We recently connected with Anna Stallmann and have shared our conversation below.
Anna, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?
As a communicator, this is one thing I need to be good at. Earlier in my career, I thought it meant speaking out and ensuring my voice was heard. A boss once told me if you don’t say anything in a meeting, you shouldn’t be there.
Over the last two decades, I’ve grown a deeper appreciation for listening as a means for better communication. Listening to others opinions. Listening to their body language. Listening for contextual clues. Listening for disagreement.
Why? Communication is always a two way street. I have yet to find a definition of communication where there were not at least two entities involved. Sure, you can broadcast a message to the general public. You can even publicize your opinion on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. But that is not communicating unless you know who you are talking to, and have a way of receiving feedback.
In my work, despite what my spouse might say, I am very good listener. Because when you listen, you understand how the other party will receive your message. You understand their lived experience, and what they need from the conversation. At that point, you can then have a meaningful conversation and effectively communicate.
If you aren’t listening, you aren’t being heard.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Anna Stallmann Communications, or ASC, is a strategic communications firm with a strong focus on our clients’ success. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all services, we specialize in crafting customized communication strategies tailored uniquely to each client’s specific needs. We firmly believe in the importance of adapting strategies to the unique characteristics of each client, recognizing that what works for one may not work for another. We meticulously consider all potential communication channels and then assemble the perfect team for execution. In essence, ASC serves as the central hub for coordinating all aspects of our clients’ communication efforts.
Our journey began in 2021 when I started as a freelance consultant. Today, Anna Stallmann Communications boasts a core team of ten dedicated members and collaborates with more than a dozen freelancers and small agencies. This collaborative approach enables us to assemble the ideal team for each project, ensuring tailored solutions for our clients. We prioritize collaboration over competition and remain firmly committed to our clients’ success.
Our comprehensive services encompass digital marketing, creative design and public relations strategies. We are known for our collaborative, supportive, and fearless approach to tackling challenges, making us not only productive but also enjoyable to work with. Our long-standing client relationships attest to our effectiveness as the central force behind their communication strategies, delivering tangible results aligned with their business objectives.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at my journey, I think an appreciation for these three core truths would have let me sleep a bit easier at night! But, perhaps learning them firsthand – contributed to why I now fully believe in these principles.
First, We Can Do Hard Things: Once I appreciated that I was already doing hard things that seemingly felt easy to me, I gained the confidence to tackle new challenges. Life is never a linear pathway – and we are constantly doing hard things without appreciation for them. But, success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on challenges that seem insurmountable. It’s essential to believe in your ability to conquer these challenges and to persevere, even when the going gets tough – because the next time around, you’ll only be that much more experienced and capable. So, my advice for those starting their journey is to cultivate a mindset that acknowledges that they can handle difficult situations and to not shy away from them.
Next, We Can Fail Along the Journey to Success: This one is probably overstated, but I think it is worth repeating. Failure is an integral part of the journey towards success – because if you aren’t failing, you are not taking risks. It’s important to recognize that setbacks and failures are not signs of weakness but opportunities for growth. Embrace failure as a teacher, not a deterrent – and realize each setback can provide valuable lessons that will ultimately lead to success.
Finally, A Team is Always Stronger Than an Individual: If you achieve the first two, you likely are gaining more confidence – but there is a risk in being overconfident and too self-dependent. Because no one achieves success entirely on their own. Building a strong support system and collaborating with others is a critical factor in achieving goals. Whether it’s seeking guidance from mentors, partnering with like-minded individuals, or assembling a team with diverse skills, the collective effort is more potent than individual endeavors. To those at the outset of their journey, my advice is to recognize the strength of teamwork and to actively seek out opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.
How would you describe your ideal client?
I love this question, because we have a strong answer. An ideal client for us at ASC is not determined solely by the desire to take on any engagement that comes our way. Instead, we carefully consider three fundamental factors that help us identify whether the client would be a good fit for us.
Clearly Defined Goals: At ASC, we are not content with merely executing tactics for the sake of tactics. We seek clients who have well-defined goals and a clear vision of where they want to go. We need a “north star” to guide our efforts effectively. When clients have articulated objectives, it allows us to create strategic communication plans that drive progress and avoid stagnation.
Can We Make an Impact?: Once we have those goals, we then consider if we can genuinely make a meaningful impact on our potential client’s goals. If we believe that our expertise and resources cannot contribute significantly to their success, we won’t hesitate to refer them to the right place. Our commitment to delivering value is at the core of our approach.
Respect for Community and Values: We place a high emphasis on ethical and responsible business practices. We assess whether our potential clients treat their community, employees, and customers with respect and kindness. We firmly believe that the essence of Public Relations lies in what is said about a client when they are not present. If our values do not align or if our potential client’s conduct falls short of our ethical standards, it becomes challenging for us to effectively represent them.
By focusing on this criteria, we ensure that our partnerships are not only productive but also aligned with our values and mission as a strategic communications firm.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annacomms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asc_comms/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anna-stallmann-communications
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/asc_comms
Image Credits
Amanda Anderson Photography
