Services

Communications Audits and Strategic Communication Planning

When we talk about our strategic communication planning services, we often get a blank stare. Or if we’re lucky, a cocked eyebrow that says ‘what in the heck is that?’

Strategic communication planning is a roadmap to take you where you want to go, and it generally starts with a solid Communications Audit.

Let’s say you want to take a road trip from New York to Los Angeles with some friends. Lots of roads could take you there. But if you have your trip mapped out, you’ll have a much better chance of reaching your destination — together.

Just like on your road trip, the quality of your strategic planning is directly correlated to your results — the better the planning (and creative thinking) the better the outcome. Based on our experience, we can guide you toward activities that will enhance your journey and help you steer clear of danger zones.

For example, we consistently see three bottlenecks on the road to better communication:

  • Internal functions aren’t defined and expectations aren’t clear. Is it a marketing, communication, PR, advertising or sales department? Is the purpose to generate leads, sell to current customers, increase overall awareness or some combination of these and other activities? How will you measure success?
  • Objectives aren’t SMART (Strategic, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Tangible). “To increase awareness that we are a leading solutions provider” isn’t a good objective.
  • Positioning/Key Messaging aren’t strong enough. One key element of positioning is giving up a certain element of the audience. No one expects a radio station to cater to all audiences, so why would your communication effort be expected to do so?

Our process is based on what we call the 4 D’s of Effective Communication. Our plans are created individually, but often include the following marketing activities:

  • Advanced research methods
  • Product and service introductions
  • Trade, business and enthusiast media relations
  • Trade show promotions
  • Industry expert programs
  • Crisis communications
  • Online marketing
  • International communications
  • Spokesperson and media training

Call 904.887.4045 today to discuss how we can help.

Training & Speaking

Targeted to spokespeople, corporate management, supervisors or divisional office managers.

Often provided as in-house corporate workshops/retreats or as part of training meetings and professional development conferences. Topics are offered as half or full day sessions, and often feature follow-up phone coaching.

Each training topic has a corresponding keynote presentation that can be customized for your group.

Presentation Skills

Sharing your messages in front of a group of target audience members can be a great way to build your brand. But many people are so afraid of public speaking that they let their fear hold them back. Are you one of those people? Is it affecting your career?

If so, get ready to overcome your fears and excel in your next public speaking opportunity! This program is offered in full-day and half-day sessions.

Media Training/Spokesperson Development

A media interview is an opportunity to deliver a story to an audience. An interview is not a friendly chat and certainly should never be an argument. When dealing with the media, open and positive communication is essential, especially during a crisis.

This training teaches effective interviewing techniques and also helps spokespeople handle situations where the organization is uncomfortable sharing information with the media. This program is offered in full-day and half-day sessions.

Brand Ambassador Training

“Brand Ambassadors” help spread the word about your services in your community–a key success factor for many non-profit organizations.

These ambassadors can:
• Help increase awareness and promote goodwill in our community
• Provide additional speakers for your Speaker’s Bureau program
• Encourage staff participation in exhibits at community health/vendor fairs

Hart & Partners offers customized sessions to get your cadre of Brand Ambassadors up & running, and telling your story across the community!

Individual Executive Coaching

We also offer individualized coaching programs structured to accommodate the experience, duties, and temperament of top executives who require more sophisticated approaches.

For example, we’ve recently prepared a group of executives for the public announcement of a major corporate restructuring; prepared a CEO to handle a touchy public testimony; and trained a small group of senior executives to handle routine media relations including print and broadcast interviews.

Call 904.887.4045 or e-mail Rebecca@hartandpartners.com to learn more.