New Communication
Select New Communication when you are not replying to a communication, and you would like to select the topic.
Pre-Written
Select pre-written to choose a pre-written message.
Pre-written messages go through immediately and do not consume credits.
Pre-written messages are not dependent on an existing conversation, which is why the list is much shorter than the pre-written response list.
Pre-written messages will populate the relevant category/sub-category.
Compose
Select compose to write a message in your own words.
Category
The category selection defines the relevant sub-category selections.
Sub-Category
The sub-category is the topic for the conversation.
A sub-category is not mandatory, although it helps to keep the conversations organized.
If a sub-category is not selected, the category will also be the sub-category.
Message
Write your message in the submitted field.
Character Counter
Communications are limited to 1000 characters.
As you write your communication, the character counter will track the number of characters.
Website Link
Include a Website Link (URL—webpage address).
Website links can be quite lengthy and consume several characters. This field will compile the website address into a single word, “Link.”
The disadvantage is that the link does not transmit via an email notification. The email notification indicates that a link was attached to the communication and to log in to view the link.
A website link can be included in this field or in the body of the message.
Attach a File
Attach a Shared Library File(s) from the files in your shared library.
The file would need to have been uploaded to the library before the message was written.
Only active files in the library will be shown on the list.
If you have composed your message, save it as a draft by selecting the draft checkbox and submitting it. Then, go to the library to upload the file.
Tools > Library > Upload file
Time Sensitive
Select Time-Sensitive for priority handling.
The communication will be advanced to the top of the review queue.
The other party will not see if a message was marked as time-sensitive.
Time-sensitive consumes 1 additional credit.
Coaching
Select Coaching for assistance with your communication.
If the communication does not comply with the Guidelines, it will be returned to you as a draft with comments and typically a proposed communication.
Upon receiving the draft, you have the choice to accept it, make edits to it, or modify your original communication.
Coaching consumes 2 additional credits.
Note: If the communication is accepted on the first try, then the credits are immediately returned.
Confidential
Select Confidential if this is a sensitive communication that should not be transmitted by email.
The other party will receive a secure email notification to log in and view the communication, even if the other party’s preference is to receive full-content notifications.
The only way to view a confidential communication is to log in to the platform.
If you need confirmation that an important communication was received, you can monitor the other party’s last login. This feature allows you to track when they last accessed their account.
Last Login
My Profile > My Info > Account
Draft
Select draft and submit to save the communication to edit or send at a later time.
The other party will not be aware of a draft.
The communication will not be reviewed until it is submitted without the draft checkbox.
Submit
Select submit to send your communication for review or to save as a draft.
The submit button needs to be selected in order to save your selection(s) or drafted communication.