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Here’ the question:

Why is “Communication” or “Corporate Communications” a job function so difficult to find?

i.e., take a look at LinkedIn’s “Categorize your question” fields or any company’s hiring board. We are asked to categorize our profession, yet it is often a toss up between Marketing or Public Relations. Have we, as a profession of communicators progressed so little that Corporate America still lacks awareness that this is a vital segment of successful business operations?

Everything from human resource functions to crisis communications are critical to having professional communication experts at the helm, yet this does not seem to be the case. Or at a minimum, there is a distinct lack of awareness.

Your thoughts?

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Hot-Spot target, bulls-eye!

The responses from the LinkedIn Community was overwhelming.  Most responses resoundingly indicated a need to identify and BRAND our profession.  We are public speakers, writers, media relations, community relations, and reputation managers…  We manage expectations, keep employees engaged, and ensure everyone, from every corner of the globe understands the corporate message…  We provide not only the feedback, but plan and manage the avenues for feedback…  We are communication enablers.

In reference to this question, one response caught my eye.  The below is an excerpt from a response posted by Mr. Jim Lukaszewski.  He asks if professional communicators can answer the following:

Can you give me advice on the spot?
Will you tell me things I don’t already know?
Can you help me with what to do next?
Will you ask managerially relevant questions?
Can you help me finish the stuff I was supposed to have done last Week?
Will you help me identify the options available to me?
Can you be brief, succinct, and helpful, from my perspective?
Are you on my team or somebody else’s (like the reporter’s?)
Will you work without a lot of praise and recognition?
Can you let go of your ideas when I take credit for them?
Will you tolerate my ignoring your advice a lot, and asking others the same questions?
Can you work without whining about the lawyers and my other consultants?

These and others are relevant and vital questions to ask yourself.

As communication professionals, we are so much more than simply a mouthpiece, we are a counselor.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.

Flacco did not communicate a plan clearly to his team, thus resulting in a nearly missed hand-off leading to a 2-yard loss vice a 1-yard gain giving them a touchdown, not to mention a win over the Colts.

Lack of communication leads to loss of profits, employee disengagement, and eventually the demise of a business or organization.  But why do major corporations continue to drive their businesses into the ground?  Did you think Enron faced ruin because of finances?  I submit it was due to a lack of clear and coherent communication.

Watching CNN makes someone a professional communicator as much as watching ER makes me a medical doctor. 

The truth is, watching the news does not make you a qualified corporate communication professional. 

Strategic communication planning, preparation for crises, and continuous fostering of media and community relations are all key components of communication.  Yet, most seem to think communication is a verb that takes place only when the issue arises.  A true communication professional is one who already knows what to say, when and where to say it, and who to say it to.

Communication is a process, which if used properly will keep your employees engaged, foster valuable relationships with community leaders and members of the media, and continue to drive your profits through the roof.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.

One of the most exciting times during basic training, or boot camp is uniform issue day.  I’m not talking about the camouflage utilities, though when the new “diggies” came out, I couldn’t wait to get one on.  I’m talking about the Marine’s signature suit, the Dress Blues. This is our signature uniform displayed proudly on advertisements everywhere, billboards, and our previous round of Marine Corps recruiting commercials called America’s Marines.  The follow-on commercial is almost as good.

This is who we are. The dark blue contrasted with the bright red piping to depict our taking of the red British uniforms and turning them inside out to use as our uniform during the Revolutionary War.  The thick red stripes down the trousers to depict the blood loss at the Battle of Chapultapec.  And of course, our brand: the eagle, globe and anchor.

Our brand: the eagle, globe and anchor

Here’s where I’m going with this…  We are drilled with uniform specifications day in and out.  We must not only know our own tolerances for hair length, trouser breaks, welt size, and belt length, but we must also be fully aware and knowledgeable of the opposite sex’ measurements.  In other words, male Marines were expected to know the regulations on the wear of a female Marine’s hair; the length of her skirt, and the maximum height of her pumps.

Furthermore, the cost of these uniform items were often a burden.  Every time we received an award in the form of a medal or ribbon, we had to “re-stack”, often leading to anywhere from a $20 investment to more than $200 for a full set of medals.  This was routine every September to October in preparation for our annual Marine Birthday Ball.

We often complained, yet when it came to our uniforms, Marines were rarely out of regs.  Marines always looked sharp.  This was our brand, and it was who we were.  Marines.

So what makes people think it’s any different in the corporate world?

Your suits are your uniform.  The length of your tie, the way your coat fits, and the shine on your shoes matter.  But it’s not easy.

This is where Sofio comes in.  His more than 35 years in the business of fashion is your key to success.  And though his fees normally run in the thousand dollar and above range, the military has a special place in his heart and so do his prices for us.  Give him a call.  Here’s his website.  And, no I’m not on his roles, just a satisfied customer.

Spending a morning with Sofio will enlighten you as to the corporate uniform, or at a minimum the interview uniform so you can stand out above the others and get that job you’ve been dreaming of.  What have you to lose?

Step four is this:

You are what you wear.  Take the time and effort to show your employer or interviewer that you care and that you are a professional.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.