Communication Strategy That Works podcast

This episode was sparked by a recent chat I had with Helen Neal from HN Communications. We covered loads of ground around sustainability and transparency, but one theme really stood out to me - and that was humility in brand communication. It got me thinking: in the built environment, we're often working on big, complex, long-term change. That makes messaging tricky because let's face it, not everything's sorted. And there is a lot of focus on what happens when something is complete, and little focus on progress over perfection.   So, what if we took a leaf out of the consumer brand playbook? I thought it would be interesting if we looked at how brands like Patagonia or Tony's Chocolonely talk about progress and imperfection, and applied that to how we communicate about our own sustainability efforts? So, let's dive in!  

I read Sustainable Marketing by Michelle Carvill a while back.  It seemed the right time to review it right after my podcast conversation with Helen Neal this month. In our discussion, Helen talked about the importance of humility, the value of “progress over perfection,” and why it's so critical to bring sustainability experts into the conversation early. These ideas were still echoing in my mind as I reminded myself of this book, and Carvill's insights feel like a natural extension of that conversation. Let's dive in!  

Today, I'm joined by Helen Neal, founder of the multi-award-winning HN Communications and a leader in sustainability communications. Named Professional of the Year at the PRCA Dare Awards 2024 and invited to speak at COP16 in Riyadh, Helen is redefining how businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies. With a background spanning politics, corporate leadership, and communications, Helen built HN Communications to help companies navigate sustainability messaging with authenticity and impact. She believes that sustainability and profitability must go hand in hand—a vision that has made her a sought-after voice in the field. Whether you're a business leader, a communicator, or just someone passionate about a greener future, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.  Also check out our myth buster! Let's dive in!  

Welcome back to the final episode in February's productivity series.  Today, I want to share how I've tried to transform my workspace into a mindful environment that boosts efficiency using a couple of simple approaches. Whether you work from home, in an office, or somewhere in between, our surroundings have a massive impact on our ability to stay focused and creative.  Let's dive into some practical ways to optimise your space!  

With the bulk of winter behind us, I find that February is the perfect time to start being proactive and setting the tone for a productive year ahead.  If you've been waiting for the right moment to shake off the post-holiday slump, this is it! Now is the time to reset, refocus, and build momentum that will carry you into Spring and the rest of the year.  In today's episode, we're diving into some of the best productivity tools and strategies of 2025 to help you work smarter, not harder, while keeping a good work-life balance. And it's not all about AI you'll be pleased to hear (although some of it is) Let's dive in!  

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!  

Welcome to today's episode, where we're diving into the world of crisis communication with an expert who's been on the front lines. Amanda Coleman shares her incredible journey, starting as a journalist and transitioning into key roles in the public sector, including her time at the Environment Agency and Merseyside Police. Amanda brings valuable insights from her extensive experience, including the pivotal role she played during the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack. In this conversation, Amanda emphasises how crucial crisis communication is in shaping operational responses and why organisations need clear communication plans that focus on empathy and authenticity. She also breaks down the impact of social media on crisis management and why it's essential to be ready for rapid response in today's fast-paced world. Whether you're in communications, crisis management, or simply curious about what it takes to navigate through tough situations, this episode is packed with takeaways you won't want to miss! So, let's dive in!   

As someone who started life in Corporate Communications for a famous American credit card brand, I lived through the pain of Internal Communications as posters and internal launches through to a strategic function. Comms under Corporate Comms, but got moved to HR and back again, even 25 years ago. Reflecting on these complexities and inspired by Jenny Field's insightful "Chaos to Calm" model, and the podcast where we spoke about this, I delve into the strategic role of internal communication and its optimal positioning within a business. So, let's dive in!    Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.  

In the ever-evolving landscape of public relations and corporate communication, data analytics has emerged as a game-changer. In this podcast, I share five ways data can transform your communication strategies, making them more effective and impactful. So let's dive in!    Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

This week we reflect on a recent ‘Deep Dive with Adam Driver to unpick a bit more around what SEO is, highlight its numerous benefits for comms folk and businesses, and emphasise how it should be integrated into a broader marketing strategy for optimal results. Why? Well in today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business looking to succeed. SEO is one of the most effective tools available to achieve this. However, it is often misunderstood and misused, leading to confusion and missed opportunities. So let's dive in!    Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

I work with lots of Senior leaders directly, often providing guidance and expertise when there is no in-house resource to do so.  This means that I am often rating the brief as well as taking the briefing about it!  This is fine but today I wanted to spend some time outlining more about why effective briefs are so important. Creating effective briefs is a cornerstone of successful projects and solid client-agency relationships. For non-experts in marketing, such as Managing Directors or Project Managers, mastering the art of writing a detailed, clear brief can lead to more efficient workflows, better creative outputs, and ultimately, more successful campaigns.  So if you're a project manager or leader listening today and want to create more value from your partners, or you're a consultant who wants to guide your clients better, this one is for you! So let's dive in!   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.  

Following on from the topic of self-help coaching and mentoring this month, I thought I would talk a bit this week about how embarking on new projects in podcasting and how self-doubt has impacted this, and how coaching helped unblock me. These challenges, dominated by the whispers of imposter syndrome, have been a significant part of my professional journey. And has led me to talk to you here on my own podcast today So let's dive in!   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.  

Today, I am delighted to welcome to the podcast Jo Twiselton, Human Change Specialist, executive coach, facilitator and fellow communication consultant. Jo has worked with leaders and teams across the tech, transport, healthcare, manufacturing, media and services industries, helping them to emerge better from any change. We talk about all aspects of self-help, mentoring and coaching.  It's a great chat and I learned loads! So if you want a free coaching session tune in! Jo is a qualified executive and wellbeing coach who helps empower leaders, managers, and teams who want to introduce positive transformation.  How to get in touch with Jo: www.twistconsultants.co.uk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jotwiselton/ Links: LinkedIn post on the meaning of 'learning' https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jotwiselton_learning-coaching-organisationalchange-activity-7185660666706284544-7dig?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Executive Coaching services: https://www.twistconsultants.co.uk/executive-coaching   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Do you wish more people were telling their friends about your company? When people are looking for recommendations on LinkedIn, you wish your name was being tagged.  When someone at an industry event is asking for examples of people in your niche, you want your brand to come up in the conversation. What about when things do not go to plan? A network of trusted people can also help test your response in a crisis and help you out of a reputation hole. One way to do this is through finding brand advocates, those who rave about how good you are when the going is good and when it's not so good. Today I delve into this topic with a focus on crisis management and stakeholders and give tips on what to think about before you start, whatever your programme. Let's dive in!   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Today, I wanted to talk to you about the importance of fostering business relationships in B2B when building your brand from scratch. I reveal why this approach is not just for big consumer brands. Getting people to tell your story for you is a powerful way to build trust and credibility. It's tough when you start because no one knows you. You may be new in a market, have a new way of doing things, or compete in a very established industry. Let's dive in!   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.  

Through this month's theme of building effective relationships that matter, I dive into the topic of stakeholders, crisis and brand building. In the dynamic realm of business, understanding and leveraging stakeholder engagement transcends the boundaries of size and industry. It's a pivotal strategy that unveils what truly drives people towards or away from your offerings, thus illuminating the path to not only solving pertinent issues but also profoundly connecting with your audience.  Surprisingly, this critical aspect often remains shadowed, tucked away from the spotlight in PR and communication strategies. Yet, its power to amplify and underpin a campaign's success is undeniable. Let's dive in!   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

In this final episode on the theme of learning and development this month, and integrating new skills we take a look at some practicalities.  Let's face it, skilling up isn't just an option; it's a necessity for staying relevant and competitive in the field. We'll explore the importance of continuous skill development in PR and Marketing, how to identify skill gaps, and practical steps to enhance your abilities without breaking the bank. So let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Today I present practical insights on integrating AI to streamline your team's processes and enhance collaboration. Drawing from my recent conversation with Ben Lee, let's elevate your content, energize your team, and optimize performance. Let's jump in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Ben has been working with GenAI at Bidwells since early 2022, determined to focus on the art of the possible. Having seen a few technological shifts in a 20-year career as a journalist, public affairs consultant and PR professional, Ben quickly recognised this one as the most seismic.   So when ChatGPT landed in late 2022 his team were already using AI tools each day to transcribe interviews, edit videos and create content. Since then, Ben has been focused on leading AI adoption across his business and speaks regularly on the topic. His team won Best Use of AI in the 2023 B2B Marketing Awards after delivering a four-figure ROI for their AI adoption work. So let's dive in!   Links mentioned in this episode: Descript - https://www.descript.com/ Fireflies - https://fireflies.ai/ Japer - https://www.jasper.ai/ ChatGPT Team -https://openai.com/chatgpt/team Microsoft CoPilot -https://news.microsoft.com/reinventing-productivity/ Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benlee22uk/

Welcome to the final episode on the January measurement and evaluation theme! Today we're looking at three ways to set yourself up for success using measurement and evaluation techniques. So let's dive in!   Links mentioned today: Track your success with my free measurement framework: https://mailchi.mp/henbe.co.uk/1g85gwokl5   

Building on the recent Deep Dive with Adam Driver and January's measurement and evaluation theme, I explore a bit more about how SEO can specifically help your PR campaigns. In today's digital age, the landscape of Public Relations (PR) has transformed significantly, with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) emerging as a pivotal tool for gauging the effectiveness of PR campaigns.  Let's dive in!   Links mentioned today: Deep Dive with Andy Barr: https://henbe.co.uk/2023/02/23/ep-114-deep-dive-with-andy-barr-all-things-digital-pr/  

Today I am delighted to have on the podcast Adam to unpick and demystify SEO or search Engine Optimisation as part of January's measurement and evaluation theme. Adam originally trained as a journalist and has experience on both sides of the agency divide having been in-house and an account director at an agency. Adam has been a CIPR Chartered Public Relations professional since 2020. Adam set up Authentic comms in 2020, and describes his work as delivering in a ‘channel neutral, sector agnostic' way, focusing on the audience(s) much like me! So we chat about a LOT of things including starting a business in a pandemic, measurement and evaluation and, of course, he provides us with a simple approach to getting started with SEO. So let's dive in! Links mentioned in this episode: Find out more about his SEOhhh™️ and LinkedIn coaching at ww.authenticcomms.co.uk.   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Today, I want to talk about the process of creative thinking. Long ago I read a book by PR Practitioner Andy Green called Creativity in PR. He highlights the importance of creativity in virtually every project. Today I share some resources for creative thinking with you. You see, creative thinking is essential for innovation, whether it be writing, designing, or strategising. Often, people break creative thinking down into five stages of creativity. So let's explore what the creative process entails and how each stage builds upon the previous one. It'll certainly come in handy the next time you embark on your creative journey! Simply click on the tags for a full description of each stage. Let's dive in! Links in this episode: Andy Green's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creativity-Public-Relations-PR-Practice/dp/0749456507   Lateral Thinking book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lateral-Thinking-Creativity-Edward-Bono/dp/0241257549/ref=sr_1_3?crid=18UZVINHMZI48&keywords=lateral+thinking+debono&qid=1702034408&s=books&sprefix=lateral+thinking+de%2Cstripbooks%2C74&sr=1-3   Thinking hats book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Six-Thinking-Hats-Edward-Bono/dp/0241257530/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IAB8XJE17AZ8&keywords=six+thinking+hats&qid=1702034439&s=books&sprefix=6+hats%2Cstripbooks%2C68&sr=1-1 For more broader understanding of how we think: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow/dp/B006QXGLA8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=AFOYJK5Y3CCZ&keywords=thinking+fast+and+slow+by+daniel+kahneman&qid=1702034530&s=books&sprefix=thinking+fast+and+slow%2Cstripbooks%2C73&sr=1-1 Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

In today's episode, we'll be taking some notes from the deep dive and unpacking in more detail creativity related to your environment, and also procrastination. We'll uncover the challenges of creativity in comms and PR, the importance of choosing your battles wisely, and how seemingly unrelated factors can influence our creative prowess. Here are a couple of things you may not know to weave into your strategy Let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

As we kick off December's creativity theme, I am delighted to welcome back to the podcast Helen Reyolds founder of Comms Creatives.  Why creativity this month? Because we often get stuck in ‘doing the do' and finding the time to lift ourselves out, reflect and put some effort into thinking can be hard especially when you work in a busy comms team.  So this month Helen and I kick things off by covering a variety of subjects around where to get your inspiration from to how to unboring your content, with some interesting examples thrown in! Helen is an award-winning social media expert trainer, international speaker on TV, radio and podcasts, avid doodler and founder of Comms Creatives. She's helped hundreds of corporate comms pros in organisations such as BBC Studios, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Manchester City Council to: inject much-needed creativity into their social media increase their online reach and engagement and have lots of fun in the process! Through her business Comms Creatives she's on a quest to bring inspiration, support and most importantly – creativity back to your life and work as a comms pro. So let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Today on the podcast as part of November's focus on brand tracking and insights, I take a look at customer feedback and how it can be used to improve brand reputation. Looking after our customers has never been more important. Competition is fair and platforms a plenty for people to take to and give their positive, or negative, opinions about your brand, product or service. How does this relate to PR - well it's about public perceptions and how we can influence opinion so intrinsically linked in fact. So today I am exploring the significance of customer feedback and three actionable steps to succeed in this critical area. So let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Remember when we dug deep into brand reputation and its importance in our previous episode? Well, today, we're taking it a step further as part of our reputation and insights series this month. Buckle up because we're exploring the captivating relationship between brand reputation, Gen Z, and the power of honest communication. And include 3 conversation starters to have honest and transparent communication around ESG. In today's fast-paced and socially conscious world, brand reputation has become a crucial element for an organization's success. The incredible influence of Gen Z, the demographic cohort that follows Millennials, is shaping the reputation landscape. Let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Today I'm delighted to have on the podcast, Steve Leigh, from Sensu Insight.  In 2022, he left his role as a director of a large, independent PR agency to start Sensu Insight. He helps in-house PR agencies, and C-suite teams make sense of reputation, sales and audience behaviours, and how all of these things impact communications and market issues.  Join us as we 'Deep Dive' into PR measurement and evaluation, how to use research to improve your brand's reputation, and much more. Let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.    

Artificial Intelligence and PR are becoming increasingly intertwined as we grapple with the pros and cons in real-time. As professionals, we recognise the immense potential of leveraging this technology to enhance strategies and deliver more impactful messages to their target audience. I find I am using it more and more as I find new tools and think 'oh yeah, is there an AI for that?' In this episode, we will delve into the various ways AI can be used in public relations, not listing the tools but the how -  focusing on three key areas: sentiment analysis, chatbots, and automated content creation.  These AI-powered tools are revolutionising the PR & Comms landscape, enabling us to gain deeper insights, engage in real-time conversations, and streamline content creation processes. Let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

I'm delighted to have on the podcast this week Jo Twiselton, human change specialists, executive coach, facilitator and consultant. Jo is also a qualified executive and wellbeing coach. She works with leaders, managers and teams, who want help during times of upheaval, and she does this through her business Twist Consultants. Jo's worked with lots of people over the years, she has worked across tech transport, healthcare, media, and service industries, helping them create change for the better for many, many years. By focusing on the fundamentals of human change, Jo's specific approach is designed to help minimise organisation disruptions in times of change. And we talk about everything today, mostly about Jo's squiggly career and how that can lead to really rounded skill sets. She talks about what big changes and how any kind of change can affect people in an organisation. Plus, she shares some tips and links with us all that Jo has her own podcasts coming out in 2024.  Let's dive in.  How to get in touch with me: www.twistconsultants.co.uk  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jotwiselton/ Twitter/X - @jotwis Links  mentioned in this episode: Twist Consultants Wellbeing and Change Report https://www.twistconsultants.co.uk/downloads   Further info: Wraw (Workplace Resilience and Wellbeing): https://www.twistconsultants.co.uk/resilience-wellbeing   Health and Safety Executive - 6 management standards - https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards/   Get started on improving listening skills (blog post): https://www.twistconsultants.co.uk/blog/want-to-improve-your-listening-skills-and-have-better-conversations-this-might-help?rq=listening Wellbeing and resilience report for SMEs: https://whatworkswellbeing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/small-business-Oct2018.pdf Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

I am really pleased to be back with fresh content this Autumn after a short break over the summer. I also have some news - for the next 6 months, the podcast will have 3 monthly episodes that will combine into one theme, hopefully with a guest episode 'deep dive' and some useful tools and insights. It's a trial I am doing based on feedback for longer episodes. I didn't just want to do longer episodes in the same format, so I am switching it up a bit and would love to hear what you think! I hope you like it. Kicking off in October we have a theme of communication, well-being and productivity in the workplace; - Why autumn is a good time to focus on productivity as we all get asked to do more (with less) - A 'Deep Dive' on Wellbeing, Communication and Change with Jo Twiselton - How AI is impacting our teams and tasks in real-time; and how to use this to your advantage So let's dive in with this latest episode shall we? Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.  

Today, I delve into five valuable suggestions on how public relations (PR) can considerably influence the sales procedure by concentrating on the "know, like, trust" elements of a client's experience with your company. I cover an essential approach to this task and 5 tips to get started. Let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.  

If you are looking to change behaviour with your campaign, it's crucial to design the most effective messages to influence people's outlook and actions. One popular method for optimising these messages is A/B testing. In this episode, I'll explain what A/B testing is, how to conduct it in behaviour change campaigns, and tips for maximising its effectiveness. I cover what A/B testing is for comms pros, and seven tips on how to get started. This episode was inspired by a 'Deep Dive' episode with behaviour change expert, Shayoni Lynn of Lynn Globalwhoit was a pleasure to host on the pod earlier in the year. I've added the link to the show notes today so you can listen to that whole episode. Let's dive in! Links in this episode: Shayoni Lynn on Behaviour Change: https://henbe.co.uk/2023/01/19/ep-110-deep-dive-with-shayoni-lynn-part-one-behavioural-science-and-pr/  Statistical Significance - Meaning: https://www.qualtrics.com/uk/experience-management/research/statistical-significance-calculator/?rid=ip&prevsite=en&newsite=uk&geo=GB&geomatch=uk  Lynn Global: https://lynn.global/   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Today, I'm exploring how customer problems can be a valuable source of ideas for PR campaigns. You'll learn how to turn those ideas into successful campaigns, what makes a good campaign, and how to measure its success. And a couple of great examples along the way. This episode was inspired by a recent Deep Dive with Ayo Abbas on Campaigns - check the link in the show notes. Let's dive in! Links for show notes: How to use campaigns in your strategy ‘Deep Dive' with Ayo Abbas: https://henbe.co.uk/2023/05/25/ep-127-deep-dive-how-campaigns-can-improve-your-strategy/   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

As communicators, we must recognise that our roles require essential attributes including; active listening, empathy, curiosity, tenacity, analytical thinking, and creativity. Today, I explore these essential skills. And This week's episode relfects back on a Deep Dive with Jenni Field where we talked about the softer skills needed to make a great internal communicator - which I think actually are good skills whether you are internal or external. Let's dive in! Links mentioned in this episode: 51. Deep Dive with Jenni Field https://henbe.co.uk/2021/12/02/ep-51-strategic-internal-communications-how-to-go-from-chaos-to-calm/

ITV recently added an audio blog for their contestants on Love Island in a move to make their content more accessible after criticism that it wasn't accessible to all. So this week I discuss audio-first content creation and how it boosts accessibility. If you want to learn more, stay tuned as we delve into how you can use the power of sound to reach and engage with a broader audience. Let's dive in!   Links mentioned in this episode: https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/the-role-of-audiobooks-to-engage-reluctant-readers-and-underrepresented-children-and-young-people/   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

What struck me this week was my own personal ethical stance on things like trust, transparency and honesty.  A situation occurred and it made me feel betrayed.  What happened?  I will not recommend that company and people again.  It got me thinking that content creation requires many of the same qualities I desire from a partner I work with.  It is no longer just about grabbing attention or quick wins for self-gain; it's about engaging audiences with messages that resonate with their values.  So today, I explore the importance of values-based content creation, who it matters to the most, and the top 5 trends playing out in 2023. Let's dive in!   Links/show notes: If you're interested in starting a podcast for your business or yourself and you work in comms or marketing - find out more about my podcasting for comms managers and creators course here: https://bit.ly/StartAudioPodcast Sources: [1] Deloitte (2020). The Deloitte Global Millennial Survey 2020: Research Findings: https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/millennialsurvey.html [2] Forbes (2019). Good Storytelling Is Key To Building Your Brand Value: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2019/10/16/good-storytelling-is-key-to-building-your-brand-value/ [3] Influencer Marketing HubBencmarkreport2023https://influencermarketinghub.com/influencer-marketing-benchmark-report/ [4] Hubspot marketing trend report 2023https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/2023%20State%20of%20Marketing%20Report.pdf  

One of the top three things people ask me is how you measure the effectiveness of your communication activity. My answer is that, without knowing what your current marketing and communications activities are, and how they are performing, it's impossible to know where to focus your energy and resources. Lots of people trip up on this first step. Many growing businesses struggle to generate enough revenue to keep their doors open. Even the most successful businesses often operate on a thin financial margin, making it difficult to invest in or make a case for the marketing, advertising, and customer service that can drive more business and increase sales. Just as you wouldn't drive without checking your rearview mirror, you shouldn't launch a marketing campaign without knowing where you are along the road. So, in today's podcast, I'm going to share a simple tool that will enable you to track your comms and measure how it performs, thus improving your outcomes. Let's dive in! Links mentioned in today's episode: My simple measurement framework   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Today, we're diving deep into the immense value well-planned campaigns can bring your overall strategy. We'll explore how effective campaigns can boost brand awareness, increase customer engagement, and ultimately drive business growth. So, join me as I connect with industry expert, Ayo Abbas, who shares her insights and experiences in designing result-driven campaigns that truly make a difference!  Ayo Abbas is an award-winning built environment marketing consultant and was recently named as the overall winner for the Digital Woman of the Year Awards 2022. She has worked in B2B marketing for 21+ years' and has worked with many of the world's leading engineering and design firms including Arup, Mace and Ramboll working on marketing projects such as the Olympic Park transformation, the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Station and King's Cross Rail and Underground stations. She also led a marketing team of five at an ed-tech scale-up in 2019. In February 2020, Ayo founded her own consultancy business, Abbas Marketing, offering marketing strategy and content creation services to a plethora of firms both large and small. We cover: Ideas vs Execution Top tips Skills Planning tools Lots of examples!   Let's dive in!   Links in this episode: https://www.abbasmarketing.com/about   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Are you considering starting a podcast for your business but feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Look no further! In this episode, I provide you with a step-by-step checklist on how to successfully launch and manage your own podcast. Oh and this episode is a taster for a talk I am giving for the CIPR Global network on The Dos and Don'ts of podcasting for members and non-members on 8 June 2023 where there will be a Q&A and you can ask me anything!  I will also be advertising a new online training at this talk so make sure you join! Link is in the show notes folks. Let's dive in! Sign up for my lunchtime talk on 08/06/2023 from 12:30 - 13:30. https://www.cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Events/Event_Display_Groups.aspx?EventKey=EA23060806  Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.  

We talk a lot about ‘goals', especially at this time of the year, but often we are not clear on why we have chosen them, or how we will arrive at the outcome we want. Here are a few reasons why it's important. Setting a clear, actionable goal is the first step towards achieving success. It signals to yourself and others what you want to achieve, and mobilizes your resources towards making it happen. Without a goal, you might be working towards something that isn't quite what you really want, or you might not be working at all. You might think you're making progress when in reality you're nowhere near your goal. When you set a goal, you're committing to working towards a result. This can be as simple as ‘I will complete this project by the deadline So I am sharing with you why I think it's important to set strategic goals regardless of what time of year it is and how you can go about it in a simple way. Episodes mentioned in this podcast; Ep. 04 How to measure your comms impact Let's dive in! Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.

Workflow management is a critical component of any business, and its importance cannot be overstated. I recently had a conversation with a client about how we can make our case study development more efficient rather than undertaking hour-long calls. We discussed workflow systems as a way of collating and sharing information. I also use workflow for administering my podcast and for planning content. A PR team, in particular, can benefit greatly from workflow management in client work. Being able to assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate efficiently can help the team work more effectively and ultimately provide better results to clients. Additionally, workflow management can reduce the chance of errors and miscommunications, leading to a smoother and more streamlined team workflow overall. So today I delve into how workflow can be used not just for project management but in our everyday work as Comms professionals. I cover: - What workflow is - Examples of how it can be used - Tips on raising this with clients and stakeholders as a way of being more efficient - How automation and workflow are game changers for content generation   Let's dive in.   Liked Listening today?  What to do next: Get my FREE roadmap to get more strategic with communication activity in your business. Listen to more episodes, take some training, or download a resource: Find out more here. Hire my expertise Whether that's support with a one-off comms project or an entire strategy for your business, drop me a line if you want to explore this further.  You can also work with me 1:1 as a trainer and mentor – emma@henbe.co.uk Work with me closely If you'd like to work with me to develop and implement your communication strategy through 1:1 work, podcasts, workbooks, sharing ideas, and lots of accountability and up-skilling, then email me at emma@henbe.co.uk to register your interest for you or your entire team. Leave me a voicemail on my Speakpipe page I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and thoughts on any topics I could include in future ones too.