There was a time when business communications was primarily a one-way street. Organizations didn’t have to worry about responding to customers within two hours. Hacking didn’t exist.
In today’s environment, however, the public not only demands that organizations be open, transparent and authentic – they expect it! So what happened? Technological and media disruption at a large scale happened.
Below are the 3 events that have changed the face of professional communications:
1. Reality television
The emergence of shows like The Bachelor and stars like Kim Kardashian have created a demand for more personal, authentic and “behind-the-scenes” communications.
Personalities like Mark Cuban, Richard Branson, and even infamous characters like “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli, have become the norm for corporate leaders.
2. Social media
Online networks like Facebook and Twitter have dramatically sped up communications and engagement.
Social media gives more power to stakeholders, but it also allows organizations to go beyond the media filter. (We witnessed this firsthand in the 2016 U.S. presidential election with the Trump campaign.)
3. Hacking and leaks
The existence of entities like Anonymous and Wikileaks have forced organizations to be more transparent in their communications.
No organization wants to be caught with their pants down in the event of a hack. Look no further than Sony, whose executives and employees were caught saying embarrassing things following a massive hack.
In conclusion…
To thrive in the new business communications environment, organizations and leaders need to embrace the values of transparency, authenticity and community.
Technological disruption has been a fact of life since before the turn of the millennium. But with a little foresight and an aptitude for change, the future is your playground.
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