Modern life is now defined by life with phones. Make sure you're using yours in the right ways.iPhones and Droids have invaded our lives. Think back to the brick that sat in the front of your car and the first cordless phone in your house; I guarantee you never would have imagined that these clunky pieces of technology would soon lead technology that would provide directions anywhere in the world, pay for food at a restaurant, and serve as a platform for something as addictive as Angry Birds. Mobile technology has completely changed the world, but along with it, there are some basic rules one must follow surrounding the phone.
Cell phones have given us the ability to hold personal conversations in public places. Think about calls before cell phones; they were either made in the office, home, or car. Cell phones have changed the game, calls are now made anywhere and everywhere. Unfortunately, some people haven’t grasped that private conversations should not be made in public. It’s not appropriate to talk about business deals in an elevator and its even less appropriate to talk about last night’s sex while in a crowded restaurant. Make sure you bring a filter to your private calls in public places, and if the person on the other end of the line is taking you down a dangerous slope, call them back!
Second, make sure you are aware of your volume while on the phone. Everyone knows the guy who is a little older, has lost a little bit of hearing, and seems to be yelling across the room when on the phone. Unfortunately, some people seem to believe that if they are having a difficult time hearing the person on the other end of the line, the fix is to raise their voice in response. This does not work. Be aware of your volume (others are aware of your volume). Make sure you arent speaking above the crowd. If you need to speak above the crowd, you probably shouldn’t be on the phone.
Finally, it's important to know when to put the phone away. Not only are people making calls at inappropriate moments, people are now texting, emailing, Facebooking, Tweeting, and pinning all the time. If you’re in a meeting, at the dinner table, or talking to a friend, ignore the cell phone all together. Make sure the ringer is on silent. If you are expecting a call or need to take a call, ask permission from the people with you. Unless you are transporting a kidney or running a large company it is more likely that the call, text or email can wait.
Marc Streisand is president and owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, and takes the custom clothing business very personally. Having enjoyed a successful career in the clothing industry since 1985, Marc brings his clients extensive specialized experience in menswear. Prior to taking over the Marc Allen store in March 2005, he cultivated his knowledge of luxury male attire in New York and his home state of New Jersey, where he began his vocation at Wallach's Specialty Stores. Nothing gives him greater pleasure, he says, than seeing raw cloth transformed into a custom outfit that can directly impact his customer's lifestyle.
