10 Things to Avoid in Internal Communications

Be sure to avoid these internal communications snafus.

1. Using just one communication channel.
2. Not gathering employee input, feedback or not following up with employees who've provided their input.
3. Ignoring the company's values and vision.
4. Not acknowledging past failures (lessons learned) or past successes.
5. Focusing on outputs rather than OUTCOMES.
6. Assuming everyone knows certain things about the company.
7. Not recognizing who the audience is, and how your message will impact them.
8. Using words or sentences that are too complex.
9. Lying, leaving out important information, or "sugar-coating" bad news.
10. Not having, and not clearly communicating the system and process for employee feedback.

10 Words That Catch the Readers' Attention

Using words or phrases that pack a punch can have a drastic effect on your readers. Use these 10 word categories and sample words and phrases to grab the readers' attention and keep them engaged. Full Article

Is your News…Newsworthy?

“Is my news or announcement really newsworthy?”
This “million dollar” question is in fact the most important PR question you’ll ask yourself.  When it comes to public relations, even the most experienced news writers find themselves debating this question…and rightfully so. The best PR people will scratch many more PR pitches than they actually send. Luckily, there are lessons to be learned from the stories that fall short. For one, your news must first attract the attention of the people deciding whether it will be published (reporters, editors, assignment desks, etc.). Once published your news should “speak to” or generate interest or response from the target audience.

So how do you avoid getting caught up in meaningless media? Full Article

Best Practice Communications Plans that Work

Building a best practice communications plan is serious business, and your company is not the first one to embark on the arduous task of being efficient, effective communicators. Every company, large or small, faces a barrage of communication challenges every day. Facing these challenges head on in a proactive manner separates the great from the mediocre. Once you realize that effective and consistent communications delivered via various communications outlets and channels has the potential to improve employee morale, performance, and productivity, increase your revenue growth and profit, and help you to build a recognizable employer image…you are on your way. Full Article

MAC4 Headlines

• Sage Management Consulting engages MAC4 to develop their e-newsletter and write news and announcements for the Sage Website.

• MAC4 provides communications support for launch of Shire Pharmaceutical’s EquatePlus tool, the company’s one-stop resource for employees to manage their stock portfolio.

• MAC4 develops brand and collaterals for The Farm & Fisherman, a new farm-to-table restaurant on Pine Street in Philadelphia.

• WalkPoint, LLC retains MAC4 to develop brand and company collaterals to position this new project management company.

• Crompco engages MAC4 for the third consecutive year to manage their tradeshow presence at the 2011 NACS show. MAC4 will develop advertising, booth materials and PR for Crompco.

• MAC4 works with Kim Huggins, K HR Solutions to publish GENerate Performance! Unleashing the Power of a Multi-generational Workforce.