What’s in Your Communications Stack?
The good news for today's communications professionals is that there are many communications tools to use and a variety of ways to use them. The bad news for today's communications professionals is that there are many communications tools to use and a variety of ways to use them!!! With so many options, it is often difficult to know where to find information.
Have you ever had that moment when you vaguely remember seeing something come across your inbox, but were in the middle of something else so could not turn your attention to it - only to find later, when you need the information, you can't seem to find it? Happens to all of us.
As communicators, it is our role to ensure that information is shared in a consistent way, with ONE SOURCE of truth that can be searchable. This is easier said than done. It takes an intentional strategy, a clear communications framework, and consistent education with all who communicate in order for this to happen.
The intranet can be your one source of truth - building a framework in which all communications channels lead back to this source. Regardless of where info is surfaced, it should "live" permanently on our intranet. If you create a clearly defined framework and educate team members, you can avoid the pitfall fall of renegade communications and a black hole of information.
Back to the question at hand- what tools are foundational for a solid enterprise-wide communications tech stack?
Intranet: Repository of information (Everything below surfaces on the intranet)
Employee App with amplification: Used to share internal news and externally amplify social sharing
Email: The king of communications…it will never die!
Podcast: Used for culture related narratives
Lock Screens: These are highly effective and an employee favorite
Tickers and Popup notifications: Only used for critical information
Calendar Holds: Used for actionable tasks (typically IT related)
Video: Used for culture, CEO communications and change management