If you are a fan of shows featuring creative types – Top Chef, Project Runway and others – you may have noticed a pattern.

• What challenge do they ALL hate?
• The team challenge
• It’s especially challenging to the Control Freak

In Part 6 of a 10-part series for creating a business communication plan, we assign roles and responsibilities.

We dedicate this post to the Control Freak.

Present company included.

Master of Disaster

Let’s face it.

There’s a bit of the Control Freak in all us.

Otherwise, we wouldn’t be business owners. Even if you’ve gone through this exercise and found your budget is as small as your business, it doesn’t mean you have to do it all.

We all need some form of help with our business communications.

• A business writer for putting our dreams into words
• The guest blogger with something of value
• The business colleague that reviews and shares feedback
• The network to share our message

When creating your plan, don’t forget the unsung heroes that save you time and money.

Being in control does not mean you master it all.

Not unless you want to become the Master of Disaster.

 

 

The Xs and Os

Assigning roles and responsibilities is like the Xs and Os of a game plan.

• It’s a visual depiction of the specific play
• It allows each player to know his or her role and responsibility
• It puts all the team on the same page

More than one coach has been accused of being a Control Freak. But, one thing is certain – the coach needs the players to win the game.

A common Xs and Os method for assigning roles and responsibilities is the RACI model.

• R = Responsible – who does what task
• A  = Accountable – where the buck stops (that would be you, business owner)
• C = Consult – the expert help, the one whose opinion you value
• I = Inform – the people who need to know what’s happening

See, there is always a place for the Control Freak – and it comes with a giant “A.”

• You aren’t surrendering control
• You are managing your business communications

Game Time

1. You created your vision statement
2. You identified your targeted reader – your ideal client
3. You have your objectives
4. You know your budget
5. You know the type of communication vehicle

Now what?

Caught you napping, huh? Assign roles and responsibilities.

Let’s look at an example of tasks associated with a ghostwritten article with the business owner’s byline.

To make this simple (and you know how I love simple), we’ll categorize individuals as:

• Owner – business owner, small or large
• Colleague – employee or colleague performing task
• Vendor – a freelance business writer

 

In the above example, the  assignment assumes the following:

Topic

• The topic will be created by the owner
• The owner is consulted with on any questions about the topic
• The owner will consult with employees on the topic or inform them of the subject matter
• The vendor is responsible for writing the article based on the topic

Research

• The owner is accountable for overseeing the research
• The employee is responsible for conducting the research
• The vendor will be provided with research results

Copywriting

• The owner is accountable for approving the copy
• The owner is consulted with regarding questions on copy
• The employee consults on copy (editing)
• The employee receives copies of drafts/final copy
• The vendor is responsible for creating the original copy

Publishing

• The owner is accountable for overseeing the publication of the article
• The owner is consulted with over questions of publication
• The employee is responsible for getting the article published
• The vendor is informed of the publication

Marketing

• The owner is accountable for the marketing of the published article
• The owner is consulted with on questions regarding marketing
• The employee is responsible for the marketing activities
• The vendor is informed about marketing activities

Why bother?

What happens if –

• The owner assumes the freelance writer handles the shopping of the article for publication?
• Or the owner thinks the marketing is done by the writer?

The owner is not a happy camper when he or she receives a bill for the extra services.

Communicate about your communication.

None of us like surprises.

Next up, we’ll look at developing your message.

BigStock Photo Credit

BigStock Photo Credit

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This is Part 6 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

Part 5 – Are Your Business Communication Vehicles Driving You?

Follow-up Posts in Series

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

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