5 Tips For a Successful Business Communication Plan
Learn how to effectively implement a communication plan and achieve a more productive environment
Corporate communication has always been an important resource for the operation of large companies. However, in the era of globalization and digital transformation, communication is fundamental to the success and survival of any type of organization. Has two sides: on the one hand, it allows information and knowledge flows to be channeled; on the other hand, it is a fundamental tool to motivate and engage the worker. What is the cost of poor corporate communication?
Poor communication with and between their employees, hence the importance of building an effective business communication strategy that favors growth and organizational development. How do we achieve this?
For business communication to be effective, it is necessary to have an internal communication plan. This tool will help to create a more committed, collaborative, and productive working environment.
“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said” — Peter Drucker
The following are 5 tips to implement a good internal communication plan.
- Achieve the commitment of senior management
Most corporate managers recognize the value of communications for successful operations. They know they must manage communication to align workers’ expectations with the organization’s goals and objectives.
However, a large number of companies do not invest enough in their communication plan: according to a Workplace.com survey, 66% of companies lack a business communication plan. The commitment of the senior management to the communication strategy is evidenced by:
The allocation of an appropriate budget for the implementation of the plan. Promoting a culture of transparency of feedback. The construction of a positive working environment.
2. Assessing the status of internal communications
Communication is a reality in all organizations. This is true even for those companies that have not incorporated it into their strategies. So the first step in developing the corporate communication plan is to diagnose the state of internal communications. This will allow us to determine the weaknesses and difficulties, identify the needs of workers, their expectations, and visualize a future scenario. Internal communications audits, surveys, and interviews are some of the tools used to do this.
3. Develop a plan and awareness-raising strategies
In developing the plan, the following aspects should be clearly defined: the objectives of the plan, the targets, the expected results, the time, strategy, and the evaluation and monitoring mechanisms. It is also important to consider the efficiency of the various instruments to be incorporated as plan resources: mobile devices, social networks, software. It is necessary to incorporate an awareness-raising strategy aimed at all employees: it is necessary to raise awareness and engage all workers to achieve the success of the plan.
4. Follow up on the business communication plan
The objective of the communication plan must be linked to a concrete, achievable and measurable outcome. Control, monitoring, and feedback detect deviations and implement corrective measures. For example, if one of the objectives of the plan was to increase employee engagement, the following indicators could be monitored.
Staff turnover rate: check if unlinking decreases or increases. Company Email Opening: check whether the percentage of e-mails increases or decreases; this may show whether the information is reaching employees effectively.
5. Use internal communication technology applications
In the digital age, corporate communication needs to be managed differently. Mobility, opportunity, need for feedback replace the old one-way communication approach. Technological advances, the Internet, and social networks make it possible for the plan to be implemented in real-time. The addition of internal communications software makes it possible to improve information exchanges and collaboration among team members.
The bottom line
In the digital age, human talent is undoubtedly the main strategic resource. Hence the importance of creating a positive working environment that favors work motivation and commitment. They also help identify the most effective communication channels. This is possible only if effective business communication is achieved.
“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” — Brian Tracy