Gearing Up Instead of Winding Down!

As we approach the end of 2016, many companies are in “wind down” mode: closing out year-end books, wrapping up paperwork, finalizing account information.  While completing the business of this year is important, it is equally important to be “gearing up” for the upcoming year and all the possibilities that 2017 will hold!

No one likes to be caught unprepared, so don’t worry:  there is still time to outline your communication plan for next year. 

First, what do you want to achieve?  Is marketing, PR, or social media involved?  If so, in what capacity?  Don’t forget, internal communication is just as important as external communication.

Second, brainstorm what you want to see your marketing/communications department achieve in the upcoming year.  It can be an increase in proposal wins, creating an internal newsletter, actively pursue more media opportunities. 

Next, how does this coalesce with your other departments?  Is everyone getting equal attention?  If not, why?  Maybe that department needs to develop more usable content to be shared with both internal and external customers.

Look at your social media analytics?  How was your reach?  Were you sharing usable and interesting content? 

Lastly, remember that communication and marketing plans grow and change as events unfold.  The main idea is to get an idea of your jumping off point.  You don’t want to waste the first few months of the new year trying to figure out your communications plan.

While parts of your business are winding down, take the time to make sure that your areas of communication are gearing up.  It’s never too late to create a plan.  Happy Holidays!