Why marketing is critical to people management

Internal marketing isn’t something that is new, but as entrepreneurs, with disparate workforces due to COVID, it has become increasingly hard to do what we do in person, virtually.

Companies that are marketing to their people have been proven to achieve greater results in sales performance. If your people are happy and on the same page, then the chances of success are much higher. Not rocket science but something most entrepreneurs know, but don’t spend enough time practicing.

You can lead a horse to water but you can’t force them to drink it

The age-old saying remains true, even today. You can’t force your staff to drink your brand, but if the water is clean, fresh with incredible results – then just maybe, they may choose to drink that water and lots of it.

So how do we apply this philosophy to our internal marketing?

Simply, make your ‘water’ not just drinkable. Make it something that is going to make their lives better.

It can’t just be a one-way street!

The biggest issue entrepreneurs face is that they have all been burnt before. When they invest so heavily in people and for whatever reason, it doesn’t work out. Sometimes its just a wrong fit and other times it may be that the person quite simply is a bad egg. Whatever the situation, ‘fear’ of failing again, holds entrepreneurs back. Dealing with your fear and processing your thoughts on the topic is essential and don’t be afraid to get professional help to do so.

Get back on the horse!

That’s right, get back on the horse. Focus internally and externally. Give your people a place that they want to come to and see as critical to who they are and especially, what they want to be. Provide them with a platform that helps them realize their goals, as much as your own.

Remember, everyone is in your life for a reason, a season for a lifetime

Even employees. You can learn something from every employee that you have on your team. Sometimes they come into your workplace for a reason (and maybe a lesson in who to employ and who not to). A season is helping them to get the next level, and at the same time taking your business forward. A lifetime – is the lifetime of the business or perhaps they end up being a personal friend. Whatever the case, if you put this people in these three categories, you will avoid disappointment.

Ways you can market to your staff

There are many ways to market to your employees but it starts first and foremost with good communications. 

You may also try:

• Listening: Too often we are asking our teams to do things, and sometimes we just need to sit there and listen.
• Work environment: Make sure that their work environment is pleasant to come into. Whether its fresh flowers or amenities in the kitchen. A small price to pay for a little bit of happiness.
• Clear structures: One of the biggest issues employees have is understanding expectations in all aspects of their jobs and having buy-in to them. I remember years ago, an employee wanted to do 5 hours billable a day ( and at her level we charged clients for 2.5 hours of the 5 due to competency). There was no buy-in from both sides and the relationship failed. 
• Fun: There has to be a bit of fun in the office. If it’s all work, people feel like it’s a job. Lighten it up a little.

I could make a list of 100 things that companies can do to market to their employees, and maybe I will… tomorrow. 

Have a wonderful day!

Photo by Husna Miskandar on Unsplash