F A L L 2 0 2 3 3 BUSINESS connections It can be challenging to know which form of communication to use for any given business conversation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and if you pick the wrong one, it can lead to wasted time or miscommunication. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: Email to Create Documentation Email is the most popular form of business communication, and reviewing and replying to these messages takes up a sizable portion of many people’s workdays. You’ll probably choose email for most of your messages since it creates a “paper trail” if you later need documentation of the details exchanged. Email has its downsides, however. Tone can be easily misinterpreted in written messages. Email is also a time-consuming and inefficient way to have an extended conversation. Hours or even days may transpire between sending and receiving messages. Chat for Quick Exchanges and Clarifications Many businesses now use business messaging apps, such as Microsoft Teams, for internal chats, especially if they have team members working remotely. Chat works well when you need to have a real-time exchange or get a quick answer to a question. You’re likely to get a faster response with chat than you will with email. Of course, if a chat exchange goes on so long that your fingers get tired, you can always switch to a call. Call toHave an Immediate and Important Conversation There are times when you’re better off picking up the phone rather than sending an email or chat message. These situations include when you anticipate many questions, need to explain something complicated, want to apologize, must discuss something personal and if the message is truly urgent. What’s more, since talking is faster and easier than composing written messages, conversations that take place over the phone tend to generate more comprehensive exchanges and are better for brainstorming ideas. Calls also give participants the benefit of hearing vocal inflection and tone. CharitonValley is here tohelp you communicatemore effectively with business internet and voice solutions. Visit www.cvalley.net to learn more. When to Email, When to Chat and When to Call Voicemail Speech to Text is the newest feature to be added to SHOELACE® Business Communications Solutions, Chariton Valley’s advanced HPBX system. Speech to Text transcribes voicemails into text that SHOELACE subscribers, for an additional fee, can easily access from the SHOELACE portal or email. The email preference also provides the option to receive an attachment of the voicemail as a WAV file. Why subscribe to Speech to Text? • Convenience - Easily verify if messages need instant attention. • Efficiency - Quickly access messages without traversing voicemail prompts and listening to complete audios. • Management - Transcribed messages can be easily maintained and accessed when needed. • Easily Shareable - Voicemails are more difficult to share. • Clear Communication - Reading messages is easier than listening to voicemails that can be challenging to hear. Call 660.395.9400 to learn more about SHOELACE or add Speech to Text to your SHOELACE subscription. ® Voicemail Speech to Text
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTMzNDE=