In today’s world, information has to spread faster than any outside events. But that information has to be accurate and up-to-date. When it comes to things such as pandemics, recessions, and other industry, nation and/or worldwide uncertainties, what was true yesterday may not be today and vice versa. That’s why building a community through communication during uncertainty, especially in the collections industry, is paramount.
3 Ways to Build Community Through Communication During Uncertainty
1. Check in on employees, consumers, and others in the industry
During a time of uncertainty, it’s important to check up on the people who are most directly impacted. The first being your employees. Ensure that you are effectively communicating all updates in a timely manner to your employees before anyone else. Not only are they apt to be the individuals who are most impacted, but they’re also the people you’ll want to be completely onboard and by your side as you navigate through the sea of uncertainty.
Next, check in on your consumers. This doesn’t necessarily mean email/call/text them individually (unless it makes sense for your business), but rather to communicate effectively at scale. Send them an initial update with language around how you’re here to help and should they have any questions/concerns, to contact you at a given link or number.
Lastly, check in with others in your industry. Chances are they’re going through the same difficulties and overcoming similar obstacles. Community is key in these times. Whether you’re checking in via social media, emails, or other platforms, building a place where you can share ideas, methods, and experiences will pay off in the long run.
2. Provide value in each of your interactions.
“Building a community requires providing a lot of value.”
Dave Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Media
In a time where there is so much information to digest, it can be difficult to decipher what to take in and what to leave behind. The people who trust in your business are likely to trust the information you put out over others, so it’s important to provide value in each and every interaction you have during a time of uncertainty. This includes, blog posts, newsletters, social media posts, phone calls – anything that involves communication with another individual(s).
Some tips for providing value:
- Make the information you’re communicating digestible.
- Show expertise.
- Give a sense of personalization in every interaction.
3. Give where you can.
It’s no secret that during times of uncertainty, resources tend to be more scarce. When so many people in your industry and others around you are left trying to communicate as best they can with these limited resources, it’s only right to lend a helping hand where you can.
For example, in these times of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, while we have the extra capacity, VoApps DirectDrop Voicemail is giving away 1 million free messages to state and local governments, schools, healthcare providers, aid workers and any other group that needs to spread the word to a group of concerned citizens.
Groups that participate will have the benefit of automatically distributing voicemail messages right into the inboxes of recipients. At a time when making sure that information is being received, sending out voicemail messages on top of emails or texts is a great way of making sure that what you need to share is dropped right onto the phones of the people who need to hear what you have to say.
Delivering voicemails can provide important information and prevent a rush of phone calls flooding your office. The messages are delivered significantly faster than trying to make one call at a time. There is no price for peace of mind in a world where information is changing by the minute.
If you are interested in participating in this offer or know of someone who may be, please visit https://www.voapps.com/coronavirus-messaging/ to sign up.