On a first date, it’s a good idea to avoid talking about money, religion, and politics. While avoiding money talk with a client is an impossibility, it’s still a good idea to keep religion and politics out of the conversation.

This week on Framework, Ana Trujillo Limón, Director, Coaching and Advisor Content, welcomes Megan Belt, Director of Public Relations at Carson Group, to discuss some of the best practices for communicating with clients during heated discussions, particularly surrounding election years.

Megan starts by describing how to create a comprehensive communication plan for yourself and your employees in order to cover the grounds of what is appropriate to talk about, and what should be kept as inside thoughts. Ana and Megan then discuss the different ways you can discuss the current political and economic climate with your clients, while avoiding creating any uncomfortable situations. Tune into this episode for insights and professional advice if you have ever wondered where to draw the line between personal and professional conversations.

Megan discusses:

• How to establish a clear communications policy with employees
• The importance of staying informed with current events in order to discuss how they affect your clients’ financial plans
• Staying calm and taking time to reflect personally on any thoughts or opinions before you put them online for everyone to see
• Having a firm, but still empathetic tone when speaking with a client who is getting heated about certain topics
• Remaining politically neutral when working with clients and making sure to always be doing what is best for them, regardless of their political views
• And more

Resources:

• Carson Group Insights Blog
• Public Relations Society of America

Connect with Ana Trujillo Limón:

• Carson Group LLC
• LinkedIn: Ana Trujillo Limón

Connect with Megan Belt:

• LinkedIn: Megan Belt
• Twitter (X): @meganbelt

About Our Guest:

Megan Belt is the Director of Public Relations at Carson Group. As a results-driven leader, Megan has experience developing strategic communications plans for organizations ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 brands.

Megan has held roles on both corporate communications and agency teams and has a proven track record of establishing executive thought leadership programs and developing integrated communications strategies.

Megan’s passion for public relations extends far outside of her agency role. She enjoys volunteering her time to help local nonprofits and small businesses tell their stories. She also had an active role in the Omaha PR community, having served on the board of directors for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nebraska Chapter and mentoring young professionals in her role as professional advisor for the University of Nebraska Omaha’s PRSSA student chapter and its student-run PR Firm, MavPR.

Send us your questions, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at framework@carsongroup.com.