We are living in uncertain times. Across the country, across the world, doubts and worries are uppermost. Speculation and supposition are rife and media’s thirst for news is at its most acute.
As Government and Covid-19 communications planners show, against that backdrop, it is imperative that corporate bodies and institutions would recognise the important contribution that a managed programme of communications can bring, especially in current conditions.
From public and private companies to commercial organisations of all kind; from professional bodies to representative groupings; from centres of education and places of entertainment to sports bodies and healthcare providers; from voluntary groups and charities to recreational interests and more...we are all living under the shadow of Covid-19, a shadow that has already begun to engulf enterprises that were otherwise healthy and successful.
Good communications builds confidence, safeguards reputation, quells rumour, counteracts speculation, eliminates doubt and builds confidence and understanding amongst audiences essential to the future wellbeing of every enterprise, large and small. Vital tasks that all should consider are:
The first and most important is to recognise the need for communications. Whilst Covid-19 is raging and propping up the headlines, people may be asking themselves questions about your organisation, questions that might point to worries and concerns that are needlessly in their mind. Task One is to imagine what those questions might be and answer them...before they are voiced publicly!
Next comes the task of identifying those key audiences! Who are they? If it’s bankers or suppliers, customers, regulators or employee representatives, then it’s urgent and serious!
Then will come the challenge to determine what the best means of communicating with each audience would be, and the content of your message in each case. Would it be a simple letter or a telephone call? A newspaper advertisement? A social media or website posting? A news release with media engagement and interviews?
In parallel will come the challenge to anticipate what the downsides might be and weigh potential benefits against possible risks.
Finally will come a time to press the buttons and put your campaign into motion in an effective and measured way, monitoring progress whilst being on-hand to course-correct, if necessary
The judgement and experience required to make good decisions and give good advice, and the skills needed to envisage, plan and successfully execute programmes are amongst the matters that fall under the broad heading of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs that The Hall Company is experienced to provide.