What I Do
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research and discovery
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audience and goal identification​
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strategy
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resource, media and landscape assessments​​
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framing and messaging
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writing, editing, co-writing and writing coaching​
Amy has a rare set of skills: a clear understanding of the elements needed to build a communications strategy and a talent for messaging through both text and images.
I like to be involved in projects right from the start.
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How you get organized, where and how you start and making sure you've accurately defined your need or problem are vital to your project's success.
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I will:
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bring clarity, structure and order to the process.
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approach your project in the larger context of your mission to maximize its value and make the most of your resources.
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think ahead so every decision builds toward the outcomes you want.
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Here are the steps I follow (and they easily modify to suit your circumstances and needs):
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1
Assess
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Let’s talk:
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What do you want to accomplish?
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Why now?
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How does it fit into your big picture?
Let’s look at:
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the universe in which you operate
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the resources you have
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the resources you’ll need
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your intended audiences: Who are they? What do they want and need?
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your competitors
Let’s question:
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Are you clear on your problem/challenge and your goals?
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What do you know (or think you know)?
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What are your assumptions?
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2
Research & Discover
I'll cast a wide net to find the people, information and resources you need to make your project a success.
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People
Depending on the nature of your project, I can interview or survey
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users
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members, supporters, clients or customers, both current and prospective
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staff
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board members
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other organizations working in the same space
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media that cover your issue
Information
What do you need to know to make your project a success? I’ll find out.
Resources
It never hurts to review your resources. We may find resources you forgot about, didn’t know you had or ones that can be repurposed.
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3
Report
I’ll pull out meaningful patterns, telling details and powerful quotes. I’ll note what wasn't said. And I’ll synthesize what I learn and present recommendations you can act on.
4
Strategize & Plan
Together we’ll assemble all the pieces and decide what’s next. I'll suggest a structure and process, working backward from your goals, so each step builds on the one before and takes you where you want to go.
5
Hand Off, or Give a Hand
If you and your staff have everything you need to get started, great!
But if you need ongoing support, I’ll fill in where needed and help your staff navigate any curves in the road.