a thinker, a listener,
a strategist, a writer,
a consultant and
a partner.
Among other things.
In our world there’s often more talking than listening – yet in most people’s experience the significant moments have happened when they've known they were heard. Listening should always come before thinking – just as expression always works better when it follows thought.
Words have meaning. The right words carry nuance – which means they connect with people in a culturally felt manner. When companies, institutions or organizations choose their words well, and when those words match up with their actions, good results follow.
In an industry populated by trend followers, I’ve long had a habit of thinking about things differently. The response from my clients has often included expressions of surprise and delight – as I offer them nuanced insights about the work they do and what the people to whom they are selling really care about.
Every communications strategy should be
built on a foundation of interpersonal relations
– because the purpose of communicating is to arrive at agreement. Good strategies align business intent (what you are looking to achieve) with the interests of a targeted audience (the reasons why they should care).
If certain words suffer from jargonization in
the business environment, “partner” must be near the top of the list. And while it is often invoked as a hollowed-out sales tool, I’ve
found that an actively demonstrated spirit
of partnership makes a huge difference in
the solutions that I bring to the table.
A communications consultant proves his value by discovering insightful ways to improve business through better paths of connection. This can address brand strategy, marketing, corporate reporting, HR messaging, training
and other strategies. It’s about examination
and discovery. And it should always lead to concrete, actionable strategies