Transforming Impactfully: Four Ways to Establish Best Practices as In-House Communications Teams Evolve
As expectations for communications continue to evolve as we contribute to growth of companies, protect reputation in turbulent times and continue in our role as strategic storytellers, the relationship between in-house and agency professionals has never been more important. By focusing on strategic alignment, clear communication and mutual understanding, healthcare companies and agencies can work best together to support business success, no matter where a company is on its journey or a product is in its lifecycle.
Here are four things to keep in mind as you’re either looking for a communications agency or seeking to get the most out of your current partnership:
Success Starts with a Strategic Partner
Agencies can offer immense value by deeply understanding their clients' businesses and the broader industry environment. With this outside-in view and alignment with client needs based on the real-time dynamics of business operations, you get the best of both worlds – insights and an amplifier of your team. Does your agency partner provide insightful, strategic guidance or perspective? Companies get the most value out of relationships that are strategic, know how to integrate and execute efficiently.
Consider How Agency Support Can Enhance In-House Capabilities
You may already have robust in-house teams to handle a substantial portion of your communications workload. However, in times of transition or when scaling down in-house resources, agencies can be a crucial resource. This dual approach allows clients to tap into specialized expertise, such as earned media, investor relations or creative, and additional bandwidth as needed, ensuring continuity in communications efforts.
Establish Trust and Openness to Feedback
Clear communication and mutual understanding are the bedrock of strong client-agency relationships. Clients and agencies both have responsibility to engage in open dialogues, fostering an environment where both parties are aligned on goals, budgets and expectations. Transparency, collaboration and a deep understanding of each other's challenges and objectives are crucial. Looking for an agency partner that can “be real” and doesn’t just take orders is a key to a long-term partnership.
Looking Forward: Adapting to New Business Environments
As the landscape continues to change, an agency must remain agile, forward-thinking and deeply integrated with your strategic vision. It means bringing new AI tools and other resources and ideas to our work that make us collectively more effective. That adaptability will not only bridge gaps but also establish best practices that can drive impactful transformation in healthcare communications.
Want to learn more? Check out this engaging discussion with Real Chemistry’s Emily Poe and Sherry Pudloski, Group Presidents of Integrated Communications, Takeda’s Amy Atwood, Vice President, U.S. and Global Corporate Communications; and PRovoke Media’s Paul Holmes.
We can help guide your organization in understanding how best to evolve with your partner. Get in touch here.
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