“CNN” is not a degree

SP RAVENS COLTS LAMThe Colts nearly lost to the Ravens because Manning was unable to communicate with his team.

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.

20 Years In, Now What?

wine

START EARLY – 2 YEARS OUT IF POSSIBLE.

As any good military officer worth his salt knows, you begin with the PLANNING PROCESS.

By the way, this is something “suits” don’t learn. There isn’t an MBA class on the planning process like the ones we learn about in Expeditionary Warfare School or Joint Command Staff. And whether you’re in the Army and call it R2P2 (no relation to C3PO) or a Marine, and call it MCPP (“mc-pee-pee”), it’s a valuable lesson so revisit it and refresh your skill set.

STEP ONE: Take your spouse to a long dinner at the nicest place you can afford.

Here’s the honest truth: you’re approaching your “half-life”. Yes, nearly half your life is over and by now you should have a spouse. We all need one. She or he is our better half and will keep us out of trouble or get give it to us to make us better. We all need one. This is the person who will keep you accountable and on track when you feel like procrastinating; this is the person who will listen to you rant and rave, then provide sound counsel; and this is the person who will tell you your breath stinks and your fly is open. This is the person you can trust.

So take her out to dinner. This is your first step.

But do it right. You’re a military officer for crying out loud! Do it right. Get some recommendations, read the reviews, study the menu and make a reservation. And plan on spending a long 2 to 3 hours eating slowly, sipping wine, and discussing your next life-step.

This is step one.

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.