Communicate Digitally
COVID brought lock-down, and safety concerns and although a sense of normality has returned, the potential second wave may once again lead to home working and the need to communicate digitally.
The financial effect on businesses has forced companies to find ways to be more efficient and communicate more effectively.
WHY SHOULD WE COMMUNICATE USING DIGITAL PLATFORMS
The obvious benefit of digital communication is the reduced risk as individuals are not having to be face to face, or even in the same room for that matter. But for many, the reduced costs are considerable. Meetings with team members and customers that are potentially many miles apart now cost nothing but a simple subscription fee – travel, accommodation, food and even entertainment costs are all but eliminated.
WHAT DOES DIGITAL COMMUNICATION CONSIST OF?
Many platforms have different features but the core functions that are often found are video calls/meetings, instant messaging and even project management tools.
THE DECLINING USE OF EMAIL
The instant messaging features within these digital communication platforms are the most adopted with many now the primary method of communication. Everyone is used to SMS texting, WhatsApp and social media interaction.
WHY IS THIS SO?
Instant messaging is exactly as the name suggests. Messages are instantly sent and recipient notified, tools such as Whatsapp even report when messages have been sent, delivered and read.
Communication is more conversational, more natural and more direct than email.
Even the time saved by not writing phrases such as “Dear XYZ”, “Best regards” and clicking additional buttons is considerable across a large team!
People are switching from email to instant messenger for fluid communication because it is so much more accessible. Think about it… When was the last time you emailed a close friend or a family member…? – Exactly!
WHAT PLATFORMS ARE AVAILABLE?
Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Hangout seem to have been the most adopted platforms across the world for business use communication. However, it is very much based on the individual business requirement. Platforms such as Slack and Facebook workplace are tailored towards instant messenger within and between departments.
Zoom, Skype and Microsoft teams are bias towards video calling.
Platforms such as Asana, Monday.com and Trello are primarily project management tools with integrated messaging functions.
It is important to choose the right solution for your business. Browse and compare the features between each platform and make use of free trial periods to see what works best for your business. Don’t be steered by the price alone as tempting as this may be, many providers also have dedicated support and on-boarding teams and even live training to guide you through your transition.
LIVE WEBINAR – POLL RESULTS
75% of businesses in the electrical wholesale sector have adopted a new digital communications system
From the Metpro Webinar “Become a Digital Wholesaler: Reduce Costs and More Using Digital Platforms”. Follow Metpro on LinkedIn for future events: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metprome
Download the full ‘Become a Digital Wholesaler Report here: http://bit.ly/digitalwholesalerreport
Order Electrical and Mechanical supplies from Metpro Online: http://www.metpro.co.uk
Man in Office Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
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Digitise Your Warehouse
Adopting digital tools, platforms and processes in the warehouse can increase fulfilment efficiency, improve inventory visibility and accuracy, maximise labour productivity as well as improve space utilisation. It enables staff to spend less time tied to a computer or writing out forms, and instead focus them on picking, packing and shipping.