We don't need no communication...

We don't need no comms control...

If a business, project or programme is a wall*...for that wall to be successful it needs all the bricks lined up, in place.

*I know a wall isn't the best analogy...but stay with me...

But it also needs good foundations.

So why do so many organisations forget about or even, ignore, the need for a supportive programme of communication?

Communication shouldn't be an after thought. It's not only integral to success it's foundational.

Without consolidated, consistent, timely, meaningful, coordinated communications your wall could fall.

Your programme managers have plans. They have the teams to deliver against those plans. they have the change guys to help them understand the people side of change - how ways of working are impacted, if the plan is reasonable and deliverable etc. To guide the change through to the end user.

And then there are the communicators. The ones who see the bigger picture. The ones who ensure the people (colleagues, stakeholders, customers) are engaged. The ones who bring the programme of change to life - who tell the story. Who take your tech-talk and make sure it is understood and relevant.

Without engaging communications you are likely to fail.

Think about communications early on - don't make it a reactive response to a failing programme of change. Make communications an integral part of your business / programme of change. Get it on your agenda!

Because...

If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding

How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?

My journey from dancer to contract and freelance communications design

I've been what I would call a Change Communications lead for around 19 years - working on contracts that range from a couple of months to two years...

But how did I get here? Let me tell you about my background in a little more detail...

After studying Art and Design at Manchester I took a couple of years out to enjoy my other favourite pastime - dancing. I worked with a choreographer and other dancers on a number of small bookings - including hair and fashion shows. It was great fun, kept me fit but didn't pay the bills.

I then took up my first 'grown-up' role at a UK Utility company - as a tracer, on a drawing board (this was the old days when pen and ink still ruled).

Whilst in this role (the first of many varied positions during my 15 years with this company), I gained an ONC in Civil Engineering.

Fast forward a few years, through a range of roles including trainer, Geographic Services (maps), designing water mains rehabilitation schemes and Culture Change instructor - I finally landed where I belonged. In communications.

I honestly can't remember how it happened but I have a chap called Nick Taylor to thank. I also have a few other people who should be named: Roger, Stan, Jane (both), Ruth, Robin, Jan and the rest of that wonderful team who taught me so much. I also have some fantastic memories of frisbee throwing (dressed as a nun?) and the occasion when I volunteered to become Ann Robinson (Weakest Link) and host an exec away day. Thankfully any evidence of either has been long lost.

And then, after a slight misstep in career choice (headhunted by another company then made redundant soon after) I entered the world of contracting - my first engagement being with the HSE in Bootle.

All change...

And then I discovered my love for Change and Transformation contracts. The wonderful world of being on the move: the hunt for the next contract, meeting new people, sharing skills, the joy of success, the team work, rolling up the sleeves, chipping in, supporting and learning more and more....simply growing at a rate of knots.

And then there are the acronyms. I never really noticed before contracting, I guess 15 years in the world of utility acronyms they were simply the language we spoke. But they need to be mentioned...as day one of a new contract in a new sector with a new client - the acronyms blow your mind. My tip?...don't try to guess and don't be too shy to ask.

And now...freelance or contract or both?

2023 has been a tough year - for an awful lot of people. And for me it was the catalyst to the changes I needed to make. Expanding my services and not limiting myself to formal contracts.

Yes - I am still open to contracts (through my Ltd company - About Change Communications) but I am keen to build my freelance portfolio - gain new clients, reach out to smaller businesses and share my expertise, knowledge and design aesthetic.

Here's to a New Year, new clients, new horizons...

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