If you’ve ever taken a cab in San Francisco you understand adventure.

• It’s an A-ticket of soaring heights
• Bottomed-out lows
• And eyes wide shut

You might find the cable cars are a safer bet.

In part 5 of a 10-part series on creating a business communication plan, you select your business communication vehicles.

Driving is much more fun than being a passenger.

The Group Tour

Have you ever taken a trip with a group where every minute of your vacation is planned?

I hate that – it’s probably my middle child of seven syndrome – I hate following the crowd.

There are endless experts all too ready to plan your business communication vehicles.

• You must have a blog
• You must have a Facebook Page
• You must do videos

Visiting tourist attractions is not necessarily a bad thing, but it becomes less than satisfying when you cram all of them in at once.

Choose what’s right for your business – right now.

Make it Personal

The business communication vehicles you select depends on a number of factors.

1. What your message is
2. Who your targeted reader is
3. What your objective is
4. What you’ve budgeted

Vision Test

Part 1 of the series helped you create your vision statement.

• It captures your dream
• It focuses you on your business
• It defines success
• It lays the foundation for planning

With your vision statement, you identify your business.

You define your brand.

For example, the brand of Simply stated business is to –

Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours.

That’s my vision – to help businesses deliver a message that is simple, clear and unique to their business.

• Think about your vision – your brand – your message
• Now steer your business vehicles to that vision

Destination Reader

Do you remember the opening of Euro Disney?

It was not exactly the Magic Kingdom. Theories for its initial failure often center on cultural differences.

Bottom line – developers misfired on the targeted audience.

Successful business communication targets the ideal reader.

Part 2 of the series I.D.’d your killer client. You learned asking questions uncovers the clues you need.

• If you could get the communication in one person’s hands, who would that person be?
• What position does that person hold?
• After securing the basics, discover where that individual hangs out

Drive the best business communication vehicle to reach your destination reader.

Your Reason for the Trip

You may have different reasons for taking a vacation.

• Sometimes you want to simply chill out
• Other times you want to cut loose

If your reason is the first one, you probably don’t want to land in the middle of Spring Break.

Part 3 shows you don’t want to drive blindly with no objective in mind.

Your objective for your business communication is key in finding the right vehicle.

Cadillac Cruising

Who wouldn’t love the latest model car with all the bells and whistles?

• If you can’t afford the gas, you’re not going to reach your destination
• If you sink all your resources into one vehicle, it may not deliver

Test Drive

There are numerous makes and models of cars. You choose the one that is best for your situation.

Choosing a business communication vehicle is no different.

• You have a vision for your message
• You know who you want to reach
• You know what you would like them to do
• You select a vehicle that delivers the best value

It doesn’t always work out.

• Sometimes it’s a smooth ride
• Or you may hit a few bumps in the road
• Worst case scenario, you have a real lemon

You simply adjust your plan.

Driving it Home

Part 4 described some shoestring communication strategy.

If you are just starting out or are feeling overwhelmed, focus on one vehicle. Maybe, it’s your blog or putting your efforts into networking at LinkedIn.

It’s your business – your choice.

Wouldn’t you rather be driving?

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This is Part 5 in a 10-part series for developing a business communication plan. I would love to have your feedback. Please share those in Comments.

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Prior Posts in Series

Part 1 – Does Your Vision Statement Reflect Your Dream?

Part 2 – Learn From Lieutenant Colombo to I.D. Your Killer Client

Part 3 – Why Blind Hog Business Communication Objectives Don’t Work

Part 4 – Busting 3 Budget Myths for Your Business Communication Plan

Follow-up Posts in Series

Part 6 – A Control Freak Guide to Business Communication Roles & Responsibilities

Part 7 – Does Your Message Stink From the Headline Down?

Part 8 – 3 Chopped Lessons for Your Business Communication Timeline

Part 9 – Is Your Hamster Wheel Business Communication Getting You Nowhere?

Part 10 – Do You Have Your Business Communication on Autopilot?

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BigStock Photo Credit

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.

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