Eunice Victoria- Career Coach’s Post

Inclusive Communications. Corporate Communications. Internal Communications. External Stakeholder Communications. Community Engagement. Trust, Transparency, and Authenticity... are they genuine goals, or just handy buzzwords? If they're goals... then STOP EXCLUDING HALF YOUR COMMUNITY! A few pictures and a bunch of words is not communicating if it's not reaching busy people on-the-go, or those who cannot read. Adding professional, broadcast quality Podcasts can revolutionise your communications. It becomes mobile, inclusive, accessible and makes your text-based marketing work even harder. Why does it matter? 50% of your community CANNOT read. Dyslexic Illiterate. Disabled. Visually Impaired. And that's not including people who are too BUSY to read anything longer than an SMS........ Podcasting is mobile, inclusive and can be repurposed into all social media platforms taking your marketing and communications even further. Start including EVERYONE. Inclusive. Powerful. Unmissable. 'Done For You' by industry professionals, with music, sound effects, interviews, professionally produced and hosted on multiple podcasting platforms... Or - Learn how from Certified Industry Trainers... Here's what you will learn... 1. Vocal Training: Develop a voice that resonates. 2. Presentation Skills: Engage and captivate your audience. 3. Microphone Techniques & Equipment: Master the tools of the trade. 4. Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives. 5. Interviewing Skills: Conduct impactful interviews. 6. Editing Prowess: Create polished, professional content. 7. How and Where to Host: Reach your audience effectively. 8. Repurpose for Social Media Platforms: Maximize your reach. Let's have a chat about your bespoke Podcast strategy. 

Another day, another survey about the contribution of the communication function to management. (I may be on to something with my PhD studies). The Gallagher State of the Sector 2023/24 report identifies the opportunity for the internal communication function to contribute to management and the objectives of an organisation. There's a lot to unpack in the 40+ page report. It has an international outlook and includes important insights for the broader corporate communications or public relations function. ✅ Contribution of internal communications to management When internal communicators operate strategically within management, employee understanding, engagement, and personal well-being improve. The top three areas in which communicators provide strategic guidance to management are strategy vision and purpose (52%), employee recognition (43%), and values, behaviour and culture (40%) ✅ The business case for internal communications According to the report, the business case for internal communication is based on contribution to culture, strategic alignment, channel optimisation, evidence of value and ultimately profitability drivers such as engagement [and productivity]. ✅ Measurement: surveys and focus groups Measurement of the function has expanded in scope and usage. Insights are increasingly used to influence leadership and design programs. While engagement surveys remain the top listening channel, there has been an increase in qualitative feedback methods such as focus groups and listening sessions. ✅ Management issues are common with the broader communications function The challenges faced by internal communications in achieving its management potential are common to the broader corporate communication or public relations functions. Issues include a lack of involvement in decision-making, a lack of advance notice on changes, and a lack of investment and resourcing. The survey had a large sample size (2,300) spanning roles, company sizes and geographies. It used statistical and multivariate analysis to uncover patterns and relationships between answers.

I'm a Corporate Communications expert. Did you have a reaction to the word "expert?" when I stated it. What if I asked you to state that YOU are an expert in (insert your Comms. field of specialty). Does it make you feel nervous? Do you think you sound arrogant? Do you immediately want to change the word expert to something else? Definition of expert: a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area. Hmmm ... This sounds like me when it comes to the areas Corporate Communications covers - Strategic Planning, PR, Internal Comms, Executive Comms, Crisis Comms, etc. I don't shy away from calling myself an expert. Also, it doesn't mean I don't still have things to learn. Expertise and Growth Mindset are not mutually exclusive. Women in particular are told to never celebrate wins, or share their own knowledge as an "expert." "I think" or "I believe" are often stated out loud because we are taught to question our own knowledge. It's simply an "informed opinion." As a woman, you must ALWAYS BE HUMBLE.. And that's a word I have a hard time with ... humble ... because it's used as a weapon to keep women small. Someone didn't like a post I wrote and sarcastically commented that I sound "really humble." There it is. Don't assert your expertise. Stay small. Be humble. Go unnoticed. F**k that noise. Women are taught to never celebrate wins, talk about expertise, or are modeled presenting expertise as opinion. This can hurt women's careers in a massive way. But at least you'll be humble; right? No. That's not being humble. That's being silenced. When we do this, we then get overlooked. No one sees our expertise and critical contributions because we learn to NOT talk about it and just go around hoping others will notice. Consider this permission to assert your expertise. When it comes to this field, others are entitled to their opinion about comms., you are entitled to your expertise. You can have a growth mindset of consistent learning AND claim expertise in your field. Being an expert is GOOD. It's authoritative. It's informed. It's TRUE. And you can assert this expertise without being an arrogant a-hole. You never graduate in this industry and that's part of its beauty, chaos, and fun. But there is a point where you are an expert not an opinion-holder. Claim it. P.S. - By the way, this is Tara McDonagh here. Raise the Tide program founder and CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT! Yes, I'm shouting that loud #Communications #CorporateCommunications #InternalCommunications #PublicRelations

CEO Communications: A Few Crucial Steps to Internal and External Success Think of your company as a ship. As the captain, the CEO steers the vessel, sets the destination, and keeps everything on course. But in today’s world, it’s not just about managing the ship—it’s about leading with purpose. Increasingly, CEOs are stepping into the spotlight on platforms like LinkedIn to tackle social issues and connect with their audiences. With so much at stake and extremely busy schedules to manage, many CEOs wonder: What’s the difference between internal and external communication? -How do I find your voice as a CEO? -What topics should I cover? -Which channels work best? -What role does the communications department play? Effective communication is crucial, both within the crew and with other ships and ports. Without clarity and consistency, a ship can easily veer off course. That's where your communication team comes in—think of them as the compass guiding you back on track. Your corporate narrative serves as the North Star, helping everyone navigate challenges. This metaphor underscores the significance of CEO communication. It’s a vital discipline that amplifies your message and builds trust. The challenge lies in approaching this with tact, professionalism and sensitivity, a task often reserved for a select few. Let’s dive deeper into how CEOs and communicators can master this vital aspect of corporate strategy and drive success. Why is CEO communication so important? CEOs serve as key figures in their organizations, bridging the gap between employees and the public. They can influence social dialogue and steer conversations around critical issues. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer 2023, the CEO ranks third in trust among institutions, highlighting the immense responsibility that comes with effective communication. Now let's draw the distinction between Internal and External CEO Communication. Internal Communication: CEOs play a crucial role in sharing the company’s vision, goals, and values with employees. Clear and consistent messaging helps everyone understand their role and stay aligned. During tough times, employees crave honest updates about challenges and next steps. Remember, communication should be a two-way street and encouraging feedback allows employees to share their thoughts and fosters a sense of belonging. External Communication: Externally, CEOs represent their companies to customers or clients, investors, and the media. They shape public perception and build trust through thoughtful messaging. Engaging on social media allows CEOs to connect with stakeholders and amplify their brand’s reach. In crises, swift and transparent communication is vital to maintain stakeholder trust. #CEOCommunication #ExternalCommunication #InternalCommunication #StrategicCommunication #LeadershipCommunication #PublicRelations

Things that I wish could improve in corporate communications 1. Opportunities that are not tied to specific industries. Communications entails being well-read and well-researched to be able to communicate accurately with both internal and external stakeholders. This means we can adapt to various organisations and industries as communicators. This is why I do not entirely understand vacancies that insist on hiring only candidates with specific industry experience, at some point, that candidate was new to that industry and learned the ropes, therefore, a candidate without that industry experience is highly capable of learning and doing great in that job. Give candidates a chance! 2. Respect communicators. Communications play an integral role in ensuring the strategic goals of an organisation are met, therefore, organisations should give communicators the respect that they deserve. There are organisations where communicators are only informed about a project at the end and not at inception. Some project managers include communications when they are about to launch, and they realise they are unable to do it without communications. Communicators then need to play catch up to be able to meet the deliverables. This gives a “by the way” approach to communication, and that is not the case. 3. Do not tell us how to do our jobs. Various business units tend to tell communicators how to do their jobs, guess what? We went to school for this profession, we are well qualified and capable of doing our jobs without being told how to do our jobs. In a previous role, I once had a disagreement with a colleague from a different business unit at a previous job because they were insisting on the use of indoor branding for an outdoor event, what annoyed me the most was that they kept referring to branding as décor. Stay in your lane, please. 🙃 What would you like to see improved in the field you work in? #LessonsFromMyCareerJourney

Communications people: we need to talk about key messages. Most key message documents are worthless. We stick to a bullet point list of “messages,” which most often are a long list of company points that no one will remember or care about. No one cares. Not the CEO or spokesperson that is “using” for an interview. Nor the C-suite or leaders for internal meetings/town halls. Nor the communications team that did 17 drafts and spent hours upon hours creating. But "that’s how it’s always been done.” Yup, and you’re/we’re still sitting in the peanut gallery. Why do I think key messages are worthless? 1) They do not hit right and left-brain considerations built to persuade -- most are a list of what you want people to know. 2) They are built in ways that is difficult to retain So what do we change? Our goal should be to influence behaviors, perception or perspective. It’s hard to do that with a list of company points that focus only on what you want people to know. So we have to consider the emotional, creative and intuitive right side of the brain. Always start with the audience: What do you want them to believe and what do they believe now? What opinions have to be enforced or changed? How do they want to feel? People want to be a part of something. What is that bigger purpose? How is the audience part of it? What does it mean if it’s bigger than an individual? Flip side, the left brain wants the logic and rationale. What do you want people to do? And, yes, what do you want them to know? What is the “instant get” that makes the brain click and buy-in? That leads to #2: Why in the world do we have long, boring bullet points when we know stories, anecdotes and visuals are what stick? Can an infographic be a better prep tool for execs than 3 pages of bullets? Yup. Can a few stories support the key message you’re relaying without a corporate-driven message? Yup. Can you come up with an anecdote or two? Yup. And you can use ChatGPT if you can’t. I know, this is tactical and nuts and bolts-y. Ugh. Not my favorite thing to share. But it should drive you 🥜 🥜 that you spend so much time on something that is worthless. Small changes here – and with other practices to be saved for another time -- could lead to more trust, more influence and more results.

One of my favourite areas of corporate comms/affairs - glad to see this is on the ascendant - so much to gain by having a robust, integrated and strategic exec comms plan - brand, reputation, thought leadership, SoV, investment, growth...

IMPORTANT! This is Why Your Communications Manager CV Needs More Numbers. When you’re applying for roles as a Communications Manager, your CV needs more than just responsibilities—it needs measurable results. Here’s why adding numbers is crucial and how to do it effectively. 1. Show the Impact of Your Campaigns Instead of simply stating you "Led PR campaigns," quantify the results. Did media coverage increase? Did audience engagement spike? Example: - Before: Led PR campaigns for product launches. - After: Led PR campaigns that increased media coverage by 35%, generating over 500,000 impressions. 2. Highlight Budget Management If you managed a budget, show how effectively you did it. This reflects your ability to maximize resources. Example: - Before: Managed communications budget. - After: Managed a $100,000 communications budget, delivering projects 10% under budget. 3. Demonstrate Audience Reach and Growth As a Communications Manager, you are responsible for growing an audience, be it social media followers, email subscribers, or overall engagement. Example: - Before: Grew social media presence. - After: Grew social media followers by 40%, increasing engagement by 25% within six months. 4. Show PR and Media Wins Did your press releases result in media coverage? Did you secure any high-profile mentions? Use numbers to quantify this impact. Example: - Before: Secured media coverage. - After: Secured 10+ features in national media, reaching an audience of 2 million. 5. Prove Internal Communications Success Quantify improvements in employee engagement or satisfaction after launching internal communications initiatives. Example: - Before: Improved internal communications. - After: Launched internal newsletter, boosting employee engagement by 30% based on survey feedback. Lets us write your CV Email: victoriaeunice36@gmail.com| WhatsApp 0729581191

An interesting post I read earlier this week by Charlotte Otter, former Head of Executive and Employee Communications at SAP - "There are inflection points when executive communications becomes necessary", in particular for leaders who to date may have managed without a dedicated resource. Some fascinating insights for anyone interested in or working in #executivecommunications #leadershipcommunications 👇