Successful companies with high profiles realize every action they take is subject to public scrutiny. Public exposure is significantly increased when corporations initiate complex transformational projects that require communicating and engaging with multiple stakeholder groups. Responsible organizations understand the importance of living and demonstrating their corporate values not only with customers and regulators, but with stakeholders as well. When actions line up with stated values, the company will be able to effectively communicate those values. They are not…
This year, Ward celebrates an exciting 25 years in the public relations and communications business and we thought, what better way to highlight our global footprint than to showcase the expertise of our Worldcom partners? This week, we launch Worldcom Wednesdays, a new monthly series on Ward to the Wise featuring our partners in highly topical Q&A conversations pertaining to their specialized areas of expertise, best practices and emerging trends. For our inaugural post, Ward sat down with Dr….
Companies with a strong reputation for operating with integrity tend to enjoy greater customer loyalty, industry respect and employee pride. Such companies understand the many reputational risks they face on a daily basis and make high-integrity stakeholder communication a high priority as well, while lesser companies seek solely to win at all costs during a public dialogue. Integrity in company communication is recognized by reputable companies as an essential value in every facet of business, from the reporting…
The significance of listening to and understanding the concerns of stakeholders is often overlooked when planning major initiatives. Creating opportunities to engage directly with stakeholders and openly communicate with them about their concerns is half the battle when trying to build support for major projects. Successful, pro-active stakeholder relations campaigns recognize this factor and implement strategies that reduce barriers and provide for two-way channels of communication. Lending Stakeholders a Voice Town Hall Meetings Elected officials have long recognized…
Underestimating the importance of knowing the issues of communities you need to engage in support of transformational initiatives has caused many large projects to go awry, fail, or at a minimum, stall. Successfully engaging with communities and community leaders is such an obvious strategy, it hardly seems worth mentioning. But countless examples of failed initiatives point to the lack of understanding of how to critical it is to understand the issues and concerns of the communities in which…
One would think it was a given, but many organizations fail to recognize the influence elected officials have over their constituents. After all, they were elected by those they serve to represent constituents’ best interests. So, why is it that frequently organizations fail to engage elected officials when implementing major transformative initiatives, instead, leaving them to “hear about it through the grapevine?” Strategically reaching out to key elected officials allows organizations to focus key influencers on the organization’s…
The success of large infrastructure or transformative initiatives relies heavily on engaging with key stakeholders. Creating a robust stakeholder relations program to build relationships with those who care about your project and can influence the outcome, is essential for success. Engaging with stakeholders early and seeking their input in the decision-making process for initiatives that significantly impact individuals and communities, must be an organizational priority. Who cares about your organization and what are their concerns? Identifying who is…
Marking a significant anniversary for your business can be an exciting time; however, while you’re clinking champagne glasses and celebrating the past, don’t forget to drive your business goals for the future. An anniversary celebration provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce your current customer relationships, attract new prospects, differentiate your business from the competition and enhance your growth, so don’t waste the occasion on a simple party or two when you can leverage it for much more. Set…
Your business’ success is not a singular accomplishment. Many people contributed to the achievement, and an anniversary celebration is a logical time to recognize them for their support. Thanking current employees, customers, vendors and others with whom you do business is standard, but have you considered thanking those who might not be so obvious? Recognizing such individuals will make your anniversary tributes complete and could payoff in the future as well. WHO: Former employees WHY: Your employees are…
Brands interested in entering the Canadian marketplace face cultural differences that demand unique communications strategies in order to be effective. Ward sat down with Worldcom partner and CASACOM President Marie-Josée Gagnonto discuss what it takes to enter the Canadian marketplace and how B2C and B2B brands can cause the results they desire by following a pragmatic set of communications guidelines. Q. Are there any business tips you have for B2B and B2C companies looking to enter the Canadian marketplace? A. Over…
