Wanna Talk? Chat? Email? Text? Tweet? Message? Post? Comment? We need guidance on how to use these tools properly. While they’ve been designed to make it easier to communicate, many of us find it adding to our stress. The toughest part is choosing which tool, method, medium or device. I say, go for it, use em all…but here’s a few of my ideas on each:

1. Email for conversations where tracking, history and detail is important and if you wish to forward to another and the best sales tool of them all
2. Text for lighter convos, i.e. directions, shout outs, etc., but try to avoid for anything substantive as they often disappear or are hard to search
3. Twitter direct message (DM) is something I avoid for the most part, but some use it to communicate with those that won’t respond otherwise or because they “live” in Twitter  (also good for soliciting)
4. Twitter mention for global thought sharing with no need for response, tracking or quality search (conversation)
5. Facebook post similar to #4 but great for tracking conversations
6. Facebook message (private) is similar to #3
7. Facebook chat is invasive and I turn it off but it’s a good way to access your FB friends instantly, assuming they want you to
8. Chat for quick questions and one on one back and forth where immediate is necessary
9. Phone when emotion or tone is needed, hands are not free or I just feel like it…but I really dislike voicemails
10. FaceTime or Skype in place of phone when applicable and if you did your hair
11. Fax is the best way to solicit sales as we all run to our fax machines when something arrives but this usually an email with an attachment nowadays!
12. Carrier pigeon, snail mail, tin cans and string…life was simpler back then, but not nearly as fun!…I’m on roll here…maybe a TED Talk in the making!

Communication has become more and more complicated. From a customer service perspective, this can be a great asset to your organization or, if improperly managed, a true nightmare. Be careful. If you use any of the above, use them wisely and thoroughly, or simply slim down to the methods that serve you best.

Please provide your additional communication technique in the comments. I will update the blog post as they come in.

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