Doing great communications is important. Equally, if not more important is the need to communicate your report and impact. Creating a communications report is probably easier than getting the attention of readers. Here are some tips that can make your report a vehicle for building relationships, improving coverage and aligning stakeholders.
Be mindful of time: Like every other report your team’s report is finding for mind space. Unless it packaged right and presented well the chances of it getting attention is limited. Use infographics, a flipbook or any other creative route that saves time and precious bandwidth.
Share what matters: Not every piece of work needs to go into the report. Only that makes a difference to the organization, stakeholders and the team. When you think of your audience also be cognizant of which geography they are based. Therefore use nomenclature and imagery that is understood. Â For example, you may have branded an office space but if you want your colleagues in a different geography understand the significance of that effort showcase the designs or explain it through visuals.
Teach readers: Every report is also an opportunity to teach lessons and best practices. Everyone wants to get better at what they do – every little bit counts. You may want to teach ‘how to’ get things done or use the opportunity to show how the team ‘does stuff’.
Showcase value: If they can’t see, they may not believe it. Include case studies, testimonials and visual representation of the great work your team has produced. Showcase value instead of cost savings. Demonstrate how you are moving the needle on different KPIs. Through this report you can share how stakeholders can get their word out, what it takes to create a plan, how does one measure the impact of an event or a campaign and much more.
Recognize people and effort: Include recognitions – not just of the team but your stakeholders – there can be some who have been great internal clients. Share how they have added to your team becoming better with every campaign.
