Comms Opportunities During “Other” Holidays

Today, we celebrate Veteran’s Day in the United States. It is an important day to recognize the sacrifices active and retired members of the military make for us everyday to keep us safe, assure our freedoms and help people in despair around the world. It is also a good time to reflect on the important role that corporate communications can play for every organization in how it recognizes holidays that are sometimes neglected by some.

For major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, etc., we don’t need to be reminded of their significance. Public relations opportunities abound; New Year’s resolutions; helping those in need around Christmas; or feeding the hungry at Thanksgiving. Virtually every public or private institution recognizes these days with internal and external messaging and activities.

But when we go to holidays like Veteran’s Day, President’s Day, Columbus Day, it is more about whether the bank is open or whether we will get mail today. Retail has typically recognized these days of course, with sales.

The opportunity for communications professionals is to remind our clients that holidays –big and small—are opportunities to reflect, remember and recognize. Say thank you on social media with a powerful message and image. Recognize your employees and customers who celebrate the day with messages, events and other programs.

Instead of looking at these days as an annoyance, lets seize upon the special role we play in our client organizations to remind them of the importance of these remembrances as an opportunity to reach stakeholders with a different message, one that is touching, sensitive and motivational. These are the days to remember.

Thank you to all our veterans for your service and sacrifice.