April 17, 2020
Messaging Apps
During this unprecedented time, we are all learning more technological ways to communicate with one another. While email, phone, and video are great resources, today we wanted to talk specifically about messaging apps. Some of the more popular ones include: Facebook Messenger, Direct Messaging on Instagram, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Asana, just to name a few.
according to PC Mag
Not just for teams to communicate with one another – see the section below on Employees. Or just for small groups or churches to virtually come together. But we also need to consider how our clients or constituents come to us – see the section below on Outreach.
This is a great time to experiment with these products and also may be great timing to consider adding some of these practices into your daily routine, even after we are all able to come out of our own spaces. {Which could be closer than we had been anticipating?}
Employees
What does your organization already use for staff messaging? Or what have you started using since everyone went to their virtual offices? As long as that is working, keep it up. If you don’t have some kind of system in place, yet, feel free to give one of the above mentioned apps a try.
The chat feature of these apps can be used as a less formal mode of communication, which is essential for co-workers. {Similar to office water cooler talk.} Plus, it’s a quick & easy way to check in with your people. Or just to share fun emojis, GIFs, or memes, to help keep the atmosphere light during a stressful time.
Some of the great features of the above mentioned apps are the flexibility to have desktop apps, so we make sure to use them only while working. But they also have the convenience of being an app on your phone. Talk about efficient and easily accessible!
Outreach
What does your organization use for your clients, donors, or they potential people you want to reach? Now is a great take to take an audit. If you already have a system, first make sure those products are up to date, and have the message you want to portray to your constituents displayed correctly. Then, if you find yourself with extra time on your hands, now may be a good time to see what else those products can do for you.
For examples, places like Facebook messenger are becoming an ever increasing area for constituents to find the information they need about your organization. This arena is set up to be quick, convenient, and generally pretty casual, or low commitment. Plus, places like messenger apps are considered more personal than even email.
Pro Tip: Automatic Facebook Messages
See how to set up the automatic Facebook Messenger. This will help with your response rate percentage on Facebook. It can also let people know that they will get a message back, as soon as you can, but their message just didn’t go into the great unknown.
During the times when you might be out of the office, like right now, you can change your message to: “Thank you for your message. We’ve made a move to online appointments while our office is closed. Please email us or leave a message to make a virtual appointment.” – according to a Facebook help page.
More Resources
- Marketing Over Coffee Podcast – Learning Chat Marketing
- This article, from ToDoist, has a plethora of information on general writing, direct message writing, and writing tips for remote workers. Below are a couple stand-out quotes:
Writing Tip for Small Group Messages and DMs
Connecting with teammates remotely, particularly through text, can be challenging. Casual banter that resembles your voice in water cooler group chats or direct messages helps break down walls. This could be CAPS LOCK to speak emphatically, italics to exercise your sarcasm muscle, and ~flourishes~ to demonstrate irony. Don’t be afraid of emojis, memes, and gifs that infuse fun into work.
In office environments, it’s often the opinions shouted the loudest that win in the end. Remote environments even the playing field: it’s the best idea, articulated with clarity of thought, that captures attention. You’ll accomplish more if you stay mindful of common communication blunders, and intentionally hone your writing skills.
Other MM Related Articles:
That’s all for today, happy chatting!
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