A strategic communications plan outlines key elements like objectives, target audiences, and messages to help businesses efficiently and effectively communicate ideas. Small changes like removing an olive from meals can significantly impact savings. Hiring a public relations consultant can streamline the planning process and help businesses generate positive media attention through appropriate tools and outreach.

1. KEYS TO SUCCESS
It seems too good to be true: that something as simple as initiating a basic communications plan can help
your business or organization grow. But honest, open and timely communications can create just the ‘face’ you
want on your business. And if it doesn’t yet have a face, well it’s a good way to get yourself known!
We like to remind people of the American Airlines story: by removing just one olive from every on-flight meal,
they were able to save millions of dollars. It’s the small things that often make the biggest difference, creating the
base from which all other elements can take off from.
A strategic communications plan doesn’t have to be a 100 page book. It does, however, need to clearly
elaborate on the following: a situation analysis, a problem statement, a communication audit, objectives and
goals, target audiences (sometimes there are secondary and tertiary audiences to consider as well), key mes-
sages, an action plan including a timeline and budget, and an evaluation. A plan will make your communication
efforts more efficient, effective, and lasting. It focuses on following the steps needed to achieve your ultimate
goal.
Communications enable ideas and information to be transmitted throughout the community. Considering
which communications tools to use and how best to get your messages out there should be part of your plan. For
example, holding a press conference when a news release would do or holding a launch party if there’s really
nothing to launch wouldn’t make much sense.
How will people know you exist? Generate tools and materials that will attract positive media attention to
your business. The key words to remember are ‘public relations’. You want to create, generate and sustain posi-
tive relations with your publics.
The best plan is to plan. Enlisting the help of a public relations consult-
ant will help you streamline the whole communications planning process sav- Alba Public Relations
P.O. Box 1983
ing you both time and money in the end. A PR consultant will know who to Huntingdon, Quebec
J0S 1H0
speak to and when and which tools will be appropriate and why. They are
practiced at creating news releases, communications plans and managing
Phone: 450.370.8357
events among many other things. Their success hinges on the success they
Fax: 450.264.8284
bring to your business! E-mail: april@albapr.ca
© 2009—Alba Public Relations