It’s Wine Wednesday and also time for a little chat about communications because frankly, I’m tired of Home Happy Hours in my kitchen.🍷⠀
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Let’s talk reopening.⠀
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As areas of the country begin to open, it is imperative that you have a communications plan in place to ensure that your employees and clients understand what to expect over the next few weeks.⠀
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Here are three things to do to build trust, show empathy and be safe:⠀
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1. Employees First. Always communicate with your employees before you speak to your clients, customers and the public. Your employees are on the front lines and are most likely the ones most worried about their safety. ⠀
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Layout the details of your safety plan, cleaning procedures via email, live video conferences, in-person meetings, then follow up with written statements reiterating your key messages. ⠀
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2. Clients and Customers Next. Building from your internal communications, your clients and customers need to know what you are doing to protect them and their businesses as well. Emails, signage, and regular (non-sales) check-ins by your sales team are important to building trust with your client base. The communication to your clients and customers should mirror your key messages to your employees.⠀
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3. The Public. Prepare media holding statements, FAQs, identify a spokesperson. Again, your key messages will come into play here and you want to make sure your messages are aligned with your internal communications.⠀
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Use social media and your blog to reinforce your messages. Post pictures of cleaning procedures, social distancing protocols, and share client and customer COVID-19 success stories to boost morale. ⠀
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If you continue to communicate with care, concern, and with your community in mind, you can’t go wrong. If you need help laying out a plan, send me a message. ⠀
