Millennials: Why Your Business Etiquette Matters More Than Ever

In a two-part series Julie Ma, Digital Marketing Manager at Mambo, will be exploring the topic of business communications for the millennial generation (also known as Generation Y with birth dates from the early 1980s to the early 2000s). She’ll be sharing the latest trends and offer tips for how Millennials can better communicate with their employers (after all…she is one herself!) and how employers can maximize their communication and potential to benefit the overall success of their companies. 

Quick facts:

• 88% of Millennials are optimistic about finding a job
• Just 6 in 10 Millennials have jobs, half are part-time
• 41% of Millennials do what their managers tell them to do, which is greater than older generations
• 43% say that texting is just as meaningful as an actual conversation with someone over the phone

The Millennial Generation: A generation comprised of individuals (you!) who are extremely ambitious, have the highest of expectations (for themselves and those they connect with…ahem…brands), and have grown up in a world where social communication is amplified by technology. The world has offered you an economy that has you experiencing your “first round of lay-offs.” It has you moving back into your parent’s house because you don’t have a steady income, and now you’re working harder (be that for someone or yourself) than ever before.

Regardless of how much money you may have in your checking account, good business etiquette directly relates to how you are perceived. It can make or break a potential opportunity that you may have with an employer or client. Jobs are hard to come by at the moment and you must go the extra mile to grow your career. We may spend more time on our mobile phones than any other age group and communicate in abbreviated words and slang, but work communications remain surprisingly traditional. Below are several etiquette tips to consider before you send your next email, Tweet, SnapChat, or Facebook message:

Business communication etiquette:

• Consider your audience. Pay close attention to the communication styles of your boss. You might like texting, but your boss may deem it unproductive.
• Remember the golden rule: ask questions for better communication.
• Realize that sometimes nothing is better than face-to-face conversation.

Email (still the most preferred method of business communication):

• Respond in a timely manner. Business-realm protocol expects a 24-hour response if not sooner.
• Be aware of sending/forwarding emails with contact addresses to strangers.
• Use punctuation. Know the difference between they’re and their, we’re and were.
• Never use text lingo and proof read all your messages.

Text messaging:

• Don’t text message a co-worker unless requested or you’ve asked for permission.
• If it’s urgent, pick up the phone, no texting!
• Don’t send a text when you can send an email (most business professionals check their email on their phones up to 34 times a day). Older generations tend to prefer email.
• Never text bad news.

Phone calls:

• Know when it is appropriate or expected. A good time to pick up the phone is if there is a risk of your “tone” being misunderstood and a face-to-face is not possible.
• During business hours answer your mobile phone like you would your office landline, “Good afternoon, this is John…” No one likes to hear, “What’s up?” at 8 a.m.

Social media:

• Posts on social media last forever. There are countless case studies in which employees have gotten themselves fired due to their social posts. Think before you post and never criticize or vent about a co-worker, boss, client, or company. Privacy does not exist in social media.
• Always include a profile picture. This should be a professional headshot in which you are dressed appropriately.
• Claim your name and create your identity. Our social profiles ultimately promote ourselves, but they have the capability to promote the work you do, connect and learn from others – even land a job! Be transparent and use your name (or the same handle) across all channels so people have different opportunities to reach you.
• Be weary of username and passwords! Are you managing your company’s Twitter handle? Use the same laptop at work as you do at home? Make sure you are logged out of all work accounts before you jump into any personal accounts – this includes mobile. Even two years later, this Red Cross case study still serves as a popular reminder.

Are you a Millennial or one that hires Millennials? I want to hear your tips on how we can better communicate in business. Leave me your tips below or tweet me @JulieMa. What are lessons you’ve learned that you want to share with others?

At the end of the day we’re in this together!