What do you do if you're unsure of which communication channels to use to solve a Sports Management issue?

1 Consider your audience

The first step is to identify who you are communicating with and what their needs, preferences, and expectations are. Different audiences may have different levels of familiarity, interest, and trust in you and your message. For example, if you are communicating with a potential sponsor, you may want to use a formal and persuasive channel, such as a phone call, a video conference, or a presentation. If you are communicating with your team members, you may want to use a more informal and collaborative channel, such as a group chat, a meeting, or a feedback form.

2 Consider your purpose

The second step is to clarify what you want to achieve with your communication and what kind of response you expect from your audience. Different purposes may require different types of communication, such as informing, instructing, persuading, consulting, or motivating. For example, if you want to inform your fans about a schedule change, you may want to use a simple and direct channel, such as a social media post, an email, or a text message. If you want to consult your coaches about a strategic decision, you may want to use a more interactive and participatory channel, such as a survey, a poll, or a discussion forum.

3 Consider your context

The third step is to assess the situation and the environment in which you are communicating and how they may affect your communication channel. Different contexts may pose different challenges, opportunities, and constraints for your communication, such as time, budget, urgency, confidentiality, or accessibility. For example, if you are communicating in a crisis situation, you may want to use a fast and reliable channel, such as a phone call, a radio, or a press release. If you are communicating in a sensitive situation, you may want to use a secure and respectful channel, such as a face-to-face conversation, a letter, or a password-protected document.

4 Consider your resources

The fourth step is to evaluate the resources and tools that you have available and that you can use effectively and efficiently for your communication. Different resources may have different advantages, disadvantages, and costs for your communication, such as quality, functionality, compatibility, or maintenance. For example, if you have access to a high-quality video production team and equipment, you may want to use a video channel, such as a webinar, a podcast, or a documentary. If you have limited resources and skills, you may want to use a simpler and cheaper channel, such as a flyer, a brochure, or a poster.

5 Consider your alternatives

The fifth step is to compare and contrast the different communication channels that you have identified and that suit your audience, purpose, context, and resources. Different alternatives may have different pros and cons, risks and benefits, and trade-offs and synergies for your communication. For example, if you have to choose between an email and a phone call, you may want to consider the following factors: email is more convenient, but phone call is more personal; email is more traceable, but phone call is more immediate; email is more formal, but phone call is more flexible.

6 Consider your feedback

The sixth step is to monitor and evaluate the results and outcomes of your communication and to seek and receive feedback from your audience and stakeholders. Different feedback methods may provide different insights, data, and suggestions for your communication, such as ratings, comments, questions, or complaints. For example, if you want to measure the effectiveness of your social media campaign, you may want to use analytics, such as views, likes, shares, or followers. If you want to improve the quality of your training manual, you may want to use reviews, such as feedback forms, testimonials, or recommendations.