It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts - Having an Internal Perspective During The “Year Of Development”

A Futuristic Organization has a truly integrated Internal and External Marketing Plan. Internal Marketing is creating, packaging and delivering an organization’s critical business messages to all employees in the organization. It can also include the greeting you receive either on the phone or in person by the receptionist, training and organizational development, the culture, organizational talking points, a new employee orientation program and how an employee represents your organization “out in public.” Here are a few steps to include in your internal marketing plan.

1. Work From the Inside Out  The best organizations start from the inside and work their way out. It is key to implement a program that develops employee talent and allows for internal growth. Top organizations spend a minimum of 30 hours per employee on yearly training programs. These programs give staff and the organization the tools needed to take you to the next level and beyond.
2. Develop Organizational “Talking Points”  It never fails. After a business meeting, an important sales presentation, a press conference or a meeting with your top customer, you start thinking; “I wish I would have said” . . . One way to alleviate this syndrome is to develop the critical points that need to be brought out in any given presentation. Do you know what your employees are saying about your organization to a friend or at a party when meeting a stranger? Make sure that you establish your 10 to 20 organizational talking points that can be rehearsed and then selected by all employees at just the most opportune time.
3. Employee Loyalty Drives Sales  Did you know that employee loyalty is directly linked to brand loyalty? It’s true! Seventy percent (70%) of employees who are highly loyal in purchasing the organization’s brand are also active company champions. Consider a program to get your employees involved in using your products and services.
4. Get Everyone’s Input  When staff members have a voice in an organization’s direction, they are more likely to accept the changes and ideas that can accompany a new business path. Understanding the objectives, constraints and capabilities of the organization, also puts employees in a better position to serve the best interests of their organization, as well as those of potential customers.
5. Empower Your Employees  Remove obstacles that hinder peak performance. Provide appropriate support that enables employees to spend time effectively. Studies have shown that the disparity between high and low performers is directly related to the “value-added” component of an organization. Additionally, high performers are 2.5 times more productive than low performers. Giving team members the tools needed to succeed will not only promote personal growth for the employee, but could also mean significant growth and profitability for the organization.