Straight from the Source – Strategic Communications

Companies localize their products by using strategic communications to make them usable in other markets, and to convey a message to those who would have otherwise had no exposure to it, whether because of a language, cultural, or location-related barrier. In a sense, communication is one of the main reasons why localization is necessary, and why it drives revenue in foreign markets.

At CSOFT, we believe that solid strategies, calculated decisions, and a vision of the future are necessary to securing the maximum return on your localization investment. So for today’s Straight from the Source, we asked four CSOFT team members for insight on strategic communication.

What does strategic communication mean to you, and why is it important?

Iris, the Dept. Manager of Global Resources, says:

For me, strategic communications are about planning ahead and planning well. At the same time, it’s also important to maintain flexibility.

I work with a lot of freelancers. Sometimes their service is not always required at the moment, but as a strategic communicator, it is always important to maintain contact with them. Strategic communication is not just about acting; it is about reacting as well. It is important to make sure you and your team members are all using corresponding strategies to work toward the same goal.

Sarah, a project manager coordinator, says:

Communication is everything, especially strategic communications. It’s how information flows. Without communication, there is nothing to start with and nothing to end with.

In order to achieve strategic communications, you first need to know what you want to say, and then build from that. Strategic communication goes back to the very basics of communication—what are your ideas, and how will you get them across?—but places them in a long-term trajectory. Your desired end result always needs to be in the back of your mind.

Weiland, a senior project manager, says:

Strategic communication means looking at the big picture, having an idea of the steps you will be taking to get to the end goal. Strategic communicators are good at pitching ideas because they have expectations in their mind.

Strategic communication acts like a channel, like a facilitator of a meeting or a referee of a game. This type of communication is important for controlling the direction progression takes.

As a project manager, having a timeline is very important; meeting deadlines is equally as important. But in order to achieve strategic communication, it is necessary to take a second or two to think about your actions. Although it is important to understand what your time commitments are, give yourself a moment to think, then proceed.

Tina, a German language QA specialist, says:

Strategic communication is communicating in an efficient way. When it is employed, time is saved, results maintain consistency, and deadlines are met.

In order to achieve strategic and effective communication, we need to ask questions. Our job is to ask questions and make sure the requirements are clearly outlined and understood, so we can begin acquiring them.

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