The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks daunting facts. Some 20 percent of businesses fail within the first two years. That figure more than doubles to 45 percent over the first five. Cold, hard truths.
But what if your firm or organization is on its way? You’ve cleared the two-year mark.
First, congratulations! It’s a huge accomplishment. Second, it might be time to think about next steps.
The assumption is that you want to continue your growth, whether it be financially based, client or membership focused, or maybe centered on collaboration with new organizations and constituencies. The bottom line: development.
Most companies primed for growth will look to their business plans. Strategic opportunities. Deep dives. Bandwidth. All of the business acumen bells and whistles. Every business should give its planning a regular review, particularly as goals change and missions are often adjusted. But what about your communications? If you have a communications plan in place, you are rare. Fewer than 50 percent of all businesses have such a plan, and those that have developed objectives are largely concentrated on crisis management solutions.
Frankly, one of the first things that both employees and patrons complain about is a lack of communications, both internally and externally. However, as a new business, it isn’t surprising that communications planning is pushed aside. Websites, social posts and electronic newsletters are great tools to get your words out, but it’s also important to place attention into a longer range effort.
A communications plan should align with your mission statement and sit as an equal partner with your business plan. A communications plan should set your business plan in motion. The goals and specific action items will articulate your identity and reinforce your pillars. Rather than throwing out a variety of messages through various tools to see what “sticks,” spend the time to organize your thoughts and deliverables.
If you need assistance to develop a communications strategy to fit your needs, contact Bonilla Communications. A plan may be as simple as a few pages with overarching themes, or something with great detail applied over a specific timeframe. Your communications planning now will pay off in the future and help take your business to the next level.
Categories: Consequence