No strategy, no tactics
In 2024, there is a new communications rule. No strategy, no tactics.
What do I bring to the Elm Communications Party?
If you know Mel, you’ll know that she’s an excellent host. She throws unforgettable gatherings, complete with mouthwatering snacks, refreshing drinks, outdoor games, and a laid-back atmosphere. She’s one of THOSE people while I struggle to assemble a plate of…
Creating respect for our profession
How can communications professionals claim their “seat at the table” and demonstrate their value to an organisation.
Our experience with ChatGPT
Everyone has been writing about it. It will end careers. It will kill comms. It will mean the end of civilisation as we know it. Chat GPT. *insert dramatic music* I was sceptical at the beginning. I perceived it as…
Research when you have no money
You don’t need a huge budget to find out what you need to know to create a great communication strategy.
Why don’t we write measurable objectives?
I am working on a project at the moment where I have reviewed a lot of communications plans from a lot of different government agencies. There was one thing in common. No one wrote measurable objectives. It made me think,…
Communication lessons from Zelensky
Last week, Ukraine’s President Zelensky gave the world a lesson in masterful communications. As he navigates the unimaginable destruction of his country and demonstrates strength as a leader, he has also shown how to engage your audience. While the horrors…
A plan for the sake of a plan
When you are stuck in the business of day to day, it’s easy to get lazy with your communication planning. Just list one thing for every channel, every audience you can think of, and the standard list of risks –…
We want to do it all
Strategy, advice, content development, creative, campaigns, training, relationship building. We want to do it all. Communications professionals are often high achieving, high energy, perfectionists. We have to be, it’s part of the role. It means that we want to deliver…
Reporting, our necessary evil.
In my experience, comms people are generally bad at two things – measuring what they do and telling people how great they are. It’s not on purpose. We always have the best of intentions. You might even do it every…