Defining your one story

Problem: “We have trouble explaining how our work connects to our mission, or why it matters outside the organization.”

Solutions: I work with leadership and relevant teams to create a simple story that connects an organization’s work to its goals to the people that matter most to its success. My process involves a series of workshops and activities, custom to each organization’s needs to build from the goal to the one story.

• Goal. We start with the change the organization is trying to make in the world.

• People. Then we explore who specifically has the power to make that change, and why aren’t they already doing it.

• Approach. We’ll identify what your organization does to unblock those people, especially what is different or more effective than others doing similar work.

• Story. We’ll then connect the goal, people, approach, and benefits into one clear story that explains your unique value in simple, relevant and applicable terms.

Putting the story to work in-house

Problem: “We’re not on the same page, the whole is actually less than the sum of its parts.”

Solutions: With your one story in place, I’ll work with organizational leadership and team leaders across the organization to identify how each can use the story to focus their work and align with broader organizational goals.

• Phased workshops to build buy-in and turn it into clear action steps

• Suggested text for websites and other materials to align messaging with the one story

• Follow up to assess uptake and refine implementation

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

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

Solution: There’s no better way to think outside the box than to get outside the box to think. 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. It’s a great way to clarify your one story.

• 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

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 and the organization’s one story 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

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 tell your one story for maximum impact

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