What if there was a way to redefine the significance of non-code contributions in open source projects? That's exactly what our guest, Bryan Behrenshausen of GitLab, is here to explore with us. OSPea, Felicity Brand, and Bryan journey together through the evolving landscape of open source projects and discuss the value of non-code contributions. Bryan shares his insights into the creation of contributor pathways, the optimization of recognition systems, and the importance of fostering an environment of effective communication.

Felicity and Bryan discuss remote work and how asynchronous communication can revolutionize your work culture. We unwrap GitLab's unique model that's setting industry benchmarks, discussing their tools, policies, and practices that cultivate a healthy work environment. Bryan explains GitLab's innovative Team Ops model, which champions a distributed, asynchronous work approach, ensuring everyone feels connected and valued.

Bryan and Felicity dive into GitLab's Open Source Programs and Partnerships, discussing the exciting opportunities these programs bring to the table and how they play a vital role in nurturing a thriving open source ecosystem.

Show notes

• GitLab Handbook
• The Good Docs Project
• How The Good Docs Project Uses GitLab
• Symfony Contributor Guide - Respectful review comments
• Excalidraw

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

The CNECT code helps remind us to apply empathy when creating our communication, to think in terms of, "Hey, what does my audience need?" That's the information that goes in. "How will they best receive it?" That goes to choosing appropriate words, structures, and metaphors—different for a project manager than a marketing executive. 

The language we use and how it's written should connect with the target audience. It should show our readers the information they need in a way that is easiest for them to consume.

Join OSPeas Christine Buehler, Chris Fenwick, Felicity Brand, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire for this quick, helpful podcast about decoding communication that connects.

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Back with another quick podcast about effective writing with OSPeas Felicity Brand, Jeffrey A. McGuire, Christine Bueller, and Chris Fenwick. We dissect the anatomy of our HEAD and SUBHEAD editing codes. Headers are powerful tools for long-form writing online. Break down long texts into meaningful chunks, aid readability, and provide structural support ... and add some soothing white space :-) 

Learn how 'head' and 'subhead', though subtly distinct, are like the yin and yang of writing, where the former enhances readability while the latter fortifies structure. We also touch on bullet points and help us condense and catch the reader's eye.

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Do you ever feel like your words get muddled up, lost in translation, or simply don't have the impact you'd hoped for?

Open Strategy Partners Carl, Felicity, Chris, jam, and Christine are here to guide you through one bit of the writing wilderness with the CLEAR editing code. Increase the impact and effectiveness of your writing with this code: Pinpoint generalizations, request specific evidence when describing benefits, and ensure a logical flow in your writing, and other handy tricks :-)

As we move along, we'll also share how our own team navigated the buzzword-infested waters of corporate communication, developing a tongue-in-cheek "BS Bingo" card to keep our language authentic and grounded. More importantly, we'll journey into the heart of a mindful, human-first work culture, highlighting how something as basic as clear communication can have profound effects on your work environment. Whatever your level of experience, you'll walk away from this episode with valuable insights to transform your writing process and create a more positive, engaging workspace. Clarity awaits!

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Ever wondered if open source could be the secret sauce to the success of your business? Felicity Brand hosts a conversation between Jeffrey A Maguire and Mathias Bolt Lesniak about this very issue. We share remarkable insights from Mathias's recent DrupalCon presentation, 'The Big Impact of Open Source', that triggers thought-provoking questions. Together, we dig into the correlation between open source and business, its role in societal improvement, and the personal gains it offers. Experience first-hand our open source journey as we ponder the worth of open source for business and society. We also shed light on the diversity within open source communities that leads to more informed outcomes and a strong ROI. 

We move past the conventional understanding of open source being merely about software creation. We discuss the pivotal role of the TYPO3 Association in using open source as an effective tool for international aid and development. We connect the dots between open source and democracy to form self-organizing communities. We also lay out the potential for governments to adopt open source software for open data platforms. We wrap up with a stimulating debate on the need for collaboration and marketing within the open source realm and the necessity for unity among its communities. Tune in for a mind-opening dialogue on the far-reaching impacts of open source.

Show notes

• Mathias at DrupalCon Pittsburgh 2023: The Big Impact of Open Source
• Aiden Dean Dunn’s article in the Drop Times: Open Source as a Humanitarian Opportunity
• Mathia’s micro podcast: Open Source Utopia
• Catch Jam and Mathias at DrupalCon Lille, October 2023: Defend FOSS: From innovation to positive change, we need to remind the world what we're about
• TYPO3 Report: Open Source Standardization of Government Websites in Rwanda

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Based on time-honored press printing journalism practices, the LEDE editing code is all about getting straight to the point—ensuring your audience instantly knows whether an article is relevant to them.

In the intense competition for online eyeballs, you need to captivate your readers right from the very first sentence. Today, OSPeas Carl, jam, Felicity, Chris, and Christine, explain the LEDE editing code, and how we try to keep your readers hooked from the start. 

Building a bridge between writer and reader, a strong lede can simplify the reading process, reducing cognitive load and capturing your readers' attention.

In this conversation, we'll explore how you can craft engaging ledes that hit home right from the start, whether you're writing a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire article. We also reflect on the importance of mindful communication in fostering a positive and human-centered culture in the workplace. 

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Ever felt like you're drowning in an ocean of complex words while reading? Wish you could break through the walls of jargon and make sense of that technical documentation? Us, too!

In this episode, some of our team our expertise and experience on simplifying writing for everyone's benefit. We dive into the heart of the SIMPL editorial code, a tool that advocates for readers and ensures technical concepts are explained with clarity and simplicity. 

This episode isn’t just about simple language, though. We also discuss the nuances of writing for international audiences, the importance of understanding your audience, and how to pitch your writing just right. We share practical tips on making writing more accessible—like avoiding jargon, spelling out acronyms, and choosing culturally neutral words. We highlight the importance of having multiple eyes review your work—because everyone knows, two (or three) heads are better than one!

Whether you're a technical agency, a product company, or a b2b technical business, join us as we unravel the power of simple language and clear communication.

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

You need your content to convert. Product and Agency Communications are all about offering your readers the chance to inform themselves about what you do, and convincing them to take the next step. 

This week, we talk about guiding your audience to take action with Calls to Action (CTAs) and Calls to Value (CTVs). Carl Richards, Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire, Christine Buehler, Chris Fenwick, and Felicity Brand peel back the layers on how these content components can enhance your narrative, drive readers' enthusiasm, and ultimately increase the effectiveness of your work. 

We explore practical tips on where to place these crucial elements and discuss how they influence user experience. We'll also dissect different examples of CTAs and CTVs, from buttons to links and sentences. Whether you're an editor, a writer, or interested in digital marketing, this episode can help refine your skills and write more engaging pieces. Tune in now!

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Ever wondered how specificity in writing can lead to building trust, credibility, and a deeper connection with your readers? Join us as we decode the SPIFIC Editing Code in this episode of Communicate, Connect, Grow.

OSPeas Carl Richards, Jeffrey A. McGuire, Christine Bueller, Chris Fenwick, and Felicity Brand break down this editing code and how it can bring clarity and structure to your writing. Drawing parallels from stand-up comedy, we shed light on how being specific can paint vivid images, thus fostering empathy and connection. We also dive into the reader's perspective, focusing on their pain points to build a stronger relationship.

We also look into the significance of SPFIC for writers and editors—how being specific in your titles, narrative structure, and openings can hook readers and make a stronger impression on them. We'll top this off with examples on how specificity can give rise to an authentic communication style. 

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts

Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire appears as a guest on Carl Richards's Speaking of Speaking podcast!

What if the secret to enhancing your professional communication lies in positivity and gratitude? That's the intriguing premise we explore in this thought-provoking conversation between Carl Richards and Jeffrey A. McGuire, a professional musician and communication expert. Drawing from his unique experiences traversing the music and business worlds, jam shares insights into the transformative power of positive communication.

The episode takes a look at Positive Psychology, shining a light on its practical application in fostering empathetic, clear, and trust-building communication. We discuss the unique communication framework built around these principles used at Open Strategy Partners, and how it has empowered us to build thriving relationships with our clients. Listen in as we unpack the importance of a positive work culture and the power of gratitude statements in shaping these interactions.

Finally, we take a deep-dive into the realm of mindful communication. We talk about how mindfulness can influence the impact of our words, especially when engaging with a technical audience. Prioritizing mental health and self-care, particularly under the pressure of tight deadlines, is another resonant theme explored in this episode. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a new perspective on how positivity, gratitude, and mindful communication can improve your personal and professional life.

More Speaking of Speaking here: https://speakingofspeaking.buzzsprout.com/

Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.

To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:

• Go to our website
• Email us at [email protected]
• Hit us up on Twitter
• Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts