Saying hello with an early Christmas sign-off,
Like many in the growing business world, 2019 was a little tougher than I’d anticipated. Clients I’d worked with for years were hit with seismic shifts (Brexit and otherwise). I found myself leaning into a brave new world of curveballs.
Or, as I like to see it, the opportunity to reset, refocus and realign. Optimist? Me?
How has this played out? Taking time to rethink where PR & comms can bring the most value to modern, purpose-led businesses, making sure that you achieve your missions and ambitious business goals with thoughtful, game-changing strategies. There’s a calling to play bigger and bolder in 2020 with a handful of new offerings and services too.
Getting back to basics
So, 2020 is about getting back to basics. It’s creating powerful frameworks, helping B2B businesses build connection, relationship and community in an increasingly sophisticated marketplace. Expect drilling even deeper into resonant messaging, reputation management and storytelling.
And because the world needs better, not more, content, we’ll see more hero pieces; foundational thought-led content with the depth and flexibility to work across a number of audiences and pillars. A whitepaper, for example, becomes a rich content marketing programme, supporting PR and media, a LinkedIn editorial series, events, video posts and shareable assets. It’s a considered way to create more impact with less.
Other bits to look out for…With so many clients achieving exceptional awards success this year, I’ll be launching a dedicated awards offer, as well as upping my podcast specialism.
The kindness project
Feeling reflective in November, I ran a little experiment with the working title “The Kindness Project.” It’s a simple premise; offer five businesses an hour of my time. I’d noticed I’d become so conditioned to keeping tight boundaries and being on “brain picking” high alert (which, for the record, I do not advocate) that I’d lost sight of how to intentionally give time to other businesses… just because.
I’ve loved running a series of power hours with some brilliant small businesses from across my network and beyond – helping to design launch plans, brand content and LinkedIn strategies. To quote Nigella Lawson – and I often do, her cookbooks have their own kitchen shelf – “It’s good to do things generously.” I can’t wait to share what the project taught me with you in early 2020.
Thank you thank you thank you
I’ve traditionally always sent my incredible clients Christmas gifts. This year, it felt right to make a donation to the Charlie Ilsley fund instead; some of you know that childhood cancer is a cause very close to my heart. I’ll look forward to thanking you in person in the new year, maybe over a coffee or lunch instead?
Finally, as my athletics coach taught me (I’m forever an 800m girl) – always finish strong. This newsletter and the community it’s helped to build leads my 2019 highlight reel. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read these notes, and even more, write back with your comments. I’ve loved hearing from you. Heading into 2020 with bright optimism and tons of energy, I can’t wait to see you there.
In the meantime, wishing you and your family a happy, healthy holiday and new year.
Antonia x
