The comms blog

On bagels and feedback…

Whilst preparing my breakfast bagel this morning (served lightly toasted with honey, if you’re interested) I noticed this message on the wrapper. This brilliant example of demonstrating how the company have listened to – and acted upon – customer feedback, immediately struck me as being worthy of writing about here. Gathering feedback is an important … Read more

3 things communicators can learn from the great outdoors

I often choose to work outdoors, relishing the fresh air in my lungs and the feeling of space around me. Obviously, I don’t mean that I have become a landscape gardener or a tree surgeon – letting me loose with a chainsaw or strimmer would be a mistake for all concerned – but instead of … Read more

4 communication lessons for 4 decades

Yesterday was a big day for me – my 40th birthday! To celebrate the occasion, I have decided to write today about 4 communication lessons I have learnt during my 4 decades. (Don’t worry, I’ve also eaten cake, drunk champagne and spent lots of time with my lovely family and friends to celebrate – it’s … Read more

Transparent communication

Today I have been reading a new, thought-provoking report released by one of my clients, ActionAid, and a number of their partners. The Transparency Report brings together contributions from 17 organisations, mostly in the not-for-profit sector but not exclusively, each of whom have shared their views on transparency with their stakeholders and why it is … Read more

Browning York Ltd is open for business

[getty src=”185233364?et=oUbK_02DSexPH687ST2izw&sig=llYApuUbbXiR2pKy8H9rQnhIDl0c0omrGkqJ5FX6KCA=” width=”463″ height=”370″]After a fabulous summer recharging my batteries, I’m now back in the office and raring to go. Lots of new thoughts, ideas and plans are flying around my head, ready to be honed, perfected and released. These are exciting times! The first thing on the list is to continue my work helping … Read more

Time to re-charge my batteries

The first half of this year (plus a bit) has been quite something! I’ve travelled the length and breadth of the country; completed some communications projects and started new ones; worked with great people I’ve known for a while and with fantastic new clients; written all sorts of news pieces, articles and reports; listened to … Read more

Does having a cuppa affect engagement levels?

This week I’m pondering about tea (and coffee)…. I’ve just started a new interim contract with a client that I haven’t worked for before. It means a new organisation to get to know, new priorities and ways of working, a new office, new colleagues – and a whole new set of tea rules! Luckily things … Read more

Engaging lessons from sport: round 2

Anyone for tennis? Continuing the topical sport theme, this time I’m turning my attention to tennis and the Wimbledon championships. For me, Wimbledon fortnight is a fabulous example of a compelling, engaging story. There are many reasons for that and, as always, for those of us who are looking to develop these kinds of stories … Read more

4 communication lessons from the Football World Cup

World Cup fever has well and truly set in at my house. The sticker book is almost complete, the wall chart is up and the relevant match times have been written on the calendar. There is much excitement and anticipation as we await kick-off of the first game. As usual, my thoughts are turning to … Read more

Nuts and bolts of effective communication

A few months ago I was asked by the Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) to write a piece for a new series they were developing of practical guides for communicators. As regular readers of this blog will know, I have a passionate belief in the power of effective planning when it comes to communicating well … Read more