You’re starting a new job as a Corporate Communications Manager. What are the first skills you need to learn?

Your writing needs to be easy for diverse audiences to understand. Craft messages that are free of jargon and technical terms while still conveying the intended meaning. Be prepared to adapt your writing to different mediums, from press releases and social media posts to internal communications and website copy. Facts and figures are important, but weaving them into a narrative can capture attention and make your communication more impactful.

As you embark on your new role as a Corporate Communications Manager, there are several key skills that will be crucial to your success. First and foremost, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. You’ll need to be able to craft clear and compelling messages for a variety of audiences, including employees, stakeholders, and the media. Additionally, being a good listener is important in order to understand the needs and concerns of different groups within the organization. Another key skill is the ability to think strategically and creatively when developing communication plans and campaigns. It’s also valuable to have a solid understanding of digital marketing tools and social media platforms.

Understanding Company Culture Effective Communication Stakeholder Management Crisis Communication Media Relations Digital Communication Content Creation Measurement and Analytics Cross-Functional Collaboration Adaptability and Learning Agility

Understanding the organization's core offerings, culture, top management, and decision-making process is paramount. This lays the foundation for effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders. Content should be versatile across platforms, maintaining consistent messaging. Although slight variations may exist between channels like press releases and advertisements, the overall tone and message must remain constant. Additionally, content should reflect your personality, vibe, and thought process, fostering authenticity and audience connection.

In today's digital-first world, understanding how to effectively use social media, SEO, and data analytics tools is crucial. Learn to analyze digital performance metrics to refine your communication strategies. This will enable you to create targeted content that resonates with your audience and achieves measurable outcomes. Additionally, develop your crisis management skills to navigate challenges with poise. #DigitalSavvy #StrategicCommunication

Research skills are your secret weapon for creating impactful messaging. They help you truly understand your audience and how you can best connect with them. By staying on top of industry trends and competitor moves, you can craft strategies that not only align with your company’s goals but also stand out. Research also gives you the tools to measure how well your communications are landing, so you can adapt, improve, and keep delivering messages that resonate and drive results.

Before communicating with your audience, it is important to research to understand their demographics, interests, and preferred communication channels. This will help you tailor your messaging and reach them more effectively. Additionally, it is crucial to gain a solid understanding of your company's industry, its trends, and the competitor landscape to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate potential issues.

I've learned that research isn't just about gathering data—it's about understanding the story behind the numbers. Start by deeply understanding your audience's needs and preferences. Use social listening tools to monitor conversations about your brand and industry. This will help you craft messages that resonate and engage effectively. Also, staying ahead of market trends and competitor activities through continuous research will empower your strategies, making them proactive rather than reactive. #ResearchMatters #CorporateCommunications

Having a grasp of visual design principles will help you collaborate effectively with graphic designers. Understanding layout, color theory, and image selection can elevate your communication materials. Many companies use CMS platforms to manage website content and social media. Familiarity with these systems will allow you to update and publish content independently.

Embrace tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Canva to bring your messages to life visually. But it's not just about aesthetics; understanding design principles can greatly enhance user engagement. Ensure your visuals are on-brand, accessible, and tell a compelling story. Remember, a well-designed piece can communicate more effectively than words alone, making your messages memorable and impactful. #DesignThinking #CorporateCommunications

Design is about creating an attractive asset to fulfill a given purpose. We often get caught up in making designs following a brand bible, or in creating a beautiful piece of art, and this we forget the purpose of designs within communication materials. It is of utmost importance that the message that we are attempting to communicate be taken care of first, before the aesthetic. This does not mean that beautiful imagery should be neglected. It does mean that form follows function - the message must be clear in spite of the design.

I believe empathy is an indispensable quality for any Communications Manager. It is an essential asset to better understand the needs of your targets and thus deliver the most effective strategy possible. It is also a key resource to understand internal teams' perception and prospects. Empathy can certainly help you obtain a sufficiently fine transversal vision to be able to prioritize and manage everyone’s expectations. Finally, it is a quality within the framework of relations with your team, to identify the possible obstacles to their skills development and to set up the listening, the incentives and the necessary tools to maximize their success.

Effective communication starts with good listening. Pay close attention to stakeholders' needs, concerns, and feedback. You'll be working with various departments and external partners. Build strong relationships and collaborate effectively to achieve communication goals. Whether it's delivering presentations or negotiating with media outlets, you need to communicate clearly.

Your network is as important as your writing skills. Corporate communications is a lot about getting other people to do things that are if not outside their job description, not core to it. I’ve always found people want to help if they can (eg fact-checking press releases, taking photos for social media, letting you know ahead of time if something interesting will happen) but they will make a much bigger effort for a colleague they appreciate. So networking inside your company should not be neglected.

An interpersonal skill I try to exercise first thing on the job in corporate communications (or in any role) is networking. I would recommend asking for or scheduling 1-on-1's with every stakeholder that you'll interface with, both internal and external to your department. Cross-functional communications is key to being able to move throughout the organization, whether to collaborate on a project or simply to socialize your role within the larger organization. This is so key in the beginning, because down the road -- for example, in a crisis communications situation -- you may need their help, or they may need yours. It will work in both your favor to be well acquainted! (And, it also shows that you're interested in what they do - bonus!)

Interpersonal skills in corporate communications go beyond simple interactions. It's about crafting stories that resonate, fostering genuine connections, and engaging in meaningful dialogues. A successful Communications Manager listens actively, empathizes with diverse perspectives, and communicates with clarity and purpose. This role involves not just conveying messages but also building relationships that support collaboration and trust across all levels of an organization. Cultivate these skills to inspire your team, influence stakeholders, and drive your company's narrative forward. #CommunicationsExcellence #RelationshipBuilding

Strategic skills are crucial, whether it involves crafting compelling content or employing diverse strategies for conducting research. Mastery of these skills enables communication with purpose, direction, and significance, thereby generating value for both the organization and its stakeholders.

Align communication efforts with the company's overall business goals. Develop strategic communication plans that outline key messages, target audiences, and communication channels.

Throughout my career I’ve communicated about an organization’s strategy, but I’ve also been involved in the development of an organization’s overall corporate strategies. During development or updating a corporate strategic plan I often serve as a facilitator. As an impartial participant I guide the leadership team through the steps of creating, reviewing or updating the organization’s mission, vision and goals, all of which should drive the corporation’s business strategy. Even companies with long histories often need to refresh their purpose to include new target audiences, advances in technologies or expansion into new markets. Who better to lead these strategy sessions than a communications professional?

If you have been hired as a communications manager with a corporate, you already have the above listed skills in some combination or extent. The key element to focus on first and foremost is to gain an understanding of the company’s messaging and how it plugs into business objectives. Prepare a SWOT of what has been working and what needs improvement to bolster business needs - will of course require deep research. Let this inform your approach to the first few weeks at the new workplace as you find out more from key internal stakeholders. Tweaks along the way will be absolutely necessary but you’ll have hit the ground running.

One important skill for understanding the business and culture of a new company is “information gathering“ - Dive into critical documents like mission statements, strategic plans, annual reports etc - Schedule informal chats with colleagues across departments; active listening is key - Observe how things function like the communication style, decision making processes, unspoken social dynamics

As a corporate communications manager you will interact with a lot of leaders. Thus, it is important to be a good collaborator and build relationships with other important stakeholders.

I've observed that strategic acumen is crucial for Corporate Communications. It's not just about creating a plan; it's about understanding how every communication aligns with the broader business objectives. Start by mapping out a strategy that connects with your organization's goals, ensuring that each message is purposeful and contributes to the overarching mission. Use data and feedback to iterate and refine your approach, demonstrating how communications drive measurable business outcomes. This strategic mindset will help you prioritize initiatives, allocate resources effectively, and maximize the impact of your communications. #StrategicCommunication #BusinessAlignment

In addition to this, it's essential to be equipped to handle crises effectively, which involves crafting comprehensive crisis communication strategies, promptly addressing emerging issues, and effectively mitigating reputational risks.