December 14th, 2006
By Renn Vara
I have a theory. When an enterprise builds its own audio/visual studio and hires full time producers to create their own webcasts, videos and audio programs, it’s a sure sign that tough times are ahead. Just look around and test my theory.
It can take a few years, but an organization grows arrogant and full of self-importance. Kingdom builders begin to emerge. You know them. They’re the managers who demand intense personal loyalty from their team, often putting themselves and their interests above those of the business and customer base they serve. It begins subtly at first. Rarely revealed until a big blow-up happens and people are asked to choose sides. These managers usually start by creating an enemy — another team or manager who doesn’t know what they’re (more…)
Filed under All, Corporate Media.
December 13th, 2006
By Maureen Taylor
As a communicator, you never know when you’ll be called upon to give an on-the-spot opinion, or asked to participate in an impromptu speaking engagement.
Giving an opinion on the spot leaves many of us rambling or frantically searching for how best to present our thoughts. Below is a simple format that can help you present a clear statement of your point of view even under pressure. (more…)
Filed under All, CommTips.
December 8th, 2006
By Renn Vara
Corporate communications target a wide range of audiences from general employees to customers/partners to field organizations. One of the most challenging, and less talked about, groups is the ever-moving sales force. We work with a number of large companies with quota carrying forces that range from a few hundred to thousands. No matter the size, the challenges are the same.
The typical sales person is oriented to verbal communication vs. written and generally isn’t patient with in-depth product information and strategies. This often creates a large disconnect between a strategy oriented marketing organization and the “hit and run” field personality. (more…)
Filed under All, Corporate Media.
December 8th, 2006
By Maureen Taylor
Often in business conversations, we think we know all the information the other person needs to convey, but we find out later that there were important bits and pieces we didn’t capture. “Probes” are part of the Socratic Method of dialogue.
Probes are designed to gather the maximum amount of information and quickly move the dialogue forward. (more…)
Filed under All, CommTips.
December 8th, 2006
Jane Sparrow of Sony joins us to talk about the upcomming IABC International Conference, held June 4-7 in Vancouver, BC. Some call this the “main event” of corporate communication. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) celebrates 36 years of serving corporate communicators.
Click here to play this interview.
Full transcript after the jump
(more…)
Filed under All, MoreThanTalk Podcast.
December 8th, 2006
By Maureen Taylor
How do you know if someone’s listening to you? People often give visual cues to indicate they’re paying attention to what you’re saying – but these cues can be deceiving.
Unfortunately, many of us listen lightly, or passively. We give people the visual cues that we’re listening, but we might actually be thinking about something else – like what we’re going to say next. Not only do we miss important information, but the other person doesn’t truly feel heard. (more…)
Filed under All, CommTips.
December 8th, 2006
Mike Manuel and Matthew Podboy, from VOCE Communications, join us to talk about “digital advocacy” and the deployment of online communication programs. Podcasts, blogs, vidcasts, chat and other forms of online discussion give marketers and communicators ways to monitor and shape conversations about their company and products. How do you interact with this information to engage in the broader, digital conversation that affects your audience?
Full transcript after the jump
December 8th, 2006
SNP’s Renn Vara interviews Shel Holtz, author of the book “Corporate Conversations.” Renn and Shel discuss the state of corporate communications, and the importance of measurement and ROI. Shel’s belief is that communications must be measured in bottom-line results, and if you can do that, you can grow your communications plan and gain trust and support from corporate leaders.
Click here to play this interview.
Full transcript after the jump
(more…)
Filed under All, MoreThanTalk Podcast.
December 8th, 2006
By Maureen Taylor
Have you ever asked a question with the intention of receiving a quick response, and instead gotten a short speech? Do you have employees or colleagues that tend to ramble when they’re talking? In most business settings, the best way to answer a question is with Bottom Lining.
Bottom lining information has three components: (more…)
Filed under All, CommTips.
December 8th, 2006
By Maureen Taylor
Too often we deliver a presentation or start a meeting and don’t take a moment to check in with our audience. If you don’t ask, you don’t know if objective for the meeting has altered in their minds. Perhaps you’re prepared to talk about a new product or solution, but the customer wants to hear about upgrading their current system. A Dialogue Opener saves you from delivering information no one wants to hear. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to get valuable information so you can tailor your presentation to meet the needs of your audience. (more…)
Filed under All, CommTips.
