MAM
The evolution of PR in a social media era
Mumbai: In today’s fast-paced world, where authenticity reigns supreme, organisations are discovering the transformative potential of purpose-driven communication. From fostering trust within communities to driving societal change, the integration of core values into communication strategies is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. But how do we ensure that these messages resonate authentically with diverse audiences, both internally and externally? And what role does PR play in managing online reputation amidst the ever-evolving landscape of social media?
To gain more indiantelevision caught up with DVP – corporate communications Deepika Singh purpose-driven communication, exploring its impact, measuring success, and uncovering the skills needed for the next generation of communicators to excel in this dynamic landscape. Get ready to harness the power of purpose and revolutionize the way we connect and engage with the world around us!
Edited Excerpt
On integrating organizational values into your communication strategy within the company and the communities it serves
Integrating organizational values into communication strategy involves understanding core values, setting clear goals, crafting messaging aligned with these values, training employees, adopting a client-centric approach, prioritizing transparency, and accountability, engaging with communities, fostering partnerships, monitoring outcomes, and staying adaptable. While drawing this path is easy, executing it requires a whole lot of collaboration and seamlessness between several departments and employees along with a single goal.
By consistently embodying these values and effectively communicating them through tailored messages and engagement efforts, we can build trust, enhance reputation, and drive positive social impact within the communities they serve.
On ensuring that purpose-driven messaging resonates authentically with diverse audiences, both internally and externally, given your extensive background in PR and reputation management
To ensure that purpose-driven messaging resonates authentically with diverse audiences in any organization, a strategic approach is essential. I start by understanding the unique needs and perspectives of each audience segment, including clients, employees, investors, and community stakeholders. Then I get into defining a clear and meaningful purpose that goes beyond financial goals, aligning with the values and aspirations of diverse groups. A message house with proof points for external as well as internal audiences becomes extremely essential. Internally, I engage employees by articulating the purpose and its relevance to their roles, fostering a culture where they feel connected to the organization’s mission. Providing training to enhance cultural awareness among employees and tailoring communication channels to effectively reach different audiences with authentic, respectful messaging comes next. Training spokespeople to address media is important along with repeatedly using the messaging in all documents prepared for external communications.
On the ideal way to map the impact of purpose-driven communication on your target audience and the broader community
Mapping the impact of purpose-driven communication on our target audience and the broader community is a strategic process that begins with defining clear objectives for our communication efforts. We aim to achieve specific outcomes such as increased awareness, behaviour change, or enhanced community engagement through our purpose-driven messaging.
To measure impact, we use a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. We track metrics like website traffic, social media engagement, and sentiment analysis, and conduct stakeholder interviews to gather insights into how our messages resonate.
Before implementing our purpose-driven strategies, we conduct baseline assessments to understand the current perceptions and behaviours within our audience. This helps us establish a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of our communication efforts over time.
As we implement purpose-driven campaigns, we utilize various tracking mechanisms including surveys, focus groups, and analytics tools to gather ongoing data on audience response and understanding. We segment our audience based on demographics and psychographics to analyze impact across different groups and tailor our messaging accordingly to maximize effectiveness.
Additionally, we engage in open dialogue with stakeholders to gather qualitative insights and refine our messaging based on their feedback.
On the role of PR evolving in managing a company’s online reputation and addressing public concerns, with the rise of social media
With the advent of social media, the role of PR in managing a company’s online reputation and addressing public concerns has fundamentally shifted towards a customer-centric approach. Rather than leading with the product, PR professionals prioritize putting the customer first in all communication strategies. This means crafting social media content with a human voice that resonates with consumer needs and interests, ensuring that every interaction online is valuable and meaningful to the audience.
In this digital landscape, the focus is not only on Return on Investment (ROI) but equally on Return on Engagement (ROE). Social media content is designed to be useful, informative, and relatable, catering directly to consumer preferences and providing tangible value in every interaction. PR teams strive to be present, useful, and quick in engaging with customers online, leveraging micro-moments to connect authentically and address concerns promptly.
The evolution of PR in the age of social media underscores the importance of being there for customers, offering useful content that enriches their experience, and responding swiftly to their needs. This approach allows companies to build genuine relationships, enhance brand reputation, and drive meaningful engagement in the digital space, ultimately translating into both tangible and intangible returns on engagement.
On purpose-driven communication directly contributing to societal impact or positive change within the communities it operates in
Purpose-driven communication has catalyzed societal impact by aligning with the values of Gen Z, leading to greater social awareness, consumer-driven demands for corporate accountability, enhanced community engagement, and the amplification of social justice movements. As brands continue to embrace and authentically communicate their purpose, the positive changes within communities are likely to grow, driven by the socially conscious and active Gen Z population.
Companies that have taken a stand on issues such as racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights have seen positive responses from Gen Z. For instance, Nike’s endorsement of Colin Kaepernick’s activism led to both increased support from younger consumers and greater public discourse on racial justice issues.
On the next generation of communication professionals embracing purpose-driven approaches, and skills or mindset shifting necessary for them to excel in this aspect
The next generation of communication professionals is poised to embrace purpose-driven approaches, reflecting their deep commitment to DEI. Corporate accountability is very important and the future generation needs to emphasize transparency and accountability to meet the increasing demands of socially conscious audiences. They need to be genuine in their messaging, ensuring transparency about the organization’s goals and progress while crafting culturally aware and empathetic messages. Proficiency in leveraging digital tools and social media platforms, along with strong storytelling skills, will enable them to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and measure the impact effectively.
Additionally, collaboration across various departments, a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability are crucial. Upholding ethical standards in all communications will further reinforce the organization’s commitment to positive societal impact, driving meaningful connections and fostering trust within communities. Future communicators should develop a deep understanding of cultural nuances and empathy for social issues and the values of their audience. They should be flexible and responsive to evolving social trends and consumer expectations.
Brands
Hardik Jhaveri named senior director marketing at Colgate-Palmolive Asean hub
Former Hill’s Pet Nutrition general manager returns to the company to steer marketing for South Asean from Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR:Â Hardik Jhaveri has been appointed senior director marketing for the South Asean hub at Colgate-Palmolive, marking a return to the consumer goods major after a three year stint with Hill’s Pet Nutrition. He will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will lead marketing strategy for the region.
Jhaveri joins the role after serving as general manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Taipei, where he led a cross functional team and oversaw the business with full profit and loss responsibility. The role placed him at the helm of operations in Taiwan, managing growth in what he described as a start-up style environment within a global multinational.
Before that, Jhaveri spent over a decade with Colgate-Palmolive across several marketing and innovation roles in Asia. As associate director innovation for Apac excluding China, based in Hong Kong, he led new product development and launches across multiple markets.
His portfolio ranged from developing specialised oral care products such as a diabetes focused toothpaste for the Indian market to launching premium oral care experiences under the Colgate Total brand in Australia. Alongside innovation, he also worked on launch planning, brand strategy and communications for the company’s oral care portfolio.
Earlier in his Colgate-Palmolive journey, Jhaveri held roles including marketing manager innovation, senior brand manager and brand manager. His work spanned urban and rural markets in Mumbai and customer development responsibilities in the Greater Kolkata Area.
Prior to his long association with Colgate-Palmolive, Jhaveri worked as brand officer home care at Unilever, where he helped drive marketing initiatives for the Rin detergent brand, including nationwide relaunch and on ground activation campaigns.
He began his career in advertising with Bates David Enterprise, working on brands such as IDBI Bank, The Leela Hotels and The Times of India.
Jhaveri holds a post graduate programme in management from the Indian School of Business and has also completed a level 4 diploma in wine from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Announcing the move, Jhaveri said he is excited to begin his new chapter at Colgate-Palmolive’s South Asean hub and thanked colleagues and mentors who supported his journey at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
