Here's how you can outpace the competition in Strategic Communications.

The most common mistake within strategic communications is change. To be able to influence the audience with strategic messaging a brand need to stay with a set of very few (maximum 3) strategic messages over time, in fact over years. Do the groundwork, be sure to be sure about how your brand need to be perceived to be successful, craft the strategic messages and stay with them, for at least 3-5 years. The most successful brands in any category has stayed with their strategic messages for +10 years. So, the advise is opposite to change > DURATION.

Communication begins with understanding the basic settings of who you are talking to and how your values as a person or organization are seen in what is shared. Understanding your audience ensures you use the right medium to communicate and prioritizing who you are ensures your audience appreciates your distinct nature from the rest.

For organizations that intend to build long-term communication channels with their audience, it is necessary to evolve with them. Growing with your audience means you'll innovate regularly to meet their current communication needs and improve on the existing ones to make the process seamless. Innovation in communication is not an "if" for organizations but "when"

Humans are relational beings hence businesses must learn to humanize their brands to build a successful brand. People want to relate with companies that "get them". So talk to your audience and build genuine relationships with them

Authentic engagement is a powerful tool in strategic communications. Building genuine relationships with your audience through transparent and honest communication fosters trust and loyalty. Responding to feedback, participating in meaningful conversations, and showing the human side of your brand will endear you to your audience. Authenticity cannot be faked; it requires a commitment to real interactions that reflect your brand’s core values.

No matter how strategic you are, you can't be the leading voice in every sector. This is what partnerships stand to help you achieve. It helps you leverage the community and influence of other experts to validate who you are and what you offer.

Staying agile is essential in the fast-paced world of strategic communications. This means being able to quickly adapt to changes in the market, technological advancements, or shifts in public opinion. An agile communicator anticipates potential challenges and opportunities, ready to pivot strategies as needed. Flexibility and resilience are your allies, enabling you to navigate the unpredictable landscape of strategic communications successfully.

To outpace the competition in strategic communications, focus on innovative storytelling through diverse formats like videos and podcasts. Utilise data-driven insights to tailor strategies for audience engagement. Stay agile to adapt to market changes and develop a strong, authentic brand voice. Leverage the latest technology for efficient outreach, build relationships with key stakeholders, and prioritize continuous learning. Foster two-way communication to enhance community engagement and strengthen your market position.