CommsTools: a Free Resource For All Communicators

The following article was influenced by Sarah Perry, CEO of SnapComms. 

Sarah is a new breed of CEO. She combines modern marketing strategy with transformational technology to create a ‘no limits’ scalable business. Determined to help organizations improve cut through for employee communications, Sarah co-founded SnapComms in 2007. Within three years, SnapComms grew from zero to hero in the competitive sector of employee communication software, where it is now a global market leader.

1 COMMS TOOLS: A FREE RESOURCE FOR ALL COMMUNICATORS 

The CommsTools site is easy-to-use, and is divided into three sections: electronic, face-to-face, and print. 

• Electronic – this section comprises tactics that use some form of electronic/digital technology. For example, SMS for mobile phones, scrolling newsfeeds for breaking news, desktop alerts for important or urgent notifications, gamification for staff incentives, and more.
• Face-to-face – this section includes tactics that involve direct, inter-personal interaction. Everything from running buzz groups to senior management walkabouts.
• Print – this section outlines a range of tactics from branded goodies right through to wallet cards.

The CommTools site lays out the strengths and weakness for each section above, followed by an alphabetical list of every available tactic (or communication idea). For each tactic, there’s a full description that includes what the tactic is useful for, when to use it, things to consider when using this tactic, and helpful tips.

For example, organizations that want to increase the visibility of their leadership team can source ideas by browsing the face-to-face section. There, they will see suggestions such as breakfast briefings, walkabouts, and open forums.

The site also includes a handy section outlining the five steps that support a performance-based, outcome-focused approach. This helps to select the right tactic for the communication task.

2 getting employee attention is much harder nowadays

As staff contend with bloated email inboxes and information overload, it’s all too common to completely miss important messages. The site is meant to be a resource that provides lots of different ways to capture attention and ensure messages stick!   

Compilers of the CommTools directory hope the resource will be used by everyone who needs to communicate to a wider group. This includes government agencies, corporates and NGOs, universities and educational establishments, charities, sports clubs, associations and more.

3 CONCLUSION

Commenting on the CommTools launch, SnapComms CEO, Sarah Perry said, “In a time when there are so many channels available to communicators, and so much noise to contend with, having a resource that can help to pick the most efficient method for reaching your audience is vital. CommsTools.com helps communicators find the best ways to engage their audiences, whether that means adopting new software or just sticking with reliable email campaigns.”

She adds: “Every week it seems there is a new tool or app that is the ‘latest and greatest’ way to communicate with employees; a silver bullet to all communications woes that rarely lives up to its hype. But what are often forgotten are some of the simplest ways to communicate with employees; communicators just need to be reminded of what those methods are.”

Sarah also urges the IC community to add their own suggestions to the directory, ensuring it will always stay relevant and up-to-date. 

If you’re looking for tools for internal communicators, CommTools is a great place to start! If you’re looking to hire a virtual assistant to organize and manage your internal communications, let us know! We’re here to help.