social networking | e-learning | event organisation | evolving communication workshops | web design and search engine optimisation
Constantly striving to innovate new, workable methods of communication for clients. This means drawing on the newest thinking from my networks and building it together to find creative approaches to client communication challenges.
Whilst working predominantly within the digital arena, it also means working strategically and holistically to design a channel mix which is fit for purpose. Much depends on the target audience. For example, whilst working on a client project in Sub-Saharan Africa recently, it became clear after carrying out research that Radio and Mobile (SMS) would become the dominant channels.
If you’re looking for assistance with the following, get in touch:
- Change communication initiatives
- Staff training and awareness
- Brand alignment activity
- Leadership communication
- Team collaboration
- Building customer networks
- Creating communities of practice
- Inter-cultural dialogue
- Conferencing and Seminar support
- Video and DVD production
- Multimedia support
- Web site design and Search engine optimisation
- New Media and Communication workshops
- LCD screen messaging systems
| CD - ROMS | |
Looking for an easy method to deliver training and communication? Over the years, I’ve produced countless discs for a range of public and private sector organisations. Topics have included:
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The CD ROM production service is always end to end when required including:
Some projects require ‘special’ add-ons. For example, when used inside organisations, I can source low cost headphones to avoid ‘noise pollution’ in office spaces. These CD ROM’s are often used to augment organisational communication. Often video heavy, they lend themselves well to supporting a cascade communication process when displayed via data projector to small groups. |
Oncology training
Client: Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Purpose: The client was running a series of Oncology training training events. It wanted a tool to facilitate wider information sharing of content from these two day conferences.
Result: Speaker presentations were captured as synchronised video / powerpoint presentations on CD ROM. Relevant documentation was also archived. The CD ROM’s were distributed by Novartis to relevant parties.
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Corporate Change Management
Client: ESAB
Purpose: The company was undergoing a significant re-structuring across the world. 90 Senior Managers were called to head office in London to better understand and contribute to the change process. The Communications director decided that a traditional cascade process would not deliver the message properly. Presentations from the day were assembled in a searchable, synchronised video / powerpoint format onto a DVD ROM. Managers used these discs with regional groups across the world over data projector to deliver relevant messages.
Result: By also incorporating an online feedback mechanism, detailed quantitative and qualitative commentary was received from 5% of the entire workforce. Senior management was presented with the up-stream analysis in the form of a concise report.
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| Event Blogging | |
An event blog is simply a mechanism for disseminating conference, seminar, and event content in near real time using text, images, audio and video voxpops, online chat and more. It’s great beauty is its ability to extend the reach of an event and invite in-bound commentary from around the world. |
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Using tried and tested processes, events can open themselves up to the wider world. This adds huge value and facilitates easy dialogue with both internal and external audiences.
The real advantage is that an event blog can be used to initiate discussion prior to, during, and after the event, thus creating opportunity for ideas to develop, relationships to form through authoring and commenting on ‘posts’. Another significant benefit is the event blog acting as a solid, searchable archive of information and opinion which can be used to shape organisational thinking and strategy. Click here to see the anatomy of a typical event blog Event blogging topics have included:
Services related to Event blogging include:
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Client: English Heritage
Purpose: The English Heritage outreach department organised a major national conference in Manchester for both its staff and external people working in the field. They wanted a vehicle to build interest and facilitate dialogue on the issues being discussed before, during, and after the conference.
Method: After exploring various options, I came forward with the idea of implementing an interactive multi-media event blog aimed at capturing both presentations and views of participants. Working closely with English Heritage, a small team was created and the project executed.
Result: The blog received 20,000 unique visitors from across the world in three months. This also included several hundred in-bound comments which were used to help shape future Outreach thinking and strategy. It remains live today and is accessed regularly by people carrying out internet searches.
Click to see event blog archive
Client: British Council
Purpose: British Council Uganda was heavily involved in the bi-annual ‘Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting’ (People’s Forum) in 2007. During the week long event, it was expected that around 1,500 people would participate face to face. British Council felt that the issues being discussed should have a mechanism for those not attending to interact with. Working with them, I conceived the notion of running an event blog, but training young local Ugandan journalists to run it.
Method: In addition to set up, implementation, assistance with promotion (including a television interview), the journalists underwent an intensive training schedule in areas such as copywriting for events, photography, audio interviewing / voxpops, video production, and interacting with in-bound commenters. Prior to the event, a series of ‘posts’ containing audio and video interviews with transcripts went up to help build attention and audience. Lots of novel techniques were adopted on-site to engage with visitors. One included setting up a ‘Big Brother’ style diary space where members of the public could express their views on camera.
Result: Throughout the event itself, the blog received visits from across most of the commonwealth, often with substantial, lengthy comments being left. Interestingly, the project received personal commendation from the Ugandan Vice President. (listen here). The client has since adopted the use of blogs for many of its events across its network.
Click to see event blog archive
| Online Animated Presentations | |
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These are simple, straightforward animated presentations with voiceovers. Often used as both internal and external communication devices to deliver a message in a dynamic, rich media way.
They often involve being created using a range of organisational staff and/or event participants with a view to involving people in their production. This has several advantages including:
Scenarios of usage:
Whilst the format of using easily navigable linear presentations with synchronised voice is standard, the variety of graphical support can include PowerPoint, Photography, and fully bespoke animation. |
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Client: Thames Water
Purpose: The client was under both consumer and media pressure for introducing a hosepipe ban in 2006. This came into force after a drop in water levels.
Method: Thames Water’s web team wanted a short animated sequence explaining ‘Why there is a water shortage’ for visitors to the website. I worked with the client to establish what the messages would be, storyboard a sequence, and produce the animation quickly.
Result: The sequence was available within days in order to respond quickly to the challenge.
Client: Knowledge and Innovation Network
Purpose: ‘KIN’ requested that myself and a colleague deliver a half day workshop face to face on the subject of ‘Rich Media Assets’ for use in Knowledge sharing. The event was limited to a small proportion of total membership who could participate.
Method: It was felt that in addition to discussion, the group should engage in producing a summary of findings which could be shared easily and demonstrate in a small way what workshop output could be.
Results: KIN received great feedback from both participants and wider membership on sharing event findings with a wider constituency.
Click here to open KIN presentation (Opens in pop up window)
| Virtual Events | |
Virtual Events are simply a web based method for delivering live or on-demand presentations, but with a channel to facilitate discussion amongst participants and/or Q & A.
Examples where these 'Virtual Events' can be applied:
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Benefits of utilising 'Virtual Events':
- Saves 100% of travel/accommodation time and money.
- Enables more regular ‘get-togethers’ without associated travel costs.
- Drives ongoing involvement with both the internal or external brand.
- Allows presenters and participants to convene quickly. Facilitates fast response to challenge and opportunity.
- Allows transparent tracking of user behaviours to monitor engagement and measure ROI.
| Podcasting | |
 In a modern organisational setting, the term is often used to simply describe downloadable audio and video to a computer or mobile device. |
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More often than not, ‘Podcasts’ are usually produced as part of a wider communication strategy. For example, tied into a inter / intranet / offline campaign.
Two major strengths in using podcasting for communications and marketing are:
Examples of where Podcasting can be used:
Services related to podcasting:
In addition, podcasts can easily be turned into multi-directional vehicles. It’s very straightforward to set up a voicemail comments line where questions can be taken and incorporated into the next episode. Also, simply offering people an email address for questions and comments can go a long way towards developing a more two way communication channel. |
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Client: Belkin
Purpose: The client was introducing a new set of hardware products at the annual CeBIT exhibition in Germany. They were looking for a method of talking about the products on their stand which fitted their ‘tech focused’ aspirations.
Method: Short overview audio snippets were produced outlining how each of the Belkin products would fit into their customer’s home environment. These podcasts were pre-loaded onto iPOD’s on the exhibition stand for users to listen whilst handling the products. In addition, these were made available via RSS on the Belkin website.
Results: Whilst I wasn’t on site, feedback from the client was overwhelmingly positive. It was a low cost method to ‘practice what they preached’.
Click here for small audio sampler
Client: First Data International
Purpose: The client was looking for a new way to raise business awareness within senior management across the business. Existing ‘tele-conference’ methods were not working. Whatever was implemented, the results needed to tangibly demonstrate increased engagement within the business.
Method: After initial research, it was determined to produce a quarterly audio and video ‘state of the business podcast’. This included commentary from three core protagonists; CEO, Finance Director and Marketing Director. Included in each 15 minute programme were news and views from regional staff members. In addition, a dedicated email address and voicemail comments line were opened for up-stream questioning and feedback. The ‘video’ element was introduced in the second podcast in response to staff feedback on including supporting diagrams in relation to financial information.
Results: The podcast received an average of 1,800 downloads each release. Considering its target group of 150 senior managers, it far exceeded expectations.
Below is an example of a podcast with synchronised imagery and Q & A:
| Video and DVD Production | |
Video content is incredibly effective for engaging both customers and staff. In the age of convergence, it can be used across a wide variety of mediums to help you get a message ‘out there’. DVD, Web, Portable devices, Mobile phones. Produce once, use multiply. |
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My specialisation is working with video as a means of soliciting ideas, opinion, and outcomes for and from events. As with ‘Podcasting’, video is best used as part of a wider programme of activity.
Specific experience in video and DVD production include:
By working with a tried and tested team, I can ensure great results at very reasonable rates. Services include:
It’s an end to end service which makes it easy for you to get on with what you do best, focusing on your business. |
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Client: British Council
Purpose: The client was heavily involved in a major North African / Middle East / UK intercultural dialogue programme aimed at breaking down unhealthy stereotypes between young people in the regions. Having reached the stage where the project was looking to engage external partners, they needed collateral to help achieve this.
Method: In addition to an event blog, discussion forum, podcasts, live chats, I worked with them to produce a short video on DVD outlining how participants were developing their skills and implementing them in their lives. It followed the life of a workshop held in Manchester and drew ideas from a range of people including participants, project leaders, and external partners at the time.
Results: DVD’s were circulated to participants after the event. In some instances, these were used to demonstrate what the project was aiming to achieve, often being played at local events. Internally, the DVD was hugely effective in securing backing from regional senior management and advancing some of the new working methods which were pioneered during the project for other British Council projects.
Below is the video. If you cannot see this video, please click here
Client: GE Corporate
Purpose: The client wanted to solicit ideas and opinion from a range of sales staff across their UK businesses for use in a major internal sales conference.
Method: The team and I worked with the client to identify suitable candidates in advance of the event. A set of questions were created around how GE could grow, maximise its human resource, and work more effectively across sales units. In advance of the event, I organised a venue for filming and co-ordinated with each GE team member to film.
Results: The client played each voxpop as related to topic during the conference. Feedback was positive, including some from the interviewees themselves who found themselves being approached by staff from other business units to develop ideas further.
This video content was for internal client use only. As such it cannot be featured here.
| SMS to Screen | |
| Technology is changing the shape of face to face events. When used properly, it can really add value for both participants and organisers alike.
Most conferences only make use of data projectors to display PowerPoint slides. This is a very one to many ‘broadcast’ medium. What if you could involve all your participants by using mobile technology they already possess? The ‘SMS to Screen’ service allows participants to send in thoughts and ideas which are displayed on a large screen for everyone else to see. In addition, you can create quick polls for quickfire reaction on key topics. Key features include:
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The benefits of using SMS to Screen include:
- Increase interactivity from participants.
- Participants get to share ideas and thinking in an innovative way
- Get direct feedback from participants throughout the event.
- Keep participants updated on when and where they should be at a given time.
- Adds a new dimension of fun to proceedings.
- Doesn’t require special input devices as in the case of ‘Instant Voting’ systems.
| E-Learning | |
| In its simplest form, E-Learning is that which is delivered via a computer or mobile device. I don’t profess to be an established subject expert in this area, but do work with people who are. | |
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Where I can help is around delivering presentations, online or on disc, which are supported by quickfire quantitative Q & A.
Examples might include:
Where the scope of a project is likely to be significant, I will bring in experienced E-learning practicioners to assist. Services related to E-Learning include:
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Client: Pharmion (Pharmaceuticals)
Purpose: The client is a fast growing niche player in the market. With a small team committed to regulatory affairs, it was increasingly difficult to deliver face to face training in the ever expanding markets where staff were hired. The departmental director felt it critical that all staff receive training on the subject of Drug Safety Awareness and needed a method to solve this.
Method: Working with the Regulatory affairs division, I took the existing training materials and re-purposed them into a short multimedia presentation. Additionally, a short multiple choice test was added, as a means of checking that the information had been absorbed. The finished work was hosted internally.
Result: Massively reduced opportunity cost as the regulatory affairs team did not need to travel for training as much. Additionally, the client had a means of demonstrating to the regulator that staff were trained in basic drug safety awareness.
| Event Organisation | |
| As a participant, speaker and organiser of countless conferences, I work hard to stay abreast of new methodologies aimed at making events stimulating, enjoyable and fulfilling. | |
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In addition to running a monthly meeting for in excess of 30 people, clients often involve me in their event planning and execution process.
Sometimes this is straightforward technical support, perhaps archiving presentations or widening participation through event blogging. Other times, it’s helping to source speakers and instituting novel ideas to maintain participant interest. I work closely with professional organisers and clients in a range of support functions. These services have included:
Recent events organised include:
For larger events, I work with established professional organisers who are better placed to handle logistics at scale. |
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Client: ‘London Area Communicators Group’ via www.communicatorsnetwork.com
Purpose: The network itself consists of 182 members. All are based in London and are connected with the communication sector. A need existed for the meeting to grow beyond itself and connect with communicators elsewhere.
Method: Having established contact with a similar network in Geneva, it was decided to run a joint event which connected members in the UK and Switzerland. Having arranged an engaging speaker to talk on ‘The Future of Mobile Communication’, the link facilitated Q & A and debate between both sides.
Results: Overwhelmingly positive. Many communicators remarked it was the first time they’d engaged in that scenario and welcomed more. In addition, some members are experimenting with the approach themselves.
Click on the play button see images from events I have organised
| Evolving Communication Workshops | |
Broadly speaking I offer two ‘off the shelf’ in-house workshops. These relate to two different but related subjects.
1. ‘Understanding New Communications and how they relate to your organisation’ The new online and digital tools such as ‘wiki’s, podcasts, social and collaborative networking, RSS, blogging, mobile, and other Web 2.0 applications offer realistic opportunities to improve people engagement, create more effective communication, encourage participation and reduce cost. |
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Much of the one-day in-house workshop is based on real, practical experience of implementing new communication initiatives in UK and international organisations. You’ll de-mystify the terminologies, discuss real life case studies, and apply these lessons to your own organisational objectives.
Download a comprehensive PDF outlining the course here. 2. ‘Managing online networks and communities’. The growth of online networks for collaboration has exploded in the past few years. Many organisations are looking at the benefits of working with these as a means to generate brand loyalty, provide value for constituencies, provide greater return on investment if member based organisations and more. This is a one or two day course delivered in-house or at an external venue which walks through the theoretical and practical implications of embarking on community or network management. It explores the methodologies to employ more than examining specific platforms. Course topics include:
The course is adaptable to your specific needs and can include pre-workshop surveys to gauge existing group experience. Also, the hire of internet connected laptops is possible with a view to enhancing the practical side of the course. | |
Client: London South Bank University
Purpose: With the arrival of a new ‘employer engagement’ department, the director felt his team needed some inspiration about how they might engage with end customers and students themselves.
Method: After refining the standard workshop, I delivered a one-day fast facts in-house session. In addition to delivering lessons and case studies, the workshop explored their constituencies and methods for innovating communication channels for these groups.
Results: The team continue to experiment with new approaches and are planning to engage with social networking sites to broaden their reach.
Due to client confidentiality, cannot make the training powerpoint available. Below is the title slide:
| Web Design and Search Engine Optimisation | |
| A website is your window to the outside world. As much as doing its core job of demonstrating your products and services, it is also a virtual representation of your brand values. | |
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A website is your window to the outside world. As much as doing its core job of demonstrating your products andservices, it is also a virtual representation of your brand values.
Additionally you want to make sure it’s as visible as possible to users. This visibility could be raised through a number of channels, but you really want to be found by prospective customers. This is why I work with external partners to ensure your site is ‘search engine optimised’ to maximise your chances of being found. Working with a range of partners, all chosen for their expertise in design, development, marketing and SEO skills, you can be sure of a website that works for you. This is the process followed to ensure you get what’s right for you:
During planning stages, I will establish exactly who and what’s required to make your objectives flourish. |
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In an increasingly dispersed, globalised world, the need to find new methods for collaboration and networking continue to grow. This represents a perfect opportunity for online networking applications to flourish.
Applications of online networking:
Establishing an online network is far more than implementing a technology. In some cases, it may be appropriate to establish a ‘centralised’ platform, in which users operate inside a ‘walled garden’. This approach is well suited to situations which require confidentiality, such as working within organisations.
Another approach may be to look at operating in ‘distributed networks’. Usually this means becoming very pro-active in pre-existing online spaces such as Facebook, MySpace and others. Again, it’s important to tie your approach to a wider strategy in order to maximise benefit.
Services related to establishing an online network include: