Really #%!@? Sorry I sent you an email. Next time, it will be a direct message. My kids tell me “Get off TikTok, Dad.” (TikTok is a video-sharing social networking service, if you didn’t know – now you do!) Am I old, or just out of touch? In an ever changing multimedia world, and as a 46-year-old CEO of a FinTech company, I must be able to lead and adapt quickly.
With all of the communications channels available today, how do you effectively communicate in today’s world? For many, confusion and analysis paralysis kicks in. I have learned that there is a right time to send an email, DM on social media, use Slack, text, or pick up the phone (or is that just obsolete nowadays)?
EMAIL: Email is old school. I use it for document delivery or if I need to make sure I have a documented copy of the correspondence. I try to check email only twice a day. Why? Because being reactive is not the right way to run a business. Proactive > Reactive leadership is my personal belief when it comes to running my company. Being reactive can actually trigger a negative emotion in the body which can contribute to health issues. No thanks! Besides, who wants to spend the whole day reacting when you can be proactive and take control of your day?
SLACK: I use Slack for all my internal office communications—using group channels and individual channels depending on the situation. It’s an easy to use platform that can deliver quick and easy communications. The more streamline, the more I like it! Think “The Decision Tree.” If you don’t know about the decision tree, then I highly recommend reading Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott.
SOCIAL DM: Social channels are a great way to meet new people and build a network. I am always looking to see who is doing what, and what’s happening all around the world. If you have something valuable to say, it doesn’t matter who you are, I will respond to your DM. Let’s connect! LinkedIn can get messy, but the connections that can be made there are priceless – if you can shift through the solicitations! I use Twitter, Instagram, and even Facebook more these days. And yes, I have registered for a TikTok account, but my daughter made me promise to not use it for the time being.
TEXT & PHONE: If you are a top connect, you will have my cell number. I don’t usually have much time to answer the phone, but I always get back to a text. Be careful, though. If you text too much, as if you are soliciting me, I will drop you.
In conclusion, use discernment when communicating with colleagues and clients. Learn their communications preferences and adapt. Know the tools. Don’t misuse or abuse any method of communication and risk being cut off.
Craig Cecilio is the CEO and Founder of DiversyFund, Husband, and Father to three daughters. Craig’s mission is to break down the barriers that keep most Americans from investing like the wealthiest 1%.
