Communications

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May 28, 2009

What will separate you in the age of Twitter, Facebook, and all things Social Media?

Posted by denisekeddy under Communications, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , |
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Now don’t get me wrong, I love social media.  I think there are endless opportunities for branding yourself, your company and yes… even marketing on social media, but today I want to talk about something a bit old fashioned….. manners.   What ever happened to manners or business etiquette?

Having spent the better part of the last year networking I am appalled when I hear some of the horror stories of today’s interview process for a new job.  Granted there are sometimes hundreds of people who are applying for one job, and I know it is impossible to give a personal response to each of them, but no response at all?  Since when is that a good idea?

Here is another one- you have an interview (either phone or in person) and you are told they will get back to you by “X” date.   Well “X” date comes and goes and guess what, no call, e-mail, letter, text…nothing.  So you start following up, once, twice, three times- (you see where I am going with this) but still nothing.  Since when is it okay to treat someone with so little regard?  How hard can it be to send a simple e-mail or return the call of someone who is curious about their status?  Remember this is someone who is interested in your company!   What does this lack of common business courtesy say about your company brand?   Is this the image you want to portray?

You can try to blame the economy and the increased number of applicants for your poor performance, but wouldn’t you rather be known as a company who has respect for it’s potential employees along with respect for its customers?

While the economy is a bit shaky now, things will turn around and people do talk- especially when they network.  There are some very talented people who are getting the run around today.  Maybe you are sitting there thinking, so what is one or two people bad mouth our company who cares….. well most likely it is more than one or two and they tell two friends and so on and so on.  And that doesn’t even count what is being tweeted about your company.

At the end of the day how do you want your company to be remembered?    Relationships are still the key to success and your brand image.  Why not make your brand stand out and do something old fashioned– have some manners!

 

April 7, 2009

Employee Communications

Posted by denisekeddy under Communications | Tags: , , , , , |
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What ever happened to communication?  In this time of daily corporate RIF’s (an overly polite term for lay off), I am amazed at the number of companies that fail to communicate with their employees.   More often than not employees know a RIF is coming it is just a matter of when will it happen, and who will be affected.   If you are one of the lucky few to keep your position you are undoubtedly wondering how will the RIF affect my job.

So many companies today are neglecting to follow up with the employees who are left “holding the bag”.   The biggest impact on moral is not always the initial RIF, it is how management handles the situation after the RIF has happened.   What should you be doing if you are faced with a RIF?

  • Have a meeting.  Meet with your employees and speak frankly about the situation.  Hiding your head in the sand will only perpetuated the FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt). Make sure your messages and agenda has already been communicated with top managers within your organization, as they will be the ones fielding many of the questions.
  • If you can’t meet with all your employees at once set up a video call, or in worst case a conference call.  Seeing is believing.  Top management needs to show concern for those who were part of the RIF, AND those left behind.  Address the situation sincerely and honestly,  it will build respect from within the organization.  If you have employees that are out of the office on the fateful RIF day – make sure the manager or VP of the group contacts them immediately.  Nothing is more embarrassing to a sales person who in a meeting with your customer trying to reach their inside person only to find off they were just laid off.  It certainly does not help the salesperson’s credibility!
  • Look to the Future- be honest work loads will increase, certain programs may be cut, and changes will need to happen.  Be as specific as possible the sooner you set the agenda and everyone is aware of it the sooner you can move forward as an organization.

RIF’s are hard on all levels; management, employees and customers.  Remember your employees are the people in daily contact with your customers they are the ‘face” of your company.

Communication during a time of uncertainty is key to health and success of your company brand!