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Making sure you have the right tools for the right jobs.

When it comes to using your communications tools effectively, one of the simplest and most important tasks is to take the time to sit down and assess what tools you’re using and what tools actually seem to be working.

First, make a list of the communications tools you’re currently using. It might look something like this:

• Website
• Blog posts
• Social media
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Email bulletin
• In-service bulletin
• Monthly newsletter
• Email flyers/news updates
• Print bulletin inserts
• Print posters
• Pre/post service announcement slides
• In-service announcements
• On campus signage

Then, consider what you know about the success of these tools:

• How many bulletins are left behind after service?
• How many people are visiting our website? Our blog?
• How much interaction do we have on our social media pages?
• Where are we posting information that people can’t seem to find?
• What are the details people often ask us about?
• Do people often ask our welcome team for directions? Is there a way we could make this information more visually available?

If you find you have tools that aren’t working, and you’re not sure what tools will, explore the following:

• Who is our audience?
• Those in children's ministry?
• Young adults?
• Men? Women?
• When and where do they pay attention?
• Online?
• In-service?
• Late at night or early in the morning?
• What tools do they use to communicate with us?
• Phone?
• Email?
• Social?

Next, organize your tools from most used to least used. But, make sure to consider their worth. Just because a tool isn’t used often doesn’t mean it can’t be the right tool at the right time.

It might even be beneficial to create a spreadsheet with your tools, your target audiences and an indicator/statistic related to the tools' effectiveness. Periodically, you can make updates and keep track of which communications methods are the most and least successful. This will give you a better idea of where to focus your resources and your energy.

Want a more in-depth look at how you can rally your staff around your tools? Click below for more information about Fishhook University’s TeamSpeak Course.