Communicating With Strategic Partners During Difficult Times
When faced with uncertainty and competing priorities, it’s important to take a pause, reflect (and breathe!).
In spite of the shifting sands around us, decision making based on vision, mission, values, and strategy is more critical than ever. How can you best spend your time and resources to set priorities that align with your organization’s core mission?
The current environment presents incredible opportunities for organizations to enhance their relevance by focusing on serving the needs of their customers and communities. Now is also an ideal time to leverage strategic partnerships. A thoughtful approach will broaden your organization’s reach, providing much-needed resources and support for key growth strategies.
Here are some straightforward steps to consider when developing strategic partner communications.
Leveraging partners
Identify the top partners (3-5) you’ll engage with on strategic communications
Ensure clarity about the core competencies of your partners as well as their communications structure and reach
Determine the specific ask of your partners
Conduct an initial outreach meeting with partners to establish roles and responsibilities and align on desired outcomes
Set a regular communications pulse with your partners (monthly, weekly, or more frequent if needed)
Communications and Messaging
Determine why, what, when, and how communications will be sent
Determine who will take the lead for each communication. Content is key.
Communicate your value proposition in all messaging to illustrate your services
Content
What messages, content, and resources are most pertinent and strategic right now?
Keep content simple and concise
Don’t reinvent the wheel – look at current resources, what can be used or repurposed?
Ask: Does our material answer common questions, address concerns and provide new and helpful resources?
With all of the noise in the world around us and a heightened level of anxiety, it is important to keep a strategic mindset. This ensures that tactical and operational tasks don’t lose focus and that all efforts lead to helping you achieve your larger strategic goals.
Take time to reflect before acting … do all activities and communications support your ultimate vision?