet. We have become so reliant on our electronic devices that sometimes we forget human input is still required; there are no mind readers here -- yet! 

A number of years ago, in my role as coach of a T-ball team, I received a phone message from a parent, asking something about the next day's game. As she did not leave her phone number - and I didn't have it with me - it was a good six hours before I was able to give her the "yes" answer she was looking for. It was frustrating for both of us, as I knew she was waiting to make plans based on my response.

Leaving the appropriate information with a phone message is important; doing so when communicating by text is imperative!