In today’s working environment, open communication should be the simplest of tasks keeping all employees in the loop. However, this is a fantasy in most cases because the reality is, everyone has their own priority list and they don’t necessarily align with marketing and PR objectives.
At Hames Sharley, I found this particularly difficult at first. Mostly because as previously mentioned, I was just a student intern and second because I was too shy or intimidated to do the easiest thing and approach a director or colleague to get a simple answer. Since becoming more confident and familiar with everyone there, it has become easier but when you need information quickly, it’s still a hassle trying to convince your target that your two minutes is worth taking them away from a busy schedule of creating designs, submissions etc.
The marketing assistant (Bec), came back to me with a fantastic system I found useful when I’m not getting what I need.
- Email the person with the information you require and a deadline
- Follow up with an email if the deadline isn’t met
- Phone the person if there is no response
- If you’re still not getting the information, email them again, copying in a director associated with the task at hand to create a sense of obligation for them to respond
Since this bit of advice which I utilized when I was fairly new and still quite shy, Siaw has told me, just go talk to them. This was the easiest by far. Everyone is approachable and willing to help when you’re face to face. It’s quicker and more information rich because usually more questions not previously thought of can arise through conversations and you gain a better insight into what you’re actually researching through greater clarification of facts. Needless to say, I have sucked it up and taken initiative which in the end has really paid off.
