Small Business Management

Cell phones are addicting enough but it gets worse for those of us with Smartphones. Of course, there are so much very good reasons why you’d want a Smartphone. I’m not going to dispute any of them here but what I do believe is there are times when you do need to turn your phone off (or put it on a silent mode) for a maximum positive return. Here are the top 7 situations:

1. When you sleep – Those 10% discount offers or the “Ok boss, I am working on this project” emails aren’t important enough to sacrifice your sleep for. Turn your phone off  before you go to sleep. Don’t leave it on a vibrating mode because that can still disrupt your sleep. I know I can never sleep soundly when my phone is vibrating.

Power tip: Try turning your phone off an hour before you go to bed so you get to do your daily review/journal/bed time stories/meditation etc. without any disruptions. Try it for 7 days and you’ll find yourself a much happier person.

2. Brainstorming - Good brainstorming requires undivided attention. Turn your phone off.

3. Important projects – Now, I know most of us use our phones for work but I’d like to introduce you to a very powerful concept. It’s called voice mail. Let your voice mail take your calls while you’re working on important projects. This will improve your focus and allow you to get more jobs done in less time and produce better quality results. You can always review your emails and voice messages and return them later.

4. Client meetings etc. – This is an extreme example but I’ve had a business owner try to sell me stuff and then excuse themselves to take a call. I understand that  if their building is on fire or if they need to get some additional information for me but other than that, it’s just plain rude. When you are with a client, that client deserves your full attention.

Power tip: I know most of us don’t answer calls during client meetings but avoid glancing at your phone to quickly read emails or text messages either. Be present in the meeting. It forms a better connection with people and it usually helps those people who are in sales.

5. Movies, Lunch, Dates – Avoid taking calls or answering text messages when you’re out with your family and friends. This is important not only because it lets you detach and de-stress but also because it’s a good way of maintaining relationships with them. There aren’t a lot of people who like to listen to you talking on the phone about the new pair of shoes you bought while you’re supposed to be having lunch or hanging out with them.

Power tip: If you catch yourself texting/emailing in the middle of a movie, lunch or date just put it down and apologize. A lot of us are addicted to our phones so as long as you’re honest and actually mean it when you say sorry, you could earn extra points just for trying to be polite.

You think there’s anything else? Ever been caught using your Smartphone in the middle of something else? Have a pet peeve about people using their phones at certain times? Just hit the comment button below.