Corporate Communications: Its all about CoConnections, CoCooperation, and CoCoLove!

Platform of Pierrei Anneliese B. Pica: Candidate for Associate Vice President for Accounts, Corporate Communications Department ______________________________________________________________________ The Corporate Communications Department has not only increased its database of sponsors for the past years but it has also opened doors that led to ACOMMs success. ACOMM has been getting more and more clients such as Got Heart, APEX, SOSS Dean, and Ateneo organizations. CoCo has also acquired more sponsors this year which has been of great help in implementing many of ACOMMs projects, especially the ACOMM Membership Card. In order to ensure the continuity of the success of the Corporate Communications Department, we need to train and equip our beloved Corporate Communications Associates (CoCoAs) and build a network that would benefit both ACOMM and our clients. This year, I would like to focus on three major points for the CoCo Department: Connections, cooperation, and close ties with each member.

CoConnections
ACOMMs addition of the position of AVP for Accounts is a great advantage to strategize the organizations game plan. I plan to increase the network of ACOMM not only inside the Ateneo but also to as many outside organizations and companies. This will help build the branding of ACOMM as not only a home organization for Communication Majors, but also as the Communication and Media Specialists of the Ateneo. Stronger ties with external organizations This year has already been a great start because the public is gradually recognizing ACOMMs services. We also have members who are part of the Metro Manila Alliance of Communication Students (MACS) that further helped widen our range of clients and build strong connections with Communication students from other universities. As the Accounts AVP, I will encourage more partnerships with external organizations to continue building ACOMMs legacy. A thank you kit will be prepared by the CoCo Department and it will be given to an organization every time we have a partnership so we may ensure lasting relationships. The ACOMM Portfolio This will be the guide for our future clients about what ACOMM is and what it offers. Detailed and well-written information about ACOMM such as its vision, mission,

and history will be provided so that the clients gain broader knowledge about ACOMM. A list of ACOMMs successful projects, collaborations, and event partnerships will also be included. This portfolio will contain the list of ACOMMs services such as hosting, advertising, videography, photography, event partnerships, collaborations, ACOMMpany performances, and more. The portfolio will specify the equivalent X-Deal or Cash amount for each service which will all be negotiable if the need arises. The CoCo VP and AVP for Accounts will work with the Finance Department in planning and executing the ACOMM Portfolio to ensure that each decision is well-planned and is sustainable. Client-Screening Process Every time ACOMM has a client, the decision of whether or not to accept the offer will have to go through the Accounts AVP first, with consultation from the CoCo VP, then will finally be decided upon by the EB. Considering all the departments decisions will ensure that all processes and jobs would be realistic and doable. Explore the world of untapped potential We have to utilize the wide range of communication media that we have today. We have to use them, especially the cellphone and social media, to explore the world of untapped potential, such as companies we have never contacted before. Untapped potential also means that we can ask each ACOMM member if he/she has contacts from outside companies/organizations, instead of just asking the CoCoAs. This way, we may get additional information on a specific company and possibly obtain closer ties with them. Good connections are very vital not only for the CoCo Department but for the whole ACOMM as well. Stronger connections with the Communication Department Our Communication Department in the Ateneo is composed of very competitive and well-equipped individuals who are experts in their own field. ACOMM could utilize them by asking for help and support for our projects. Consulting with them during the project planning phase will be an effective way of getting expert advice that would better improve the project plans.

CoCooperation
Partnership between CoCoAs and Finance Deputies Creating a partnership between the CoCoAs and Finance deputies will involve more effective communication between the departments where the budgets for projects

come from. This is to also avoid miscommunications that have happened before because Project Managers served as a liason between Finance and CoCo. Improve delegation of tasks I seek to improve the delegation of tasks to the CoCoAs by giving them only project each. This way, we can ensure that their focus will only be on one project and avoid them being confused or cause panicking and delays. As soon as theyre done with one project, that is the time when they can help in the other projects. Project Board meeting attendance I will encourage the CoCo VP and AVP for Marketing to attend the project board meetings as often as we can so that we have consistent updates regarding the CoCoAs status and what else needs to be done. This will also aid in avoiding last minute problems.

CoCoLove
Every member needs TLC! ACOMM still exists because its foundations are strong. It is strong because its members treat each other not just as orgmates but also as family. A family, more than anything else, is what really makes this life worth living so I want the CoCoAs to feel that they truly belong in the ACOMM family by nurturing them and giving them all the tender love and care that they deserve. Making them feel loved and appreciated will encourage them to be more active in the department. This applies to all the other departments as well. Establish camaraderie among members (a.k.a. more bonding time!) With the help of the CoCo VP and AVP for Marketing, I plan to have a CoCo Bonding and Getting to Know Day as soon as the aspiring CoCoAs have signed up for the department and had their interviews. Establishing camaraderie and trust among the members early on will benefit them once they work with each other and the Project Board in the future. The CoCo Bonding Day does not necessarily have to be just one day since not all members have a common time. I propose we do this three times in a semester to ensure that the CoCoAs are doing well not only in ACOMM duties but also in their academics and personal well-being as well. The CoCo Bonding Day may include a CoCo Initiation, pizza party, group dynamics, and more activities to ensure that each CoCoA is welcomed with all the caring that he/she deserves.

Focus on member formation and training Training and equipping each CoCoA is a vital part of the process. We have to encourage each of them to use the ACOMM Playbook and 8-Step Plan by explaining it thoroughly. The CoCo VP and AVPs will help all CoCoAs learn the CoCo Way by heart so that they will emerge as confident persons ready to take on any challenge. We dont want our CoCoAs to feel intimidated by the companies theyre going to contact so teaching them the proper ways to do it will help a lot. I want to inculcate trust, humility, perseverance, determination, and courage in each member so that hand in hand, we may continue going the extra mile for ACOMM. Being approachable helps a lot! CoCoAs will really be more encouraged to work if they have an approachable VP and AVPs. I, together with the VP and AVP for Marketing, would ensure that we will always be present for guidance and support.

To sum it all up, I leave you with one of the best things I learned from two years of being dedicated to CoCo: When you love what you do, and youre with the people you love, anything is possible.