Don't Click Until You See It on the Big Screen
By Laura Baker, Executive Director, written with the help of AI
Hello, Wyoming business champions! Today, we’re diving into a crucial piece of advice that can save you from a lot of headaches and heartaches. Picture this: you’re out in the field tending to your animals, preparing for a meeting with a client, or maybe you’re in your cozy shop attending to your customers. Your phone buzzes with an email notification. The subject line looks urgent, but wait—don’t click just yet! Let’s talk about why you should resist the temptation to open that email on your phone and save it for the big screen.
The Lure of Convenience
We get it. Smartphones are handy, and it’s incredibly convenient to check emails on the go. But convenience comes with its own set of pitfalls. Imagine trying to inspect a tiny seed for imperfections with a magnifying glass versus your naked eye. The magnifying glass—your desktop or laptop—reveals much more detail, right? The same principle applies to emails.
The Perils of Phishing
Phishing emails are like wolves in sheep’s clothing. They look like they’re from legitimate sources but are actually traps designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware. On a small screen, it’s easier to miss telltale signs of a phishing attempt. A suspicious email address or a slightly off logo can be harder to spot when you’re squinting at your phone. By waiting to open your emails on a larger screen, you give yourself a better chance of identifying these threats.
The Importance of Details
Emails often contain important details that are easier to review on a larger screen. Whether it’s a contract, an order, or a detailed inquiry from a customer, seeing the full layout of the email helps ensure you don’t miss critical information. It’s like viewing a blueprint of your business, ranch, or shop—everything is clearer, and you can make better decisions.
How to Cultivate the Habit
Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s talk about the how. Here are some practical tips to help you develop the habit of waiting until you’re at your computer to open emails:
1. Set Specific Times for Checking Emails
Allocate specific times during your day to check emails on your computer – the large screen. This not only helps you avoid the lure of your phone but also streamlines your workflow.
2. Mark Emails as Unread
If you accidentally open an email on your phone, mark it as unread. This serves as a reminder to review it in detail later on your desktop.
3. Educate Your Team
Ensure your team is also aware of the importance of this practice. A unified approach helps protect your entire business from potential email threats.
Real-life Scenarios
Let’s put this advice into a real-life context. Imagine receiving an email about a lucrative business partnership while you’re sitting in the airport. The email looks official, but there’s a small error in the sender’s address—a red flag that’s easier to spot on your computer. By waiting to review it later, you avoid falling into a phishing trap and instead, report it as spam to the rest of the company so no one else falls prey to the trap.
Or consider receiving an email with a large purchase order from a new customer. The order details are extensive, with multiple attachments. Trying to review it all on your phone could lead to mistakes or missed information. By waiting until you’re at your desk, you can ensure you fully understand and properly process the order.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of small, rural businesses, it’s tempting to use your phone for everything. But remember, patience is a virtue. By waiting to open emails on your computer, you protect your business from potential threats and ensure you don’t miss important details. So next time your phone buzzes, take a deep breath and say to yourself, “Don’t click until you see it on the big screen!”
Stay safe, stay smart, and keep thriving!
Do you have any tips or stories about email safety? Share them with us at info@cyberwyoming.org. Let’s keep our rural Wyoming businesses safe together.
