Order of communications

I can still remember when there were only 2 methods of distance communication – the telephone and a letter.

The telephone was quite quick, but very expensive, especially over distance.
The letter was relatively cheap, but laboriously slow.
And somewhere in between sat . . .

the Telegram.

Relatively cheap and quick, (although the last sector was still delivered by hand!!), but you couldn’t say very much without it becoming expensive again.

Move forward a few decades and communications have become very cheap and we are spoiled for choice.

And there are so many options.

Consider:

Mobile phone
Mobile phone sms
Landline phone, (although these are rapidly becoming extinct)
message systems and voicemail
email
Facebook message
Facebook status update, (not advised for personal stuff!)
LinkedIN message
MSM message
Skype call
Skype chat (message)
Letter
Facsimile
Telegram

Did I miss any? Probably 😀

Which all brings into focus the question –

“How do you communicate with your Customers . . . or them with you?”

And what are their expectations around that?

Do they expect you to monitor a dozen or more communication channels, waiting pensively for their missive?

What have you told them?

How have you trained them to contact you?

Be Realistic

If you are a customer or client, be realistic about how that company will get your message.

You wouldn’t send a letter to order this evening’s takeaway, or book a restaurant. You would most likely phone or sms.

Some places have a website where you can make a booking. But don’t send an email an hour before opening time and be disappointed when they didn’t get your booking.

Take into account whatever arrangements you have made with them, or what methods of communication they have promoted, and . . .

If your message is urgent, important or short term based, then use a phone or maybe sms.

And as a business owner, if you promote a method of communication, make sure that it works and that you get it in a timely manner.

Well, that is quite simple really!

What should you do now?

Think about the time frame for your message being delivered.
Make sure that every communication channel you promote actually works.
Want some help or ideas? Just contact us at Hotpink Websites now.

Quote

Everyone has their own ways of expression.
I believe we all have a lot to say, but finding ways to say it is more than half the battle.
~ Melchor Lim