Business texts the ‘next big thing’ – Voda

Ur sackd, gudby

By Tim Richardson, 25th February 2004

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Vodafone is looking to drum up extra revenues by getting business users to text more.

Not just the preserve of kids, gossips and lovers, the monster mobilephoneco reckons that although currently under-used, texting is the next "big thing" for business people.

To prove its point, it's laid its hands on some research which shows that seven in ten employees never send work-related texts.

The ones that do text are often in "tight-knit groups of 'friendly' contacts", says Vodafone, with nine in ten workers saying they only text colleagues they know really well.

Only a quarter of those quizzed said they would consider sending text messages to business contacts people they do not know, while fewer than one in ten currently texts external suppliers.

Said Mark Bond, head of business marketing for Vodafone UK in a statement: "It is interesting that a phenomenon that we are all so familiar with in our personal lives seems to meet with resistance in a business environment where clear, concise communication is so key.

"For those unsure about using text messaging at work, it may be helpful to think of it as a simpler version of email rather than something you only use between close friends."

Texting certainly can be a "clear, concise" message-delivery medium. Last year, for example, some 3,000 workers at the Accident Group were given the boot after the no win, no fee personal injury claims outfit went titsup with debts of more than £30m. ®

Sacked-by-text staff win compensation

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