From last to know to first call: how to make yourself indispensable

Have you ever found yourself frustrated because you were brought into a project at the last minute? By then, the decisions have already been made, and you’re left scrambling to fit in your expertise. It’s hard to help set a direction that will have a positive impact from a communications perspective if the direction is already set.

Imagine if you were part of key discussions from the start instead of the last-minute add-on. Here’s how you can position yourself as an indispensable member of the team so you can provide strategic advice at the start of projects and demonstrate your communications expertise.

Show Your Value Early – Whenever you can, make it known that your communications expertise can shape the direction of a project right from the beginning. Proactively offer insights and showcase past successes where early involvement led to better outcomes.

Build Strong Relationships - Become the go-to person by building strong relationships with key stakeholders. If your colleagues see you as approachable and reliable, they’re more likely to think of you when a new project kicks off. Consider scheduling regular catch-ups with different teams so you can hear about what they have in the pipeline and also update them on what you are working on. Before you do this, be sure to run it past your manager so you’re not doubling up on something they might already be doing.

Speak Their Language - Use language that resonates with your stakeholders. Instead of diving into communications jargon, explain how your involvement early on can save time, reduce costs, and improve results.

Be Proactive and Visible - Make your presence known in meetings and project discussions. Offer to help with planning and strategising sessions. By consistently showing up and contributing valuable insights, you’ll become a natural part of the project initiation process.