Now, we think message. What are we going to say to your target audience?

First, your message must aim at correcting misconception, inaccuracy, rumor, even a lukewarm enthusiasm for your organization. But it must be persuasive, and compelling with its meaning as clear as possible. It must also prevent any further misunderstanding. Try it out on a test sampling of members of your target audience, then adjust content if needed.

How will you get your message to attention of that key external audience? “Beasts of burden,” that’s how! Better known as communications tactics that will carry that message to right eyes and ears.

And there are many tactics awaiting you. Personal contact, radio interviews, newsletters and open houses. Or contests, news conferences, emails and press releases. There are literally scores available.

So, after two or three months of aggressive communications between you and your key audience, are you making any progress?

Only way to find out is to monitor once again what members of your key audience are thinking. Same questions as first set of interviews, but now what you want to see are perceptions altered in your direction.

For example, you want to know if that inaccurate belief has been successfully neutralized. Or that misconception cleared up. Or that rumor effectively killed.

Certainly, if you discover little progress in those areas, you will revisit your message and evaluate whether it offers believable facts, figures and rationale. In particular, you should revet it for clarity.

And, because there are so many communications tactics available to you, selecting higher-impact tactics, then applying them with greater frequency, will probably be ticket for second round.

However, as day arrives when answers to your remonitoring questions show clear, consistent improvement, you may be excused for concluding that your public relations effort is, at long last, taking advantage of an economy emerging from recession.

end

4. Laugh and Have Fun. Laughter increases your energy level since you need to intake oxygen during laughter. By having fun, people become more relaxed and their creativity increases along with effectiveness and productivity.

5. Teambuilding Exercises. Conduct exercises to build “esprit de corps”. Take your staff out for a pizza lunch or organize “walk outside meetings”. These exercises improve communication and foster synergy.

Building a positive work environment will improve your chances of success. Your staff will be energized, your leadership will be respected and energy will be high. So, what can you do today to bring positive energy to your work environment?