I might be a little dramatic here, but while I'm consciously not trying to exaggerate, using WhatsApp for business has been a significant source of frustration, misunderstanding, and the dissolution of my partnership. I thought I would share some advice about my experiences and why I think it’s important to understand what WhatsApp is good for and, more importantly, what it isn’t.
We All Use WhatsApp – But is it Right for Business?
WhatsApp is one of the most commonly used apps across the world. It allows you to message, call, send photos, and videos, and even share statuses. The problem arises when we stop being critical of the technology and its appropriate use cases. While it’s easy to get swept away by its benefits, WhatsApp isn’t ideal for all types of communication.
What Is WhatsApp Good For?
This is a subjective question, but for me, WhatsApp works best for 1:1 communication or small groups of 2-3 people. At this level of intimacy, conversations tend to remain meaningful and coherent, with fewer distractions or crossed wires.
What Isn’t WhatsApp Good For?
Anything that would normally require formality or clear documentation. This is why it isn’t suited for business, for several reasons:
Distraction
WhatsApp is full of distractions, from pings to notifications. Trying to conduct meaningful conversations in such an environment is like having a serious business meeting in a noisy club. Psychology has shown that multi-tasking makes us less efficient, and WhatsApp can derail focused communication.
Unprofessional Behaviour
Informality and lack of accountability on WhatsApp often lead to behaviors that wouldn’t be acceptable in a professional setting. People ignore messages, respond selectively, or leave you waiting. This wouldn’t happen face-to-face and should be unacceptable in business too.
Poor Accountability
In business, accountability is key, and WhatsApp is terrible for maintaining a professional record. Unlike email, WhatsApp’s message threads can become messy, making it hard to track commitments or discussions retrospectively.
It implies You’re Always Available
WhatsApp gives the impression that you’re accessible 24/7, and this can blur the lines between work and personal time. Setting clear boundaries is harder when everyone assumes they can reach you at any time.
What’s the Solution?
I believe the answer is old-fashioned email. Email provides formality, a better expectation for response time, and superior accountability. It’s easier to track, search, and follow up on important business matters. For business purposes at The Tinnitus Guy, we’ve stopped using WhatsApp entirely, opting for email for everything important.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has its place in our personal lives, but in business, it can do more harm than good. At The Tinnitus Guy, we limit its use to personal matters and keep important communication via email, where we can manage it effectively. What do you think? Agree or disagree?
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