What Can a Communications Strategist Do for You?

Communications channels are everywhere and seem to be expanding. The Net, email, presentations, telephones, newsletters, Twitter. The list is seemingly endless.

A communications strategist can help you get the most out of these channels by looking at the way you or your company uses them and the kind of messages you send out. After all, the way you write and speak effects the way people receive and respond to you.

A Great Communications Strategist

A great communications strategist will find new ways of making language work better for you. That may involve introducing new forms of communication into your business such as using Twitter to talk to customers or starting a business blog to give customers free help and resources.
It might also mean running a workshop on how to get the most out of email or improve personal communication skills.

Analysis, Planning, Implementation & Follow-up

A communication strategist typically works by initially analysing the way you use language and the communication channels open to you. Then she or he will identify what areas can be improved and outline a strategy to implement changes. Sometimes this involves producing content or texts, but more often than not it involves training others to communicate more effectively.

Anyone can put words together. It takes a professional to craft your message.

Communications strategists typically work with senior staff as communication strategy relates to the very core of how a company talks to each other and its customers.

How to Choose a Communications Strategist?

If you find a communications consultant you are interested in, check out their track-record, experience and ask for references.

It’s also vital to try and gauge some sense of whether they really deliver what they promise. Can they increase traffic to your website? Have they improved sales figures or increased satisfaction among customers and staff.

What skills should you look for?

A skilled communication strategist:

• understands communication objectives
• knows how to target your audience
• is able to communicate effectively with a range of staff holding different positions in your organisation
• is skilled at written and verbal communication
• is up-to-date with emerging channels (like Social Media, blogging, etc)
• practices what they preach

and that’s just for starters.

What does it cost?

If you find a communications strategist who really does deliver, you’ll be expected to pay the same kind of fees paid to management consultants. Great communication skills are vital to your business because ultimately they effect your productivity and success. And that often comes at a premium.

Image:FlickrCC

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