Communication Strategy That Works

Feb is all about bringing you some productivity hacks, and we kick off tackling overthinking, which has always been a struggle for me. If you've ever found yourself caught in an endless loop of worry, anxiety, and self-doubt like I have, then How to Stop Overthinking: The 7-Step Plan to Control and Eliminate Negative Thoughts, Declutter Your Mind and Start Thinking Positively in 5 Minutes or Less by Chase Hill (yes, it's a long title!) might just be the guide you need.

This book offers a structured and actionable approach that helped me break free from my overactive mind and foster a healthier mindset. I also have a fast processing speed, which means I am often ahead of myself and my thoughts, which is great for problem solving and strategy work, but can lead to a by-product of revisiting thoughts over and over, sounds like you?

Stay tuned for 2 more productivity-themed podcasts in Feb!

Let's dive in!

As we step firmly into 2025, the communication landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace.

For PR and marketing professionals, staying ahead of trends while effectively connecting with audiences requires not just strategy but precision execution.

In my latest podcast episode, I provide a comprehensive communication strategy for 2025, complete with actionable tips and key takeaways.

Let's dive in!

As we dive into 2025, I know how challenging it can feel to keep pace with the constant changes in communication and PR. The rapid shifts in technology, platforms, and audience expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming—believe me, I get it. That's why I've put together this list of tips. They're not a blueprint (more on that another time!) but rather a set of ideas to inspire and guide you.

Before we get into it, I want to say: be kind to yourself. You don't have to tackle everything at once. Instead, I encourage you to pick three things from this list that resonate with you most and focus on those. Small, intentional steps can lead to big changes. And if you're looking for more strategies to stay productive, keep an eye out for my upcoming episode on Productivity in 2025.

Let's dive in!

As a new year approaches, there's no better time to start something fresh and exciting. 2025 is the year to take that idea you've been mulling over and turn it into something meaningful — something that connects, inspires, and resonates. Podcasts are a powerful way to do just that, and I created the Start and Launch Your Audio Podcast Coached Programme to guide you through every step of the process, from concept to launch.

In this podcast episode, I dive deeper into my bespoke Start Your Audio Podcast Masterclass giving you all the information you need to get started.

So, let's dive in.

If there's one thing I'm truly passionate about, it's the built environment. I believe that developments aren't just about bricks and mortar—they're about creating spaces where people feel at home, where communities grow, and where memories are made.

That's why I love what I do. Some of you who listen may know that Placemaking Communications is my passion, and it's all about helping developers and communities connect through meaningful, thoughtful communication. It's not just about promoting a development; it's about crafting a story and building a sense of identity that turns a project into a place people love.

In this episode I speak about what it is, why it matters, and why you need a strategy.

So, let's dive in!

Why Reading Business Books Matters: Kicking Off a Monthly Book Review episode

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel like there's never enough time to step back and invest in learning. But here's the thing: staying sharp and innovative in any field, especially communications, requires fresh ideas and new perspectives. And one of the best ways to get those? Reading business books.

Sure, some might argue that we can pick up tips from blogs, podcasts obviously, or even social media. But there's something different about diving into a well-researched book. It's like having an in-depth conversation with an expert—a chance to explore their ideas fully, understand the stories behind their strategies, and learn lessons that stick. So I am mixing up podcast learning with a book review a 'pook' review?

Anyway, that's why I've decided to review a book on this blog once in a while. It's a way to hold myself accountable for making time to read, but also to share the insights I discover with you. Whether you're looking for practical tips, big-picture inspiration, or just a spark of curiosity, I hope these reviews will bring you something valuable.

This month, I'm kicking things off with Jonah Berger's "Contagious: Why Things Catch On." It's one of the top 2024 books for anyone interested in marketing, communication, or understanding why some ideas and products take off while others don't. So, let's dive in and explore what makes "Contagious" such a must-read—and how it can help us all create messages that stick.

Recently I gave a talk at a communications conference with a colleague, a filmmaker, on how film can change the narrative for a topic or issue and highlight your brand in a new and unusual way- in this case, the housing agenda in the UK.

As some of you who listen regularly will know, my consulting business focuses on providing communication strategies for built environment projects and firms. Our big area of expertise is placemaking communications and this means simply, telling the story of places where people live, in particular, new and emerging places that may not have an established identity, like an existing town or city.

So today I give an overview of how film can be used as part of your communication strategy, using a case study from my work, bringing places and communities to life and changing a negative narrative into a positive one.

So, let's dive in!

I've worked with a number of startups both inside and out of the built environment sector. One thing they have in common is an infatuation with media coverage. Don't get me wrong this is essential for a startup, but it's not the only tool in the toolkit. But, public relations isn't just about media coverage—it's about building credibility and trust. For a startup, positive profile-raising activities can boost your visibility, attract investors, increase customer confidence, and open doors for partnerships. The challenge? As a newcomer without a well-known brand, breaking through the noise requires creativity and persistence.

The good news is that even on a tight budget, you can build a PR strategy that maximises your resources. Today I share 6 tips for success.

Let's dive in!

I wanted to conclude September's focus on Crisis Comms by focusing on In the world of Public Relations and Comms, and how overwhelming the fast-paced, high-pressure environment can often feel. From managing client expectations and navigating media relations to dealing with crisis communications, the challenges can be relentless. This conversation was raised in my recent 'deep dive' with crisis expert Amanda Coleman.

For communication and PR professionals, the pressure to be constantly "on," to think quickly, and to maintain a positive image for both themselves and their clients can take a toll on mental well-being. As someone who works remotely all the time, the resilience to deal with things sometimes gets thin.

In this episode, I will unpick my conversation with Amanda in more detail and explore why mental well-being is vital in PR, the unique challenges that arise from dealing with difficult situations, and how to develop strategies for maintaining balance.

So, let's dive in!

I wanted to unpack in more detail a topic that I am also very passionate about in my everyday work—issues management. Having worked extensively in communications, I've seen firsthand how vital it is to identify and manage potential problems before they escalate into full-blown crises. It's an area I've dedicated much of my focus to, helping organisations develop proactive strategies to address emerging issues and protect their reputations.

In a recent conversation with Amanda Coleman, we discussed some shared experiences in crisis communication, but this is a topic I'm deeply invested in myself. I wanted to share my perspective on why effective issues management is essential for any organisation and what I've learned throughout my career.

So, let's dive in!