The options and platforms for communication are now endless — and that’s what makes things difficult and complicated

Today’s mobile-centric, social-media dominated tech world prides itself in automation, real-time data analytics, and instantaneous responses. While these features are highly regarded and sought after in almost every software and product developed these days, it has also shaped our expectations from such technology.

In short, we want things fast and with very little effort. These expectations have transformed the tech community into a user base with a severely shortened attention span.

As an advisor to many startups/early stage companies, I am often asked two ‘big’ questions that seem basic at first, yet are quite perplexing when examined in light of today’s shortened attention span techie:

• Big Question #1: How should I reach out to X person?

• Big Question #2: What should I say to him/her?

Up until about 15 years ago there were basically only two possible answers for Big Question #1: either pick up the phone or write a letter.

Also Read: 3 marketing and communications strategies to master in 2017

Yet in today’s world, the options of platform to use to communicate are, unfortunately, endless. Do you use a social media application to direct message (i.e. Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, etc.) or a more business/professional oriented platform (i.e. e27 or LinkedIn)? Or do you succumb to writing an ‘old-school’ email?

I believe the answer to the method of communication actually lies in Big Question #2: what you say and how you say it. The subject matter of your question or pitch should really dictate what platform you use to communicate. As a result, refining your subject matter is essential to ensuring a response.

A quick checklist

In order to get your message across and hopefully prompt a successful response, I’ve put together a quick checklist, based upon five factors, you should bear in mind before any communication: 1) clarity, 2) brevity, 3) context, 4) impact, and 5) value.

1. Clarity – Make your point clearly, especially when there is complexity around the issue.

2. Brevity – Make your point quickly, especially because the audience’s time is short.

3. Context – Make your message relevant when there is unfamiliarity with the content/topic.

4. Impact – Make your message memorable – STAND OUT!!!

5. Value – Make your message valuable, especially when you are up against competition.

In light of these five factors, we can now better address Big Question #1 – what mode/method to communicate? While there is no right answer, here are a few tips:

• Do research on your audience/recipient to find out which social media platform he/she uses most or prefers. For instance, in order to get a hold of a person whom you know is a Twitter ‘tweet-junkie’, it’s probably not best to send that person a message via LinkedIn. The point is to find the best platform to yield the quickest response. Always remember that a quick “no” is just as good as a long “maybe” or waiting game.

• Avoid email if possible. Even though email is still the most recognised method of business communication, it is very passé for intros and pitches. Furthermore, much of the time, email gets stuck in a black hole of the recipient’s inbox along with droves of spam.

• Keep it clear and concise. If you must email, focus on the five factors highlighted above, especially brevity and clarity in the body of the email. Also, be as direct as possible in the subject line of the email.

• Lastly, never call unless you are specifically asked to.

Also Read: 4 smart tools for better team communication and collaboration

I hope this helps. For those of you that did not have the attention span required for this quick read, I still wish you all the best!

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The views expressed here are of the author’s, and e27 may not necessarily subscribe to them. e27 invites members from Asia’s tech industry and startup community to share their honest opinions and expert knowledge with our readers. If you are interested in sharing your point of view, submit your post here.

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