During the last quarter of the month, we start working on communications strategies for the next year – not only for Denha Media and Communications, but for all of our clients. We do this because we believe you can have all the right intentions and great ideas, but without a plan of execution, you go nowhere. Benjamin Franklin said it best, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Every organization needs a communications strategy, much like your business plan. It should be fluid – as your business changes, so do the plans. It is true for communications because as media changes, so should your media plan, which is just one component of a communications strategy. Remember, you can create a plan any time of year.
At Denha Media, we Assess, Create and Execute strategic communications plans, helping you and your company become an ACE in your industry.
A few years ago, social media did not exist. It has since drastically changed the way we communicate. As public relations experts, we have many more news outlets, reporters, and writers to whom we can pitch story ideas. We also have bloggers today, which did not exist a few years ago. Collaboration with other organizations and people is part of your plan. Start writing a list of potential collaborators. You can start from there and then map out 2013.
First, look at 2012 and evaluate the success of your year. Did you have a communications strategy? Was it successfully executed? You need to measure the outcomes. In order to do this, you need to have had a sound goal in the beginning of the year.
As we approach 2013, you should start devising your plan. There are a few essentials you need to provide to your communications consultant so he or she can create the best strategy possible.
At Denha Media and Communications, we survey our clients, we assess the communications strategy and create a plan on how to execute. We ACE it for you! Here are just a few things to keep in mind.
- Goals. What are you hoping to accomplish in 2013? What type of exposure are you hoping to gain? List the top five 2013 communications goals.
- Internally Speaking. Many companies focus on their external message and often forget how they communicate on the inside. Do you have plans for improving your internal communications? Do you have an internal communications plan or procedure? If not, you will need one.
- Past Initiatives. What have you done in 2012 and in the past that was successful, and what did you do that was not?
- Collaborators. List your strategic partners and how you have worked with them in the past. Also list future projects.
- Media Partners. What media outlets have covered you and how have they covered you? List the 2012 news stories on your company and your competitors.
Vanessa Denha Garmo, founder of Denha Media and Communications, is a communications consultant and media coach.
