Choices, choices, choices. We have so many ways to create messages, communicate, reach out. We have paper, telephones, faxes, email, IM, blogs, wikis, Twitter, Skype, Facebook, mail groups, forums, podcasts, and tons more. Was that exhausting for you to read? It’s no wonder we’re not sure which to use for what. But here are some ideas.
Your Platform
Some of your messages are meant to represent YOU. These are platform messages. They say, “I believe in this,” or “Here’s something I’m telling you as an authority.” Best media for this? Blogs, podcasts, videoblogs.
Quick Questions
This is somewhat conditional. People over 30 still tend towards using email to answer quick questions (like: “lunch at Zamboni’s?”). But efficiency-wise, consider IM, Twitter (if addressing a group), and maybe Skype’s text chat. Also the phone. Voicemail isn’t for long messages. It’s for short messages. (Remember: say your name and phone number up front, say what you need to say BRIEFLY, and end with a call-to-action followed by your name and number again).
Messages of Substance
If you need to make something larger known, send email if it’s time-sensitive information (such as the plan going forward for the next several days), but also consider using a wiki or a website page if this information is meant to stick around a while.
Reaching People
Facebook is a great tool for reaching people you might not have access to otherwise. I’m asked often why people use Facebook. That’s my number 1 reason. You can at least get a message off to someone you need to reach. I’ve used it this fashion a lot to good result. You can also use it for short messages, and just general “touch” applications, like telling someone you’re thinking about them by leaving a message on their wall. (If you love MySpace, substitute everything I said above for MySpace, and you get the same effect).
Explanations and Details
I like phones and Skype and video chat software for this purpose. Why? Because interaction is useful in solving something. I can probably say an app like WebEx would be useful, too, if you’re doing screen captures. (You might have some other suggestions).
Don’t Forget Mixing Media
Julien Smith and I were collaborating recently using Google Docs, and we discovered in quick form that using IM while writing the doc was the best way to navigate it. I could imagine other situations where two web cams are open while people collaborate. Or what about giving someone an audio file with how-to instructions along with a wiki for the “hard” copy?
What do you think?
Anything I didn’t cover? Do you use your methods differently? Share with the gang.
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