Communication is key, especially when you’re on-site. Location plays a major part in what form of communication will be the most effective and reliable option for your team. Reference this cheat sheet on team communication to avoid racking up outrageous fees or losing touch.
IF: Working With an International Team
THEN: Rely on messaging apps like GroupMe, WeChat or WhatsApp to avoid international SMS fees that can accrue with regular text messaging. Make sure everyone has access to Wi-Fi, and create group chats to keep everyone in the loop: one for your staff, one for your volunteers, another for your vendors and so forth.
IF: Working an Outdoor Event
THEN: Stick to mobile phones. Don’t risk renting radios at a location where users can walk out of range. Also steer clear of mobile apps, as they can rack up data in no-Wi-Fi zones. Invest in portable phone chargers such as ones from Mophie to avoid dead phone batteries.
IF: Working Without Wi-Fi
THEN: Rent handheld radios. Before contacting a rental company, create a list of those who need radios and note their correspondents so radio channels can be programmed before delivery. Throw in an all-call channel for group contact and provide a cellphone list as a backup in case someone winds up on a basement level or a loading dock where there’s no signal.
