Timesaver Tip: Social Networking Profiles

Have you ever visited a social profile that takes forever to load?

Common reasons for a slow loading profile are usually:

1) There are too many images, slideshows and/or videos posted to the profile

and/or

2) The images that are posted are not optimized for the web - the files are simply too large in size, requiring a lot of bandwidth to view them. Many folks don’t have time to wait around for images to load and they’ll opt to be on their way before you know it.

Keeping your profile clean and simple without a lot of excess media and display of extra applications that are available on some profiles is the best way to assure a quick-loading page, which allows the best experience for your visitor. Be sure to “quality-check” your own profile regularly and assure that it loads quickly.

When posting comments to other profiles, keep in mind that large, oversized images are generally not appreciated. Always keep your comments to others short and sweet, and if you include an image, always consider its size. Be kind and keep it simple.

Remember: “It’s About TIME”

LisaDu
Virtually Ready

Timesaver Tip: Voicemail Messages

There seems to be a general inconsistency when it comes to the level of etiquette where voicemail messages are concerned. Here are a few tips that I would like to share about how to best convey your messages to others and save some time for you and your callers.

When setting up your voicemail to receive messages, always state your name, company name and your current status in a brief, friendly statement. Make your message as clear and concise as possible. Instruct your callers to state their name, phone number and a brief message and you will be sure to get back to them as soon as possible. Keep it as simple as possible. Please don’t waste your caller’s time by having them wait for a long, drawn out message as to why you can’t make it to the phone right now.

When leaving a voicemail message for someone else, many people are so rushed that they don’t take their time to leave a clear and concise message. The phone number is rambled off so quickly that the recipient cannot possibly jot it down that quickly and must re-play the message at least once to get it right. Others may leave a message that is entirely too lengthy - classic TMI (too much information). A good rule of thumb is to always state your name, company, reason for calling and your phone number. It is very helpful to precede your phone number with something like, “you may reach me at the following phone number…” so the recipient can prepare to write it down. Even better, repeat your name, company and phone number again before you hang up. Providing a phonetic spelling of your name is considered common courtesy as well, especially in the day & age of cell phone “can you hear me now?” situations. Doing this may take a little more time for you, but it portrays good business phone etiquette and cuts back on the potential for the recipient to have to “replay” your message again, which would be a potentially frustrating time-waster for them. Even better, provide them with a “best time to call” to avoid playing phone tag. If you prefer email communications, you can leave your email address as well - but again, be sure to spell it out phonetically for the recipient so they are certain to receive your accurate contact information.

Remember: “It’s About TIME”

LisaDu
Virtually Ready