Whilst coaching a product marketer Paige Johnson we were discussing how when we write or present our ideas we need to carefully consider the audience. I like to describe the subject as a forest, how does the person you write to view the forest? Are they a leader who watches the whole forest looking for areas that are blossoming and signs of weakened growth or an individual that is tending the forest with care, watering, feeding and supporting the development and success.

In my career I have worked with a variety of persona’s, bosses that don’t want the detail, only the high level, writing questions to get a simple yes or no. Developers that live in the detail and without it they are unable to execute the job. There were also those friendly managers who wanted to be everyone’s buddy, so my tone of voice would be less formal. Not forgetting the new talent or learners of the world, the importance of giving thorough direction and information is the key to their success.

Our discussion made me think we as marketers not only have to factor buyer persona’s and where we talk to them to ensure they have the right message, at the right time with the right tone of voice – but our internal stakeholders and colleagues require the same approach. We must remember to put ourselves in the audience’s shoes to ensure organizational engagement and growth.

Author & Photo: Leanne Freshwater