Biz-commPulse

Integrated communication (IC), if applied correctly in the business, will help you to build long term relationships with your customers. You can somewhat control how customers feel about your business through unified communication and messaging. I still consider Don Schultz as one of the pioneers of the integrated communications concept. Although theorists are still trying to work out a united definition of what integrated communication entails, the majority of literature on the topic indicates that by controlling all communication the brand of the business is enhanced through a consistent brand image, which could eventually result in better sales. Having loyal customers can only benefit the business through repeated sales. Sounds impossible?  Exactly how can integrated communication be achieved?   ·      The top management must first of all understand integrated communication. Integrated communication can only be achieved when it is implemented ...

Rumours in the business should be managed through proper communication . As a manager you have the added responsibility to look after the communication in the business, that is to make sure that communication is coordinated, early enough, frequent and clear.  Many large businesses have communications employees to deal with the communication aspects for the business, but it ultimately remains the responsibility of the manager.  It is human nature to discuss issue with you colleagues, especially if there is uncertainty about unforeseen changes in the business or problems with employees.  But it is important to stop or prevent rumours early enough before they get out of hand, damage the reputation of the business or the morale of the employees.  What role should the manager play to put an end or prevent rumours in the business? A weekly blog on the Intranet is increasingly being used by managers worldwide to inform employees about goings-on in the business or to...

A direct communication channel by the CEO could enhance  business communication. Image credit:  Photopin . Communication from the CEO of a business is essential for employees not only to receive direct messages from Top Management but also to understand the thinking process of those who are in charge.   A CEO weekly blog could improve communication in the business and simultaneously make the management more visible to employees which is essential for any business communication strategy to remain effective. The CEO could, for example, write to employees on a weekly basis about different topics that would be of interest to them at that specific point in time.  The blog posts could relate to important events in the business,  clarify unclear issues or  communicate essential new information, for example on being ethical. In addition interesting statistics about how the business is doing financially could also be of interest to employees.   ...

Another key area for seamless integration of business communication is having access to  the right technology or infrastructure.  Many business owners therefore are looking for the right software with which to integrate all messages to or from employees.  I recently discovered Google Enterprise which is a very cost effective way of managing communication in the business.  Google has been widely criticised especially since they seem to almost have a monopoly when it comes to search engines, but I am fascinated by the many possibilities for any business.  So why am I impressed and what can Google Enterprise do to enhance integration? Source: Google Enterprise. Google has many applications which business owners can use to communicate with employees.  Employees are always connected via email while the communication can be better managed with added productivity applications.  Examples of such applications are: A calendar where all calendars are...

Source: Freedigitalphotos.net Implementing changes in a business could be very difficult but even more if employees are not in favour of the changes.  By knowing why employees might be resistant to change, effective communication strategies and media could be developed in advance to overcome any obstacles and to adequately  inform employees about the changes (also read my post on how to communicate change s). Here are the five most common reasons why employees might resist the changes you want to implement in your business: Employees do not really see or understand the need for any changes. Fear of management changing the status quo. Reluctance to work with other colleagues or in different teams. Employees not willing to take on more responsibilities. Employees might fear retrenchments, early retirement or other issues that might threaten their long-term security in the business. Honest and open communication play a crucial role in implementin...

The way in which a business is perceived, positively or negatively, constitutes its corporate image. The corporate image is inseparable from all the activities within a business as it generally includes the overall picture that people have of a business. The corporate image of a business is also directly related to communication in the business. The way in which a manager deals with employees will have an effect on employee morale and motivation. Lack of motivation among employees or little knowledge of products or services will impede good customer service. If employees deal with customers in an unprofessional manner, those customers will perceive the business in a negative way. How customers experience the products or services or their personal contact with the business, can result into either positive or negative viral marketing for the business. Customers have access to numerous social media platforms to post either complaints or compliments about the business. Word of mouth ...