There is a lot already in this blog about communication planning and comms strategy. Unfortunately, comms strategies are often deemed to be a very complex thing. Many people (some of them even consultants!) will try to convince you that developing a communication strategy requires professional help.

The truth is that the key components of a communication strategy need not be all that complicated. A few simple questions will get you well on your way:

1) Where are we now?

It's not a difficult question. But if you don't know where you are starting from, you won't know how to get where you are going.

2) Where do we want to be?

What is your objective? What does it really mean? (I.e. saying "everyone must be happy" is not a clear objective.)

3) How are we going to get there?

What are the specific actions you are going to take to get there? You'll need to do this both in summary and in specific detail.

There are many things to think about at this point: audiences, channels, messages, obstacles, timing, spokespeople, etc. All of these things can be worked out once you know the answer to the questions above.

In my experience we usually spend too much time on these things though, and not enough time actually figuring out what our strategy is.

You can do this. It's not that hard. Chances are, if you have found this blog entry, that you are thinking about doing it.

Give it a try. You'll probably make a decent fist of it.

If, however, you need to make sure you succeed. If you don't have much time. If you are uncertain about the issues. If you don't have the right people to deliver. And many other variable... Give us a call. For background. For ideas. With questions. Or just for a chat. We can usually help. (See contact details on blog home.)

/df