In the wake of the COVID-19, we have all been tested with disruption in our lives. For business leaders, the disruption has impacted the traditional sales, capital raising, client management and talent engagement processes. In the absence of typical in-person meeting opportunities, leaders need new ways to virtually connect in order to avoid being left “out of sight, out of mind” by their existing and future stakeholders: staff, clients, investors and corporate partners, to name a few.
Now, everyone is home and constantly scouring for information. A C-suite leader sharing useful information can influence a buyer’s decision making process and mobilize the entire team. Being engaged and present is essential in ordinary times, and it’s even more critical amid a crisis. Stakeholders need to know you are proactive and adaptive to the virus in ways that benefit them. Given the furious pace of the news cycle, and uncertainty in the world around us, your communication strategy similarly needs to be proactive and adaptive.
Amid uncertainty and angst, now is the ideal time to take control and communicate how you are engaged in your business. For example, stories could be:
You are re-evaluating your priorities.
You are preparing for the next wave of the virus.
You - or your CEO - is taking control of operations to inform quick decision making.
You are hosting weekly company video town halls, benefiting morale.
You are increasing your level of communication with investors to retain trust and confidence.
You are rolling out a new product or making upgrades to an existing product.
Now is the time to grab control and distinguish your brand from competitors while they are scrambling or, worse, silent. Communication creates clarity and it reminds your customers why you were hired in the first place. Being present in a time of need sends a strong message of confidence that ultimately will strengthen your reputation as an engaged leader during a historic time.
If you would like to discuss how to adapt your communications strategies to tell your unique story, please feel free to reach out to us at Media@PursuitPRNY.com
About the Authors:
Rachel Kule, Founder, Co-Managing Partner, PURSUIT PR brings 15 years of public relations and marketing experience to her work. With an industry specialty in technology, financial services, she works directly with C-suite executives to prepare them to become known thought leaders.
Matthew Kule, Co-Managing Partner, PURSUIT PR brings 20 years of experience in financial services, marketing and business development to his work. His unique range of knowledge positions him to understand the financial markets as well as bring a creative lens to communication with a broad range of stakeholders in mind.