The Internal Stakeholder Listening Tour

An Internal Stakeholder Listening Tour is a systematic and structured process, typically undertaken by new community or customer marketing professionals within their first 30 to 90 days. It involves conducting a series of one-to-one interviews with key colleagues across different departments within the organisation. The primary purpose is to listen and learn: to understand departmental goals, challenges, and perspectives on the customer or community. This process allows the new hire to map the internal landscape, identify opportunities for collaboration, align the community strategy with broader business objectives, and build foundational relationships for future success.

Why it matters — The Internal Stakeholder Listening Tour

Conducting a listening tour is a critical first step for any community professional aiming to build an integrated and impactful programme. It moves the community function from a potential silo into a strategic business partner. The key benefits include: