What does a communication consultant do?

Back in 2019 when I decided to go it alone, I don't mind saying that I struggled to articulate what I actually wanted to focus on. Communications consultancy is as broad as it is mysterious. And my career has not always taken the most direct or obvious route!

I've worked in financial services, data marketing, alternative health, charities, learning and development consultancy, food and drink, corporate wellbeing, sustainable tourism - the list goes on. And with every new role comes new challenges, quirks and lessons. What have I learnt from this experience? Many things, but mostly the need to be flexible, enthusiastic, quick to learn. Immersing myself into the business I’m working with is key to understanding their values, content and purpose.

I've dabbled in the fast paced world of PR, picked up some skills in digital marketing and spearheaded some big events, but the one thing that brings it all together for me is storytelling.

What is communications?

Communications is finding the best way to share a story or a message, with positive impact. (Ha, if only it was really that simple!). When communication works well it's usually because it's been considered from the beginning of any project, recognised as a real strategic business function rather than just a delivery method.

So I could sit here and list out what communications consultants do more broadly but instead, let me tell you about what I do as a communications consultant. You might be surprised to find that it's not just 'colouring in' or telling people off for using an old logo...

Over the past four years I have:

Me!

• Created and curated an events and placemaking programme for a City of London Corporation heritage space - Leadenhall Market - increasing footfall and attracting a more diverse audience.

• Supported a global medical organisation with promotion of one of the world's largest cardiothoracic surgical conferences. This included video production, copywriting for materials, creating design and photography briefs, coordinating asset generation and advising on campaigns in the year leading up to the congress.

• Reviewed, researched and made recommendations for a refreshed membership strategy for an organisation with 4,000 members.

• Created an internal communications handbook for a merger of two corporate businesses with multiple stakeholder groups.

• Launched a new membership platform for HR and wellbeing experts.

• Created long form content, researching sources and writing articles on wellbeing topics such as DE&I, psychological safety in the workplace and mental health strategy.

• Written countless e-marketing messages, key message documents, comms plans, surveys and reports.

• Created copy for social posts, websites, marketing emails, rebrand messages and proofread reports, articles and briefs.

• Advised clients on best approaches for tricky situations and worked with them to refresh, replan and redevelop.

• Creative campaign brainstorming plus much more!

Communications consultancy is very much about getting under the skin of a business problem or goal and giving direction and suggestions of where to make positive impact, ensuring that messages resonate and align with the businesses’ values. As a consultant, my specialist expertise means I am able to optimise what you want to say. Elevate rather than just communicate.

Ask questions

If unlucky I can occasionally get lumbered with a campaign idea, a corporate message or not-very-exciting piece of information that a client feels is vitally important to shout to the world. Usually last minute! My job as communications consultant is to first ask questions. Why is it important? Who needs to hear it? Is there a better way of saying it? Is this actually what you want to be putting out in the world? Who does this impact? How should this be delivered or what's the best format? Are there more messages to come that we should know about? Have you thought about x/y/z?

Advise and guide

In my opinion communications professionals are there to guide and advise as well as project manage and add creative input. Introducing an external perspective can unveil valuable insights for any business. Finding the best way to say what needs to be said, to those who need to hear it is an important part of the job and a significant responsibility. With years of experience working with different personnel, brands and industries, I don't take this lightly. And that's the value I add.

If you would like communications advice, get in touch today.