In our last post, we discussed internal communications as part of your overall retention program. This week we’d like to expand that to include the need for collaborative communication to anyone who may be vested in your company and others outside your direct community as well.
There are several organizations that may be beneficial to communicate with on a regular basis. A few examples are: unions, government agencies, industry associations, industry and local publications, local representatives, chambers of commerce, etc. When entering an external communication program, it is important to expect nothing more than creating a connection.
At CTmrg we often discuss the need to promote manufacturing overall. Expanding your messaging and the variety of people you target will help with this goal. In addition, keeping communication lines open can help solve problems before they come up. This is why several manufacturing organizations in CT have hired a lobbyist to speak on manufacturing’s behalf at the state Capital. Initiating these conversations also means that you can control the content of the discussion.
Delegating a small group of people to work primarily with updating and communicating with these external sources can help take some of the pressure away from the conversation. These groups may include a specific representative for your company or industry. Keeping the contact the same people can help avoid confusion or miscommunications.
To start the process try sharing your successes through social media sites like LinkedIn and a company blog. This will create a seamless feed of all past initiatives and information that anyone can use to catch up on as well. Sharing on social media also allows for features and external organizations to showcase when they have been actively included in the story.
As most conversations are ongoing, don’t forget to check back in with these groups throughout the year. Social media may cover most of the communication but a conversation to hear updates and share solutions will enhance the relationship. The key is to have a plan and process in place so that you don’t fall into the habit of “shot-gun” marketing which does not work. At CTmrg, we have the resources to alleviate the stress of implementing this type of program. Contact Us for help.