How to start a formal conversation on WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is no longer just a place where we go on a stag do with buddies, let's face it. Business life, official correspondence, customer relations... It's all leaked on WhatsApp somehow. As such, it can be a little confusing to balance formality with the convenience of instant messaging. At this point, the famous question appears: how to start a formal conversation on WhatsApp? So, how to start an official chat on WhatsApp? This question has become one of the golden rules of staying afloat in the digital world. Because the first impression means everything here, too! A wrong entry can overshadow even your brightest idea. As a social media agency, we take the pulse of this issue and have come to you with useful, sincere advice that will guide you through this digital maze. Come on, let's take a look at how to open the door to official chats on WhatsApp!

Small But Vital Preparations Before the First Message

Okay, you'll be texting on WhatsApp, it's not rocket science. But wait a second! Especially if you have an official intention or if you are contacting the other person for the first time, there is a little preliminary preparation to be done before they hit the "Send" button, which can change everything. "What is the need, dear?" Don't say. Just like when you take one last look at your presentation before an important meeting, this is something like it. Your first message is your first contact in a digital environment, that is, a kind of digital handshake. Therefore, thinking about who you are writing to without sending your message, what you are going to write, and why you are writing, saves you from many potential problems. A hastily, half-written message, despite all your good intentions, "should I not take it seriously?" he can make the other side say, Oh, be careful.

So, what are we going to do in this preparation? First of all, get to know the person you are going to message. Name, surname, title... It is very important to know and use them correctly. If you can confirm it from a public profile or a mutual acquaintance, it would be great. Next, your message should have a clear purpose. What do you want? Are you going to provide information, an appointment, or an offer? The clearer your goal is, the more effective your message will be. And here's the thing: if you have a file, a link, or something that you need to share, have it ready at hand. Recently, a friend of mine wrote to an HR manager on WhatsApp to apply for a job. But he doesn't have a CV ready, nor does he have a clear idea of the position. Well, obviously, the conversation is a little up in the air. Preparation is necessary to prevent such situations. Remember, showing respect starts with respecting the other party's time as well. Avoiding texting too early or too late is also part of this respect, unless there is an emergency.

First Message: Passwords for the Perfect Opening

Preparations are complete, now it's time to write that first message! On WhatsApp, the first impression is made in seconds, and it can be very difficult to change it later. Since we are not face to face, there are no gestures, gestures; everything remains in words. That's why your first message should be both professional and suitable for your purpose. Just "Hi" or "Hi, how are you?" such an introduction as that remains really too weak for a formal conversation. If the person you are talking to doesn't know you, he probably won't even respond to this kind of message, or at best, "Who is this, I wonder?" he thinks. If you don't have a good first message, the essentials are actually very simple:

• A Polite Greeting: Start with phrases such as "Ahmet Bey hello," or "Mr. Yilmaz,". If you know the person's position, addressing them by their first name instead of phrases such as "My Manager" usually offers a more modern and balanced formality.
• Don't Introduce Yourself Clearly: "I'm from [Your First Name, Last Name], [Your Company/Position]." This allows the other party to recognize you immediately and creates trust.
• Clearly Stating Your Reason for Reaching Out: "I wanted to meet/get information about [the topic] with you." or "I'm reaching out to you at the direction of a [Contact Name] we know in common, like ". Without making a mistake, it is important to get to the point.
• Don't Be Short and Concise: No one has time to read long messages. Try to describe your pastime in a few sentences.

In addition, it is very important to pay attention to spelling rules, avoid slang or excessive abbreviations. Be sure to read it once before sending your message. "I wonder if I am misunderstood?" Ask yourself that. For example, "I was very impressed by your presentation at the [Event Name] event you attended last week, and I would like to arrange a short conversation with you about [the topic]. I am [Your First Name is your Last Name], [Your company is]. a message like "is both respectful and clear a start. Definitely avoid using emojis in your first message. Remember, this first message is your digital business card; the more attentive it is, the better impression you will make.

Not Giving Up Professionalism While the Conversation is Flowing

You made a great entrance, the conversation has started. And then what? The main thing is to maintain this professional posture throughout the conversation. Maintaining the seriousness in the first message, and then suddenly switching to a lighthearted attitude, on the other side, "What the hell is going on?" can have an effect. There is no need to get caught up in the relaxed mood of WhatsApp. If it's official, the platform doesn't matter. It is best not to wait too long when responding, but not to get into the rush of raising an answer in a second. Even making a confirmation, such as "I received your message, I'm reviewing it as soon as possible," makes the other party feel that they are cared for. The language you use should always be clear, understandable, and respectful. It is useful to stay away from unnecessary intimacy, jokes that will distract the subject (at least at the beginning of the relationship).

An important point is to keep the conversation on the main topic. Of course, we are human beings, sometimes the subject may slip a little, but it is a requirement of professionalism to immediately construct and return to the main issue. If the discussion is prolonged, complicated, or comes to a sensitive point, "I think it would be better if we talk about this on the phone. When are you available?" With a proposal like this, it might be wise to move the issue to another platform. Remember, every message is your digital footprint. With what you write, you are not only exchanging information but also building your own professional brand. That's why being conscious and attentive at all times, even when having a formal conversation on WhatsApp, will save you a lot in the long run. In Turkish, politeness and professionalism always put a premium on the digital world as well!