Legal Research

"BlackBerry Behavior: Is It Hurting Your Reputation?"

Posted by Allison Shields: "Earlier this week I attended a networking breakfast and was struck by the poor etiquette displayed by some of the other attendees, particularly related to the use of their BlackBerrys. All of those present at the event were professionals at the top of their businesses, and yet they seemed unaware of the poor professional image their behavior conveyed.

Attendees on either side of me were more focused on their BlackBerrys than on what was being said by the presenters and other participants. One one side, a lawyer kept her BlackBerry on the table, and it vibrated almost constantly, making noise and disturbing the others at the table. Of course, every time it vibrated, the attorney couldn't resist looking at it and occasionally replying to emails/texts immediately. And she wasn't alone.

Of course, the same rules apply whether you have a BlackBerry, Treo, iPhone or other smart phone (or even a regular cell phone). While these tools can be a tremendous advantage for productivity and client responsiveness, if not used wisely they can become distractions that impact you in negative ways - not the least of which is presenting the impression that you are rude or don't care about the event you're attending or that the people you are with are unimportant.

I've compiled a short list of tips to consider, and I invite you to add to the list and continue the conversation:

1. If you are attending an event, meal, meeting or presentation, turn off your electronic devices...

2. If you are awaiting an important call or email, consider not attending the event so that you can attend to your important business;

3. If it is imperative that you attend the event, be sure that you keep your focus or attention on the event...

4. Remember that those around you are forming an impression of you AT ALL TIMES; if you are with a client and are checking your BlackBerry, reading emails, surfing the web, the client is going to think that you don't care about them or that you are not important to them;

5. Be aware that if you are replying to important emails while at dinner, a networking event or another meeting, you are not presenting your best self either at the event or in the email...

6. Even if your device is under the table or you think you are being discreet others in the room are well aware of what you are doing. Regardless of what you think, you are NOT getting away with it!

7. The smaller the meeting, the more noticeable your behavior...

8. Reconsider your definition of what is an 'urgent' matter and what can wait...

9. Bluetooth is a great technology, but it isn't a fashion statement. Remove your headset when in the presence of others.

10. Just because you engage in an activity by yourself doesn't mean that you are alone...

11. To my fellow Twitterers...

The full text of this post is available at the source site listed below

Source: Legal Ease Blog, 1 May 2009

Full post as published by Stark County Law Library Blawg on May 04, 2009 (boomark / email).