Communicating in Tough Times

In tough budget times, it's important that you communicate and market your program more, not less. Here's some sensible ways to continue showing people the value of your programs:

1) Be very clear and consistent in your message. Make sure people clearly know the value in what you're offering.

2) Identify and understand your target audience. This helps you spend your time reaching folks who will most benefit from your information and who also may be advocates of your program.

3) Develop partnerships. Work with people who have similar goals. You might consider sharing the cost on an advertisement or insert or booth during a local event.

4) Further strengthen your focus on doing your best work for your clients and customers. Satisfied clients remember you, and when economic times get better, they'll continue to support you.

5) Don't cut corners on service. Brainstorm with your office staff on creative ways to offer the same great product (information) and service with less money.

Simply, remember to communicate and stay in front of clients and customers. Remain positive and position yourself as a group that makes the best of a tough situation.

For more communications tips or to share your own ideas, contact us at melgares@ksu.edu

Communicating in Tough Times