8 Facts About Communication Managers

One of the most sought after skills that employers look for in job seekers is being able to communicate effectively.

Though what skills must one master in order to be good communicator?

Communication involves listening, speaking, observing, body language and many other skills. It’s easy to understand how these qualities are exemplified in a person. Though what do these qualities look like in brands and companies?

How does a brand communicate externally and internally information that promotes their mission, products and/or services?

Well they look to communication managers whose job it is to communicate and maintain a brands reputation.

1. Communication managers communicate knowledge

Communication managers in the food industry are execute and monitor communication strategies. They help organizations with the promotion of their brand, services and mission. It involves developing media relations pieces like preparing new releases, developing a social media presence and monitoring internal company communications.

Communication managers are also responsible for developing brand strategies for a company. They ensure that any content released to the public matches their “brand” image. This also extends to social media, assisting the marketing department in creating social media posts which are on brand. Additionally, these professionals may be responsible for creating the communications on a company website.

A communication managers job doesn’t stop there. Additionally, they monitor internal communications within a company. Internal communications are those that stay within a company such as newsletters and news bulletins. For example, if a company informing staff about a change in their company benefits than the communications manager would check the announcement to ensure that it follows company policies and legal requirements.

Overall, a communication manager plays a critical role in shaping company communications. They use their understanding of communication modes, relationships and communication skills to make sure that organizations communicate clearly.

2. Communication manager help media relations

Media takes on a lot of forms. It can be digital such as in the form of social media posts or live streams. Or it can take on more traditional routes such as press conferences and print media. To address the later communication managers will develop and execute annual media relation strategies. This involves building relationships with industry and key media reporters. They also assist senior management by preparing talking points to support staff during interviews. For example, if a company executive has to address a crisis to the public. Having strong media relations helps to build strong brand awareness and customer loyalty.

3. Communication managers help with social media

Communication managers will work with the marketing team to update and manage social media strategies. When dealing with teams of multiple professional it can become easy for key messages to be lost. Therefore, consistent and objective brand communication strategies are essential.

How involved a communication manager is with social media creation is largely due to the size of the company. In larger companies social media creation is usually given to social media manager. Acting as a support the communication manager will vet posts to ensure that content is on brand. This also extends to replying to follower DMs and forum/chatrooms.

4. Communication managers have degrees in communication related fields

Communication managers typically have a bachelor degrees with a focus on communications, advertising, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or business. Degrees such as those listed help students to develop excellent written and verbal skills. Additionally by taking courses in media and client relations helps students to handle the press and connect with clients even during time of high stress.

5. Communications managers write website content

Websites are a unique place on the internet where the narrative can be directed. Companies use them as a way to engage visitors and provide information for why a customer should buy products or services. For food company’s typical information which is described in their websites include:

• • About the company
  • Product offerings
  • Careers
  • Sustainability commitments
  • Stories from the company

Think about your favourite product or brand. Did you check out their website before you purchased it? If so then you know how important it is when deciding to make a purchase. As a communications manager it’s their job to develop and maintain a newsroom and media library, create an editorial content and write stories for a company to tell a story.

6. Communication managers support events

Food businesses are involved in many events such as presentations, community relations and philanthropy programs. Communication managers provide support for these events by assisting those presenting with talking points. For example, if the CEO has to give a speech to the community about the creation of a new production facility the communications manager would be responsible for writing the speech. Additionally, they assist the marketing by advertising the event and releasing social content about it. They figure out what the essence/objective of the event and best methods to communicate it.

7. Communication managers help with employee communications

A key component of any communication manager job is ensuring that employees are informed and motivated about the inner workings their company. They work closely with upper management to develop internal communication strategies. Ways they communicate to staff include creating newsletters and presentations. Overall, internal communication messages should be consistent across all mediums and different departments in an organization.

For example, a communication manager may create company newsletters that goes out bi-weekly to employees. These newsletters are meant to raise awareness of company happenings and answer questions. Communications like these serve as indication that employees are cared for.

8. Communication Managers are flexible, team-oriented and

Being a communication manager requires a wide range of skills. However, there are a few which are more essential than others. These skills include:

• • Flexibility – Communication managers must be flexible in the different ways they communicate. The world moves fast and plans can become irrelevant quickly. It’s important for these professionals to be flexible in their approach and try different things.
  • Team-work- Communication managers work with a variety of co-workers within a company. How a person communicates with one person might not be effective for another. Active-listening helps a manager to determine if their message is coming across properly.
  • Detail oriented – Communication managers are consistently editing communication pieces (ex. reports, briefs) and it’s essential that they are error free. They demonstrate their detail orientated nature by proof-reading everything before they put it out. As well, they develop systems that help to avoid mistakes from going out.