Little children are not afraid to ask, “Why?”  Why is the sky blue, why do I have to eat broccoli…and the list goes on and on. In contrast, big corporations and organizations seem to be afraid of the “why” question preferring to focus on the “what” and even the “how.” 

We’ve been writing and talking about how achieving communications success in this age of rapidly changing, fast-growing platforms requires learning how to be like an orchestra conductor—bringing together a wide arrangement of programs, needs, and audiences, developing and maintaining a strong brand position, and keeping your enterprise front and center in the minds of key stakeholders.

The Internet of Things is changing our lives in ways that most of us don't fully understand.  With the pervasive use of location monitoring, social media and now sensors on our bodies, in our cars and our appliances, we are under surveillance constantly,  for which we have volunteered.

Organizations without clear messaging and without a strategic communications plan are like the Costa Concordia—they run aground.  Rarely is there a tragic loss of life, as there was with the Mediterranean cruise liner.  But there most certainly can be severe consequences:  reputational damage at worst and apathy among customers and donors at best.