Why Contractors and Engineers Need PR Communications

This is a hard sell to a group that like to be in the drivers seat of a project. But there could be some internal communications that need an outside voice. Why? Because external messaging, regarding community projects, often get missed, due to hectic scheduling, are not part of the planning process or it doesn’t seem important to include the affected communities. Having a professional communicator review your outreach plan gives you an edge in your daily business operations. How? They can measure and identify opportunities that might fall through the cracks towards building and improving community relations. Here are a few items to consider as you launch a new or existing project that a communications professional can assist with.

• Double check external communications- To be candid, and on occasion, sharing information about up coming projects with community or civic leaders leads to less resistance, especially if those affected by the projects were informed ahead of time of possible issues.?
• Control and clarity of external messaging- The distribution of signage and messages is vital to a smooth operation. It removes distractions and keeps stakeholders in the loop, creating a source of community collaboration.
• Position the organization as an industry leader - Drafting and posting your companies successes signals to the rest of the industry, that your firm is competent and reliable. This gives you name recognition and stature among your peers.
• Locate local opportunities - With a good reputation, your organizations brand for quality and patterns of excellence will elevate your companies name, and reflects well in conversations. Why is this important??Local municipalities are always looking for good stewards of taxpayer funded projects.
• Architects and engineers have more important things to do - Prioritizing your work load is a key element to office productivity. Having a PR Communicator on staff or under contract can give your organization a workable marketing strategy that allows your staff to spend valuable time on productive projects, leaving the approval process of external communications planning to senior staff.

Each project has its on components and an experienced communications PR professional will add value to your community projects, especially if they are well versed in engineering and construction terminology and processes. This?will maximize the effectiveness of your messaging. They also know how to navigate and leverage a proactive and positive publication presence.

Alvin Wright is the owner of Alvin Wright Communications a Communications, Public & Media Relations Agency in Houston, Texas.