Hardware & Equipment | 15 Sep 2008 :
Almost half of small business managers and owners in Ireland reported using SMS messaging for business communications, according to a new study by 02 and TNS MRBI. The numbers using texting for business has increased from 29% four years ago to almost half (49%) today.
Despite some 81% of those surveyed using texting for personal use, the study found that only two thirds (66%) know how to use predictive text..
"Texting for business purposes has entered the mainstream, although it is still behind personal SMS usage trends," commented Billy D'Arcy, head of corporate & business sales, O2 Ireland. "Convenience and cost effectiveness are probably the primary reasons. Often it is easier to reach a business person or get a response by text than by voice."
While texting has entered the mainstream for business people, says the survey, the study suggests mixed attitudes to blogging. Almost half of SME owner managers are unaware of what a blog is. However, of those who are aware of blogging, a quarter claim to read them
"In view of the fact that only half are aware of blogging, it is noteworthy that as many as a quarter of these take the time to read them," added D'Arcy. The study also shows that just over one in 16 (6%) SME respondents has started a business blog while 5% are personal bloggers."