Roberto Munoz’s Post

Quoted in Entrepreneur: “Mentors can supercharge your career. “Identify someone who is a high-flyer who can help develop you, offer advice, and open doors. “HR teams often have programs; ask your line manager or department head, or consider senior people in your workplace or industry. Mentorship is a two-way street, so consider what you bring to the table, too—it makes the value equation and conversations stronger. “I have a handful of mentors and connect often. I consider them my Council or Cabinet. I seek advice during major inflection moments—like a job change or tricky work situation—but also for ongoing leadership and development areas. “A mentor gave me great advice after losing a client RFP. "You have to get your reps in," he told me. "It's like going to the gym. Every time you show up, you get stronger and show up better. Plus, you miss all the shots you don't take." “It was direct, simple, and succinct. Reframing my mindset, I bounced back and kept 'showing up'—and landed my next big client.” - Roberto Munoz, President & Founder, Munoz Comms

Comms Pros: Don’t confuse stakeholder frustration as your failure. Easy to say, harder to do.  - We deliver tough news.  - We expose strategic cracks.  - We challenge, appropriately. Sometimes this frustrates business partners. → It isn't always easy to hear. (I get that, too.) But, the frustration is not always directed at us. → It’s often the situation itself. - We have our finger the pulse. - We identify misalignments.  - We see vulnerabilities.  - We connect dots. Remember: We’re at the sharp end of the stick - the mirror back to the business. So, keep it real & be thoughtful:  - Tell the truth.  - Focus on solutions.   - Use judgement / process. Even when it’s unpopular: Protecting the brand *is* the job. 

The 4-day workweek is inevitable. AI is the answer. My consultancy, Munoz Comms, secured the byline for our client in Fast Company. A great read from Future of Work Strategist Marcus Mossberger at Infor, a global cloud software leader. Thanks to Fay Li, my awesome partner on the project. https://lnkd.in/eWDmuK4c

Question: Can Comms pros jump across different industries, MarComms disciplines and geographies? Or are they more effective when choosing one focus area and sticking with it? To me, Comms foundations are broadly transferable, if you apply strategically and have the right overarching experience/training. Some hiring managers and prospective clients think differently. Editor's note: I've intentionally diversified my career path - in-house/agency/consultancy, international placements, multiple industries, most Comms disciplines. But interested in your views. Thoughts?

Check out my interview with Jordan Iseral. An excellent discussion. 1. Jordan's A+. 2. We covered my favorite topics: leadership, Comms, personal brand, authenticity, trust, and much more. (PS: Excuse my shaky WiFI connection.)

A Comms Strategy is both a sword and a shield. SWORD: Articulates your comms goals, plans and focus areas. ⚔ SHIELD: Protects against low-value work from creeping in. 🛡 Here's my approach: Business goals → If these don't exist, your comms strategy is untethered (and there's a bigger question that needs addressing). Stakeholder input → This informs comms goals, approach and prioritization - plus, involves business partners in the process. Draft plan → Build a structured and clear strategy with goals, priority focus areas, core messaging, audience, channels, calendar, work plan and RACI. Play it back → Involve stakeholders for further input and refinement. Listen carefully and be open minded, but stick to your guns on what's right for the biz. Sign off → Agree strategy with CEO before presenting at a C-level governance meeting. This surfaces tensions, unites the Exec team, and "locks" the plan. Roadshow → Once finalized, socialize it - widely. Take every opportunity to present to key business partners and teams, explaining/educating on the agreed approach. Without a strategy, you're stabbing in the dark. Plus, you're constantly on the back foot, firefighting inbound requests vs a proactive agenda. This process secures buy-in and offers clarity, while also providing air cover.

Comms Pros, ask these questions before hitting send: Who. What. When. Where. Why? In this order: WHY are we communicating it?  → Everything must strategically ladder up (business/comms goals). WHO is our audience?  → The sharper, the better. WHAT is the desired outcome?  → Be clear with your messaging (and don't bury the lead). WHERE are we sharing it?  → Identify the right channel/s to reach your audience. WHEN is it landing?  → Timing matters, a lot. Schedule accordingly. Yes, it feels good to cross actions off your to-do list. But, strategically double-click down before you start making edits. My daily mantra: ACTIVITY ≠ OUTCOME

Comms Pros know - more than most - words matter. But sometimes, we use language that undermines our value. In-house stakeholders aren’t “clients.”  → We’re shoulder-to-shoulder partners. P&L centers shouldn't be called “The Business.”  → We're part of the business, not a subordinate function. Reinforcing an "us'" and "them" mindset is a disservice: It positions us as a less strategic function and makes us less effective. Ultimately, our job is to protect & promote brands and reputations. - Our roles are critical. - Our opinions are essential  - Our voices / expertise truly matter. We're Strategic Partners, not Service Providers.

Top advice to manage a social media crisis? My quote in Marketer Interview: "It’s important to make sure you’re constantly monitoring channels and have a strong crisis plan and team in place. "When one arises, respond quickly and honestly, be empathetic but not emotional, and follow established protocols and approval processes. "Remember: Not every negative comment on social media is a crisis. Know the difference and be measured in your approach." Comms Pros: → → What are your top tips? https://lnkd.in/e6KDbNxf

Sometimes, your week doesn't go as planned. This was one of those weeks, for me. - Florida's underwater. - Car swamped in the street. - Waded home in waist-deep water. - More rain & flooding expected today. The younger me would have been frazzled. → Today, I'm rolling with it. We're safe. The car will be fixed. The sun will shine again. Spinning yourself in circles doesn't resolve an issue. It often makes the situation worse. - Being calm is a virtue. - Perspective is everything. - Control what you can control. Most importantly? Avoid driving in Florida during a downpour.🤦♂️