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Your success will depend on your ability to communicate your unique message in a way that resonates with potential customers
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I bring 30+ years experience of running an SME company which delivered powerful communication strategies to all types of businesses and organisations. I developed a methodology that worked across all levels of communication from branding to corporate literature, from tendering to ecommerce. I now use this experience and methodology to take you on a communications journey through your own business helping you identify weaknesses and showing you how most of them can be rectified at little or no cost. Your future success is dependent on your ability to communicate what differentiates you from your competitors. If you don’t know what makes your offering different, how can you convince potential customers to use your products or services?
Useful Link: The Power of Design
Harnessing the power of design Graphic Design is one of the most powerful communication tools you can use in your business but sadly the vast majority of business owners never get to see the full advantage it can bring. If you want to benefit from design you need two things. A comprehensive Brief (see link for instructions and template) and a designer with a methodology.
Misconceptions I like to use the metaphor of playing a musical instrument when talking about this subject. Have you ever seen a really talented musician play? He/she makes it look so easy and natural, so much so that you the feel that you could pick up the instrument and play it even though you have little or no experience. What we easily forget is the many hours of practice and years of dedication that has been invested by the individual. Now place that instrument in the hands of an inexperienced or bad player. I think it is fair to say that you will quickly spot the difference. Good design is like that. You see an effective design solution which looks so simple and you think, that looks so easy, why didn’t I think of it. However, spotting the difference in graphic design is a bit more tricky. Design is a science that is not easily understood. When in the hands of an expert it plays on the visual senses and can persuade, encourage, inform, educate and transform simple messages into evocative pictures. Because it is visual everybody has an opinion and this often leads to poor design choices and ultimately lost opportunities.
The designers role The world is gifted with many accomplished artists but not all are graphic designers. Many have the skill but not the business experience and methodology to deliver real value to business. Too often design solutions are put in front of a client without the necessary research being carried out. Good designers have a methodology similar to the one shown on page 6 and when combined with a properly written brief will deliver powerful communications that in turn deliver tangible results.
If you are not benefitting from graphic design could either or both of these scenarios be the problem?
www.straight-talker.com
Helping you communicate more effectively
What I can do for you on a One2One basis. Touch Points Audit This is an exercise that every company should perform because it pays for itself and the benefits are long lasting. You are taken on a communication journey throughout your business where all the Touch Points are systematically explored, weaknesses identified and practical solutions put forward. Where change is required, it is often simple and cost neutral. This is also part of an exercise that will help you understand your brand.
Print Management If print costs are a concern it is possible that there is a better and more cost effective way to manage this part of your business. New technologies and the myriad of offerings from local and online printers make it difficult to evaluate exactly what you are getting. The time taken managing this aspect of the business often eats up any potential savings. I know from 25 years of experience that this area of the business continually niggles owners, so why not get some good, practical advice and put the sleepless nights behind you.
www.straight-talker.com
Helping you communicate more effectively
What I can do for you as a group.
Talks Networking, don’t just turn up, Network half day Workshop Outline • The basic tools of networking • Understanding your mission • Planning for the event • Attending the event • The do’s and don’ts of networking
Buying Design and print management half day How you communicate and could you do it better without spending a fortune? This is an area that continually challenges businesses but once understood can make a significant difference to your bottom line. Workshop Outline
• How to engage people successfully
• How to select the right designer for your circumstance
• The correct way to follow up
• Creating a brief that will deliver results
• Building lasting relationships
• How to find the right imagery without breaching copyright
Learning Approach
• Employing a photographer or illustrator
This will be a highly interactive learning workshop with practical examples and audience participation.
• An overview of printing
Target Audience SME’s and mid size companies
• Getting the best value Learning Approach This workshop will be packed with practical advice that you will be able to take away and use immediately. You will also be given templates and introduced to the basics of technology which will help you make informed decisions. Target Audience SME’s and mid size companies
www.straight-talker.com
Helping you communicate more effectively
My Process
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Before we begin a project it is important to understand, you, your company and what you are trying to achieve with this project - Creating the Brief
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If there is a misunderstanding, we look for clarification before work begins
Based on our understanding of the meeting we had, we reiterate what we believe you are trying to do.
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Budget, strategy and timeframe agreed
We understand the timeframe and what is required, we suggest options and budgets
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Design & execution of project
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Useful Link: The Value of Design http://vimeo.com/77123371
www.straight-talker.com
Helping you communicate more effectively
Review of project
Testimonials I am recommended by 36 people for Graphic Design I am recommended by 28 people for Corporate Identity I am recommended by 16 people for Business Development I am recommended by 14 people for Brand Development I am recommended by 13 people for Business Strategy
Alec Drew is a professional in the true sense of the word: intelligent, capable and a trustworthy advisor, not to mention richly experienced. Joseph Cummins, Humanistic-Organisational Psychologist
Our ongoing work with Alec Drew – the straight talker is aimed at structuring and enhancing CITA’s communications and social media presence. What we appreciate most about working with Alec is his ability to cut through the predictable politics of a project, keep everyone happy and deliver the expected result and then some. Suzanne Purcell General Manager CITA Ltd.
www.straight-talker.com
Helping you communicate more effectively
www.straight-talker.com 087 271 1955 alec@straight-talker.com