Do:

1. Turn off your BlackBerry when requested (Hospitals, Airplanes, Labs, Dr. Offices, etc)
2. Keep the ringer on silent or vibrate at least when you are in meetings.   We all use a great application that silences sounds when your calendar shows busy!  I know, how great is that?  Here is the link if you are interested and currently they are 50% off.  Fixmo Tools.
3. Pull off the road when you absolutely must answer a message or phone call
   1. Handsfree is the only way to do this legally in most states and provinces, we have some information about some cool apps HERE
4. Keep phone conversations as short as possible, you’ll save money in the long run
5. Find out cost savings measures through our training or call your Carrier.
   1. If you text but aren’t on a plan, maybe you should be
   2. If you are Canadian and answer calls when you travel in Canada, you shouldn’t be.  There is a free way to do this.
   3. Does Unlimited data mean free around the world?  Unlikely.    Find out what your plan really covers and understand it.

Don’t:

1. Answer messages / phone during meetings, interviews, public performances, etc.
2. Answer messages / phone at museums or churches
3. Answer messages / phone while driving unless you are handsfree.  Did you know Oprah has a huge movement going called “No Phone Zone”  Find out more HERE
4. Walk and Type (you’ll walk into somebody or something and there are even reported deaths)
5. Leave the ringer on loud in a restaurant
6. Talk too loudly – Respect the people around you wherever you are, on a bus, in a restaurant, coffee shop, etc
7. Put your BlackBerry on the table at restaurants / bars / lounges (it’s disrespectful to the people you are with, and you might forget it when you leave)
8. Answer unimportant calls / messages at the Gym

Things to remember:

1. When in doubt turn the ringer off or use Fixmo and don’t answer messages
2. Every time you answer work messages during non-work hours you’re effectively working for free!  How much are you really working for every hour if you add up after hours?
3. Try to imagine how the person across the table feels when you are answering your BlackBerry… would you want somebody to do that to you?  It is disrespectful and downright rude.  The only time I think it is ok is if you are expecting an extremely urgent call and you forewarn the person that you might have to get an urgent call.