Communication Style Options

The ‘Communication Style Options’ in the ‘Settings’ area of Retention CRM let Associations, Chambers of Commerce and Nonprofit organizations define different ways they can communicate with their contacts. This allows for segmented communication, where you can tailor messages based on a preferred style (e.g., email, printed letter). The existing options are shown and can be edited here.

Imagine you manage a Professional Association. You have members who like to get updates via email, others prefer a printed newsletter, and some might want to receive text messages.

Communication Style Options in Retention CRM is a tool that helps you manage these preferences. It lets you define different ways to communicate with your members (email, newsletter, SMS, etc.) and then let members choose how they want to be contacted.

How it works:

1. You set up the options: You decide what communication styles you offer (email, newsletter, SMS, etc.).
2. Members choose: Your members select the communication style(s) they prefer.
3. Targeted communication: You can then send specific messages to members based on their chosen style. For example, you can send email updates to email subscribers and a newsletter to newsletter subscribers.

Example:

• Email Updates: Members who choose this will receive club news via email.
• Printed Newsletter: Members who choose this will get a physical newsletter.

 

How to Use “Communication Style Options” in Association Management

Now, let’s look at the fields you can use to define a Communication Style:

• Label: This is the name users see when choosing a communication style (e.g., “Email”, “Printed Newsletter”).
• Value: An internal identifier for the style.
• Description: A more detailed explanation of the style (e.g., “Regular updates sent electronically”).
• Order: Defines the order the options appear in lists.
• Default Option?: If checked, this style will be pre-selected for new contacts.
• Enabled?: If unchecked, this style won’t be available for selection.

How a Nursing Association can Utilize Communication Styles:

A nursing association can use Communication Styles to segment communication based on member preferences. For example:

• Label: “Email Updates”
• Value: “email_updates”
• Description: “Receive association news and updates via email.”
• Order: 1 (appears first in lists)
• Default Option?: Yes (most members prefer email)
• Enabled?: Yes

Another option could be:

• Label: “Printed Newsletter”
• Value: “printed_newsletter”
• Description: “Receive a quarterly printed newsletter with association news.”
• Order: 2
• Default Option?: No
• Enabled?: Yes (for members who prefer print)

This allows the association to send targeted emails or newsletters based on a member’s preferred style.

Adding a Communication Style:

To add a new communication style, click “Add Communication Style” and fill out the fields:

• Label: Enter the name users will see (e.g., “SMS Updates”).
• Value: Create a unique identifier (e.g., “sms_updates”).
• Description: Briefly explain the style (e.g., “Receive important updates via SMS”).
• Order: Assign a position in the list (e.g., 3).
• Default Option?: Choose whether this will be pre-selected for new members.
• Enabled?: Select if you want to make this style available.