THE COMMS RESET
Be a company that's good at comms
A hands-on consulting service that resets your comms function so it works for everyone
What on earth is a Comms Reset?
A Comms Reset is a service where I come into your company, I get under the skin of your communications function from every angle of the business.
I talk to lots of people in your company, gathering feedback on the comms function, how it impacts their work and what would work better for them.
Of course I also spend a lot of time with your comms team, understanding their strategy, policies, processes and general ways of working. I take in their feedback and frustrations about comms within the organisation and what they think needs to change.
I watch how communication flows through your organisation to see what is working, and what isn't.
I view your business from an external angle too. Looking at your online digital presence, along with your corporate social media and how well it's used.
The leaders in your organisation have their say too, I will understand their view of the comms function and what would work best for them.
If you are a charity, I will also look at your communications for fundraising purposes, and spot any gaps where you could take a stronger approach to external communication to bring in donations and support.
I look at up to 230 reference points to really understand what is working and what isn't. This will lead me to know what the root cause of your issues are, and more importantly, how you could go about fixing them.
You can then either take my suggestions and make those changes yourself, or I can continue to help you make those changes.
Why might you need a Comms Reset?
Chances are, you’re here because you already know that something isn’t quite working. I will help you find the problem and fix it.Â
But in case you’d like a bit of an insight into the sorts of things that might be symptoms of needing a Comms Reset, let’s see if any of these sound familiar to you:
- You’ve heard the words “I get too many emails” way too oftenÂ
- Colleagues don’t seem to know the right things at the right time
- You don’t really know what your colleagues think about where they work, or the decisions that are made about them
- Communications can seem messy, as if messages are random instead of planned and measured
- You have no idea what’s in your communications strategy, or if you even have one
- You hear colleagues in your company casually or formally complaining about comms
- Communications aren’t involved in designing messages, only delivering the message
- You don’t know what difference your comms efforts have made to your organisation, or maybe you feel like that haven’t made a difference at allÂ
- Messages can appear in all sorts of different places, and no one knows where the right place is
- Your external comms and digital presence are not generating interest in your companyÂ
- You feel like no one knows you in your industry or sector, and you should be more well known.
How does it work?
This is a really simple process for you, and it won’t take up much of your time.
By the end, you’ll know what’s getting in the way of your comms. And you’ll have a clear plan to put it right.
Here’s how we get there.
First, we’ll have a chat, at a time that suits you. I’ll ask about your current situation, and why you think you might need a Comms Reset. There’s no obligation at this stage.
If you’d like to go ahead, we’ll sort out a bit of admin, like arranging the best time to start. I’ll draw up a timeline of what I’ll be doing and ask you to approve it. I’ll also ask you to introduce me to the best person for me to talk to regularly, where that isn’t you.
Then I’ll get to work.
Every company is different, and every Reset is different. But this is the sort of thing I’ll be doing
Getting to know your business from the inside
Having proper conversations with people right across the business, at every level of seniority, in as many teams as possible.
Surveying the workforce where it helps.
Spending time on your intranet and internal channels, seeing how things really work.
Looking at how your comms actually land. How often they go out, the channels you use, and the language and tone.
Studying any analytics you already have.
Spending time with your comms team
Being a critical friend to the team, so they deliver something they're proud of.
Getting to grips with their strategy, policies, processes and ways of working.
Listening to their frustrations, and what they think needs to change.
Sitting in on team meetings that involve comms.
Reading and understanding your company strategy.
Looking at your business from the outside
Assessing your online and digital presence.
Spending time with your corporate social media, and understanding how well it's working for you.
Seeing how well known you are in your industry or sector.
If you’re a charity, looking at how your comms support fundraising, and where a bolder approach could bring in more donations and support.
I look at up to 230 reference points in all, so I can really understand what’s working and what isn’t. That’s what shows me the root of your problems… and, more importantly, how you can put them right.
From there, it’s up to you. Take my suggestions and make the changes yourself, or I can stay on and help you make them.
Common Questions
How much of my team's time will this take up?
Very little. The whole point is that I do the digging, not you. I'll need a bit of time with you at the start and the end, and some time with your comms team along the way. Everyone else just carries on as normal while I talk to them and watch how things work. You won't need to manage me.
How long does a Comms Reset take?
It usually takes about a month. For larger or more complex organisations it can take up to two months. I'll give you a clear timeline before we start, so you always know what to expect.
Do you need to be in our offices?
I work remotely first, which keeps it flexible and easy for you. I also enjoy being in an office, so sometimes I'll ask to spend a bit of time in yours. That way I can see for myself what your in-person communication is really like.
What will I actually have at the end?
A clear picture of what's working, what isn't, and why. And a practical plan you can act on. No jargon, and no 100-page report you'll never open. Just what's getting in the way, and how to put it right.
We already have a comms team. Will this step on their toes?
Not at all. I'm a critical friend to your comms team. Most teams find it a relief to have someone independent take a proper look, and often it backs up what they've been saying for a while. I'll always be fair and honest with them, and with you.
Isn't this something we should be doing ourselves?
Maybe one day. But it's really hard to see your own issues clearly from the inside, and everyone's already busy with the day job. I come in with fresh eyes, ask the questions no one internally feels like they can, and get you there a lot faster.
Will people actually be honest with you?
Yes, and that's where the real value is. People tend to be far more open with someone independent than with their own boss. I'm always clear with everyone about how their feedback will be used, so they can speak freely.
Do you work with charities and smaller organisations?
Yes, I work with all sorts. If you're a charity, I'll also look at how your comms support your fundraising, and where a bolder approach could bring in more support.
Want to be a company that's good at comms?
It starts with a simple chat. No hard sell or obligation. Just a conversation about what’s not quite working, and whether a Comms Reset is right for you.
If it is, brilliant. If it’s not, I’ll happily point you in the right direction.
Either way, you’ll come away knowing a bit more than you did before.
