Core communications strategies 

Problem: “We just cannot seem to cut through the noise to reach our key audiences.”

Solutions: I work with leadership, technical and communications teams to create bespoke communications strategies that are simple to follow, build trust and reach organizational objectives.

• Comprehensive communications audits

• Strategic planning workshops

• Audience, message and channel mapping and refinement

• Tactical advice for new, digital and traditional media

• Adaptive, goal-oriented strategies with practical implementation roadmaps

Strategies for advocacy and influencing policy

Problem: “We have the insights our audiences need, but how can we get them to act on it?”

Solutions: I work with leadership, policy and communications teams to identify concrete policy wins and effective strategies to turn information into influence.

• Policy opportunity mapping and prioritization

• Audience mapping and channel identification

• Messages and tactics to move audiences from awareness, to interest, to action

• Integration with organizational and communications strategies

• Internal alignment support to enhance collaboration between technical, policy and comms teams

Get the most from your tech investments

Problem: “We set aside money for new tech, but the project is stalled and risks getting off track.”

Solution: With my experience from managing numerous long-term framework agreements and six figure tech investments, I will work with your teams to ensure you get the product or service you need, from a provider you can trust for the best possible price.  

• Needs analysis and alignment with strategy to identify the right product

• RfP development and bid review support to get the right provider

• Kick-off prep to avoid common delays at the start

• Clear processes to help project managers keep the contractor and project on focus, on time and on budget

Communications policies, guidelines and templates

Problem: “The process seems full of surprises, leading to delays and stress between comms and other teams.”

Solution: I work with your teams to create tailor-made communications policies, guidelines and workflows to help teams avoid unforced errors, navigate common tricky situations and smooth out internal processes.

• Media relations, social media, website and related policies and guidelines 

• Templates to help comms teams get the information they need to identify the best channels, products and processes to maximize impact

Thought leadership development

Problem: “How can I help my organization stay relevant in the fast-changing marketplace of ideas?”

Solution: I work with leadership, experts and core staff to leverage their unique insights to reach audiences in ways institutional communications cannot. 

• Executive workshops to identify a niche, effective angles and desired outcomes

• Thought leadership strategies to secure an influential place in the conversation

• Internal coordination roadmaps to aid integration and delivery

• Editing support for initial thought pieces, social media

• Public speaking and media interview preparation

Crisis communications planning

Problem: “If that happened to us, I’m not sure how we would respond.”

Solution: I work with leadership and communications teams to develop clear processes, roles and responsibilities so if a crisis comes, your teams are prepared to assess, decide and act with confidence. 

• Crisis communications plans and rapid response protocols

• Reputation management strategies

• Post-crisis evaluation and adjustment

Problem: “We keep having strategy workshops that end in the same place where we started.”

Solution: I lead customized hiking trips to get executives and teams out of the office and into fresh air to stimulate creativity and jumpstart problem solving.

• Strategy comes naturally hiking trips combine nature and a strategic sounding board to stimulate innovation.

• Team building trips where nature provides the change of space, awe and shared adventure that enhance personal and professional relationships.

• Learn more at my hiking trip leader website www.hikeherenow.com/shop-talk

Digital engagement support

• Email marketing strategy

• Social and new media strategy and content calendars

• Website optimization and user experience audits

Writing, editing and visuals

• Case studies, executive summaries, forewords and op-eds 

• Annual reports, grant proposals and donor communications

• Data visualization - developing concepts and managing designers to deliver visuals that get attention and tell your story

Start-up comms kits

• Comms and marketing needs assessments

• Phased strategies for pre-launch, first year and long-term

• Essential policies, guidelines and templates

• Procurement, staffing and recruitment planning support for each strategic phase