Marketing communication in the digital age is
anything but simple. In fact, it’s become a vast and complex field what with
online activities like social media engagement, blogging, search engine optimization,
Internet advertising, and other such elements greatly impacting business goals.
Whether you are planning to start a marketing communications career or are
already in the midst of it, you should know that the way Marcom used to happen
a few years ago is no longer adequate to achieve your marketing goals. Everything
from the canals of communication to the messaging and the marketplace have
changed thanks to digitization.
So, what Marcom professionals need is to constantly update themselves and work on improving their skills. Here are a couple ways to do just that:
So, what Marcom professionals need is to constantly update themselves and work on improving their skills. Here are a couple ways to do just that:
Remain updated on marketing
technology: More and
more fellowships are now moving their marketing efforts in the online space as
they recognize the potency of these channels to gain a broader consultation. A modern Marcom professional is expected to be tech-savvy and have
thorough knowledge of the latest marketing technologies such as analytics,
conversion tools, marketing automation, etc. These tools help them doesn't just
reach the right audience with the right message at the right time, but also
track the performance of their marketing efforts.
Brushing
Up your Presentation Skills: If you haven’t done it already,
make sure you are an absolute wizard at MS PowerPoint. Being able to give
impressive presentations can really take you places in your career. However, it
shouldn’t just look good, but also sound convincing and that’s where your
confidence in delivering the presentation comes into play. Whatever channel you
are using – face-to-face in a conference room, over video chat, or via email –
the words you choose to transmit your message should be hefty. The only way to
get better at creating presentations is practice, practice, and more exercise.
Short
and Crisp: The plethora of data thrust at us
before we eat lunch is extraordinary. People have
less time, less patience and shorter attention spans than ever earlier.
Making your case, connecting words that create value for the other party means
fewer words that have more meaning, more impact and create value. Think about
what you want to say, and cut down your statement, your message to three or
four strong words that you want to come across with impact, and ramp up your
statement accordingly.
It is all about them, NOT YOU: The size of your company, your bank
account, etc., have lost their radiance. Forty
years of relentless advertising, vacuous messages have made the 21st century
consumer wary of pitches, big companies, shiny objects and messages that talk
about your power and clout. Communication is about empowering them, their
clout, and their power to vibrate with your message. It is a message that talks
about them and to them.
Brush up your Communication Skills: This one is a no-brainer. All
employers expect their Marcom professionals to have excellent communication
skills. Nevertheless, while you may be great at verbal communication, writing a
simple email could leave you completely flustered. As a Marcom
professional, the written word should be a major ally. You should be able to
narrate a story to your audience – a story so interesting that it piques their
interest and keeps them occupied. Make it a practice to write – keep a journal,
blog, or Tweet – whatever helps you to pen the thoughts in your head in an
engaging manner. While you are operating on your composition skills, try to
extend your vocabulary. Crossword puzzles, word games, and Scrabble are
excellent tools to help develop your speech.
Never
stop Learning: As noted
earlier in the post, marketing communication is a wide subject. In fact, not only is it
broad, it’s also dynamic and ever evolving. As a Marcom professional, you need
to keep in step with the latest changes in the field. One path to act is
through continuing training. Remain on the outlook for new marketing and
communication courses and certifications that you can perform to promote your
skills.
CITRON is an innovative fundraising and communications
agency that works exclusively with non-profits. They work in three areas –
build the brand, raise funds & training – to help organizations reach
supporters, build awareness and raise money. Moreover, as it works only with
non-profit organizations and we therefore understand and empathize with their
special needs and challenges. Citron aim to be a supportive partner to theirNGO
partners at every step of their journey.