The most essential element of business is communication. You need channels open to your suppliers, your customers, your employees, and everyone else who plays a role in the success of your business. The question is, are you using the most effective channel for each group – or each person?
It’s easy to accidentally isolate yourself. Baby Boomers remember when a face-to-face meeting, a phone call or a letter were the only options. Some wouldn’t dream of using text, Skype or Instant Messaging (let alone platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr) for business communication. For generations X, Y and Z, digital communication is as natural as breathing.
Maybe you just like email best. Maybe you’d rather pick up the phone. If you stick with only what you prefer, you might be clogging your own communication pipeline.
You need to be flexible, pay attention and use all the tools you have available.
For example: your webmaster sends you an email asking a question. You respond with a phone call, leave a message and then fume for days if you don’t get a return call. Meanwhile, they are waiting for your email reply.
You may find a vendor who is on the road all day will respond to a text more quickly than an email. Your web hosting company might prefer you submit a support ticket via their website.
In this hyperconnected world, finding the right mode of communication isn’t as simple as you might think. Learn what works best for each person or company. When in doubt, just ask.