New Comm Biz

I was in class most of last week (which is why I was short on posts). As part of my EMBA program we had a New Venture Panel with 4 people who deal with new ventures almost daily. The feedback from my fellow class mates seems unanimous that this was the best panel we’ve had so far (and we’ve had some really good panels).

John Glerum, the director of the TECenter was our first speaker and he had a very thought provoking quote:

Every time you talk about your business you are either increasing the perception of the value of your company or you are decreasing the perception of the value of your company.

I would like to extend that further and propose that every time your customers or employees (or anyone) talk about your company, the perception of value is either increasing or decreasing.  This stressed to me two things:

• Have a clear message of your company
• Be real

This is not meant to advocate strict message control policies. If anything it is meant to advocate the opposite. Have a clear message but be honest.

People trust Honest and Real more than they trust Slick and Polished.

We relate to real people inside companies who make mistakes. We do not forgive hypocritical corporations with their talking heads.

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