| Sell It, Don’t Cell It. | July 5th, 2008 |
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Figuring out basic cell phone etiquette isn’t rocket science. Nevertheless, I see agents using their phones inappropriately all the time, from talking on the phone in a bathroom stall to chattering away during an open house or brokers tour. I have a personal policy of never answering the phone when I’m engaged in face-to-face business. This courtesy is generally extended to personal friends as well. I believe anyone I’m with should know that they are the most important person in my life at that moment. Short of it being a personal emergency, whoever is calling can wait. I also avoid using my phone in public spaces where others can hear me. The author Jonathan Franzen has written about the invasion of privacy in public spaces, when we are forced to listen to someone’s phone call. I can’t say I don’t talk on the phone in public, but I like to think I generally avoid using it in places like the grocery line or when I’m paying a clerk for a purchase. For those who haven’t gotten the message about good cell phone matters, July is national cell phone courtesy month, a celebration begun by Judith Whitmore five years ago. Judith runs etiquette camps in Palm Beach (I could go on a riff about that, but won’t). Here are a handful of tips about how to properly use your cell phone in public– The Person You are with is the Most Important Person To Talk To. This is at the top of any list. Use Text Messaging to Simplify Your Life. I’ve just recently discovered the beauty of text-messages. They are great timesavers and an ideal way to send/receive important information when I’m in a public area. Change the Ringing Tones on Your Phone to Match the Environment You Are In. Never thought of this one. I think it’s directed at those who like to use rap music samplers. Use a loud ring for outdoors – but inside, use silent or vibrating options. I nearly always keep my phone ringer off, mostly because I hate the actual sound of the ring. You can only hear “Fur Elise” so many times. I know I can download something better, but figuring out how doesn’t rank high on my list of things to do. Turn off Your Phone During Public Performances or While In Public Spaces. This one is a gimme– although I would add trains, buses, restaurants and grocery stores. Don’t Engage In “Cell Yell.” Love that term. We all forget that our hands free microphones can pick up even a whisper. But sometimes we can’t help it if we think the reception is going. San Francisco topography makes cell reception a special challenge. I nearly always lose calls on the Bay Bridge, and all good agents know they have to terminate a conversation when winding their way towards Twin Peaks. Reception quality often hinges on your carrier. CellReception.com offers reader reviews of reception quality, according to carrier and neighborhood. Most San Francisco posters agree that AT&T universally sucks– which explains why iPhone users are having trouble talking to people who aren’t as cool as they are. Verizon and T-Mobile seem to get better rankings. Leave a Reply |
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A study of real estate clients revealed that sellers and buyers resent their agent having a wireless ear piece stuck to the side of their head while meeting face-to-face with the client. It suggested to the client that the agent was ready to take a call, and that an incoming call would have more importance than the face-to-face conversation with that client. 