Networking
Description
An important factor in success in personal life or business is connecting with people. Real time face to face communications, (otherwise known as conversations and meetings), can be best for some things but there are many different online options to supplement them. Voice calls (over IP, cell networks, or otherwise), email, instant messaging, Short Messaging Service (SMS), Twitter, Video calls, conferencing, screen sharing and document collaboration are all channels that can be beneficial.
The question is how can multiple forms of media be used to best support your objectives and form meaningful connections with people when time is limited?
Email can be a valuable tool but it can also be a source of an avalanche of unread mail including volumes of spam that are a complete waste of time. Twitter can also be a multifaceted tool but it also can be a harmful distraction. Without some structure and guidelines on how these myriad tools are used you may not be satisfied with the results. There are many items competing for your attention so what is the best use of your time?
Sample Questions
- What are your communication objectives?
- What are the different communication needs of your personas?
- What communication channels are you using now?
- Who are the different groups you need to communicate with?
- What are the tools good for? When should they be avoided?
- Are you productive while you are mobile?
- Is your contact management system (address book) working for you?
- Are you able to effectively share the information you want with the people you want?
Value
Achieve the benefits of responsiveness and timely information while minimizing the problems of distractions, malware, and disorganization. Accomplish more and do it better by utilizing existing tools more effectively and adding the best tools for your requirements. Save travel costs and time. Benefit from team work supported by online collaboration capabilities. Share information and computer resources like disk space and printers. Communicate in a way that contributes to your brand, relationships and marketing online. Stay in contact with the people who matter for your business and personal life.
How I can Help
Smarterware from Sharp Innovation Solutions explains how you and your people can best utilize existing and new tools to meet your business and personal needs. Assistance can be provided in selecting solution components but more importantly how to integrate them and make effective use of them through processes and training.
Potential Solution Element Examples
There is a diverse set of communication elements that can be combined to meet particular requirements: