Comments from K2 Global Communications

With massive cyberattacks on organizations and states, cyber security is one of the hottest news topics. Every day, a new cybersecurity startup proclaims it will solve those challenges, further crowding an already congested market.

This begs the question: How can cybersecurity companies, with proven innovations on offer, break through the logjam to get the media recognition they deserve?

In the “change is the only constant” department, we’re seeing B2B marketing evolve in approach, philosophy, and focus - with new opportunities and technologies promising to impact businesses for the long-run. Some of these come from the increasing sway of B2C marketing, others from emerging technology, and still others from the pandemic. Whatever their provenance, these will keep B2B marketers on their feet so they can stay ahead of the competition.

Today’s B2B buyers and their buyer’s journeys have changed, and that’s why integrated marketing matters - a lot.

At the end of the day, businesses market to people, not to faceless decision-making committees or a bunch of same-demographic consumers. Whether you’re selling to CEOs or stay-at-home dads, your marketing should speak to individual customers - think “human” instead of “the client” or “the client company” - each with his or her own tastes, interests, expectations, preferences, life, and work situations.

Companies now recognize the potential for increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and access to a broader talent pool that comes with a hybrid approach. Thus, employee communications in a hybrid work environment must support increased flexibility, while driving collaboration, innovation, and a shared company culture.

Effective communication is the linchpin that holds the workforce together. When physical proximity is no longer a given, internal communications must be used to bind the teams, align organizational goals, and sustain a cohesive company culture.

Effective internal communication is a challenge - and a necessity. Assumptions about informal channels can lead to information gaps. An unclear hierarchical structure may make it hard to establish clear lines of communication. Managing messaging to remote, hybrid, and onsite employees needs to be a priority. Addressing these issues allows information to flow freely.

Leadership sets the tone for organizational communication; leading by example - prioritizing transparent and open communications - is potent. Transparent communication builds trust among team members and strengthens the sense of shared responsibility. Leaders need to provide regular updates, provide insights about their decision-making processes, and be honest about challenges and successes.

The smaller the organization, the more each individual's contribution is amplified. Teams are more tightly knit. Understanding these dynamics is crucial.

Clear communication requires awareness about diverse linguistic nuances and cultural norms. Recognizing, respecting, and adjusting to individuals’ diverse backgrounds – birth nationality and language, years in the country, etc. is critical.

In addition, you must understand and tailor comms to individuals’ communications preferences. Some team members may prefer one-on-one interactions, while others may prefer more formal channels, such as weekly updates. Tailoring messages to accommodate these preferences ensures that information is received and understood.

Measurement is an integral part of the communications process. Before you begin, you need a baseline. How do employees feel about communications? What channels to they prefer? How can you tailor strategies and tactics to drive improvement? Define your key performance indicators (KPIs) as they relate to engagement and satisfaction.

Successfully marketing your cybersecurity solution is not a guessing game. Targeted marketing is like any other targeted activity – where you aim is where you’ll hit. Of course, that’s easier said than done. With hundreds of cyber solutions on the market, it’s difficult to find your security product’s unique niche so you can tailor-fit your message to the right buyers.

Effective, efficient internal communication directly impacts growth and performance. A meaningful, well-defined internal communication strategy enhances connections between employees and the organization; engaged, appreciated employees are more likely to actively participate in communication efforts and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. Effective dissemination of strategic goals and providing group credit for achieving milestones builds a sense of community. By investing in internal communication, you can foster a positive, inclusive work culture, improve employee engagement and productivity, and drive success.