I am a recruiter and use SMS for getting hold of candidates during the working day. It’s discrete, usually instant and can be recalled accurately later. Ideal for directions, job details and specific instructions. I do tend to email from my pc though, as I can use templates / cut & paste and the PC keyboard is faster.

There's a very simple reason business people don't use SMS messaging much. You confuse SMS with "communicating". Good communication needs to ensure all parties clearly understand the message and SMS fails to ensure this. With SMS, there is no way that the sender knows the intended recipient got the message and that message is clearly understood. Business people will/should try and talk with the other party. It's more personal, it "opens the door" for further discussion, but above all, its simply better "communication". Would you accept that perfect job offer with a txt? Would you close a multi million dollar sale with a txt? How do you set up an appointment time that suits two busy people using one way communication?

SMS has it's place - but in the business world, it is limited - eg. "call me when your free"

I'm with you on this subject, I especially think communicating with customers via cell phone works when confirming appointments, reminding customers of meetings and notification if you are going to be late for an appointment (especially handy for trades people and sales reps on the road). The key with using this as a regular form of communication is making sure the customer is happy with it. Generally it doesn't need to cost the business anything as all the cellular providers offer plans with free texting options. I would draw the line at using it as another marketing tool, personally I would be rather upset if I started getting texts from a company trying to sell me something.

My hairdresser texts to confirm appointments, and I have had this from restaurants too. And you can reply with YES to confirm. Very handy.

I frequently send and receive sms from colleagues, but not so often to clients. SMS is good directions & meeting locations, as you can refer back to it unlike a phone call, and don't have to open your laptop to get it.

The lack of smart phones doesn't make sense as a deterrent for SMS as you don't need a smart phone for SMS. In fact if anything I would think smart phones would discourage SMS as they make email just as easy as SMS.

This is a really interesting blog, although I can't comment on the status of the communication down under, here in Britain SMS communications for large business is thriving... aql, a leading telecommunications specialist sits at the fore-front of SMS communication market. The technology works throughout the globe even in New Zealand. OK so it costs a little more than sending from a cell phone, but you get a much more for your money. Branded headers, scheduled alerts, send easily from an email. Take a look at the website aql.com and become an expert in real-time communications, direct to your customers palm.

I agree with C#2

Besides that, for those whose lives are that 'seriously' busy-they already have personal assistants.For the nations mere mortals [99%] who 'think' they are busy-would it not be better Debbie to blog about time management skills?For example, when you dropped your ring off at the jewellers did you ask them when it WOULD be ready-2 days-2 weeks?Most jewellers have a pretty good idea.You could have then collected your ring next time you were in the 'vacinity' of the jewellers-this is how we did it in your mothers day.Or did you get the SMS and think to yourself "oh I,m always so busy! I HAVE to go to the jewellers NOW?".With the inventions of dishwashers, SMS ect-I cannot believe the anxiety shown by the young-over the matter of time-I'm very old and 'relativly' busy too-with grand children.

Because it simply isn't used for effective communication. SMS falls largely into the category of ill-thought out SPAM, and most senders have no problem following up with emails and voice mail, just to add to the confusion.

SMS can be good but when it is ill thought out, as it generally is, it becomes time consuming nonsense that results in a 3 to ten text exchange over 10 minutes that could have been resolved in a 50 second phone call. Basically it is inadequate for anything but the simplest statements and even then misinterpretation occurs.

My Mechanic sends an SMS when my car is ready to pick-up from servicing or if there is a delay. Its fantastic and greatly appreciated.

I use email to document the agreement detail and provide an audit trail for later reference. SMS has limited usefulness for me - mostly just coordinating travel and meetings or updating small details.