STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION ADVISORY

Before you decide what to communicate, clarify what needs to be resolved.

A communication plan, narrative, campaign or message may appear to be the next step. But the underlying problem, stakeholder interests or responsible direction may still be unclear.

The hOuse of Braine examines the question behind the request, the organisational outcome communication needs to support and the considerations shaping a credible direction.

You receive a Strategic Communication Direction Note, based on one focused starting conversation and followed by one advisory conversation about the recommendation and immediate priorities.

Describe the situation, the organisational outcome it needs to support, the stakeholders involved and what remains unclear.

Personal and confidential response within two working days. No commitment.

BEST FOR

A complex communication question whose underlying problem, stakeholder interests or responsible direction remain unclear.

YOU RECEIVE

A Strategic Communication Direction Note, based on one focused starting conversation and followed by one advisory conversation about the recommendation and priorities.

OUTCOME

A clarified question, a reasoned recommendation and clear priorities for the work that should follow.

SCOPE & FEE

One defined strategic communication question. What the advisory engagement covers, the required input, deliverable and fixed fee are confirmed in writing before you decide whether to proceed.

WHEN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION ADVISORY IS RELEVANT

You are being asked for communication before the real question is clear.

Choose Strategic Communication Advisory when you need to determine:

  • what the actual communication question is

  • which organisational outcome communication needs to support

  • which stakeholder interests, tensions or dependencies affect the direction

  • what the organisation knows and what still needs to be established

  • what the organisation can credibly communicate

  • which direction provides the strongest basis for further work

An identifiable organisational situation or strategic communication question must exist, even when the appropriate direction is not yet clear.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

A Strategic Communication Direction Note

A focused working document showing:

  • the question that needs to be resolved and the outcome it must support;

  • the facts, assumptions and stakeholder interests shaping the situation;

  • what is established, what remains unresolved and which tensions require attention;

  • the recommended direction and what should happen first.

ALSO INCLUDED

One focused starting conversation to examine the question and context, followed by one advisory conversation about the Strategic Communication Direction Note, recommendation and immediate priorities.

STRATEGIC QUESTIONS YOU CAN SUBMIT

The advisory engagement focuses on one strategic communication question or organisational situation, such as:

  • a communication question without a clear diagnosis

  • a complex change or stakeholder situation

  • a narrative direction that still needs to be established

  • a communication brief that cannot yet be written clearly

  • an organisational decision with communication consequences

  • a communication initiative that keeps generating debate without producing direction

THE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY

What the hOuse of Braine assesses

The advisory process begins with the agreed strategic communication question, the organisational outcome it needs to support and the available context.

Depending on what the advisory engagement covers, The hOuse of Braine assesses:

  • the situation, problem or decision behind the communication request;

  • the intended organisational outcome and relevant success criteria;

  • the interests, perspectives and sensitivities of key stakeholders;

  • the facts, assumptions and unresolved questions shaping the situation;

  • the organisation’s current position and what it can credibly communicate;

  • the strategic, reputational and practical considerations affecting the direction.

The purpose is not to produce more communication immediately. It is to establish a clear and credible basis for deciding what communication needs to do next.

Not more communication. The right communication. Clarity before words.

HOW IT WORKS

From a complex question to a focused Direction Note

1. Submit the Strategic Question

Describe the situation, the organisational outcome it needs to support, the stakeholders involved and what remains unclear.

2. Confirm the Advisory Engagement

You receive the recommended route, required input, what the engagement will cover, the timing, fixed fee and exclusions in writing. No work begins before you approve the proposal.

3. Receive the Direction Note

A focused starting conversation examines the question, organisational context, stakeholder interests and uncertainties.

The hOuse of Braine independently assesses the available information and prepares the Strategic Communication Direction Note.

You receive the Note, followed by one advisory conversation about the recommendation and immediate priorities.

A clear direction before further communication work, time or budget is committed.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Scope

One defined strategic communication question or organisational situation. The written proposal confirms the question, context, documentation, conversations, stakeholders and input included in the engagement.

Timing

Timing depends on the complexity of the question, the required input and the agreed depth of analysis, and is confirmed in writing.

Investment

You receive a written proposal with a fixed fee before you decide whether to proceed.

Confidentiality

All questions, documents and supplied information are handled personally and confidentially. Stakeholder involvement and any additional requirements are agreed in advance.

Not included

Unless agreed separately, Strategic Communication Advisory does not include:

  • extensive primary or market research

  • writing the complete communication strategy

  • copywriting or content production

  • graphic, website or campaign design

  • implementation or ongoing project management

  • specialist legal, financial or technical advice

IS THIS THE RIGHT ROUTE?

Strategic Communication Advisory

The underlying problem, stakeholder interests or responsible direction are not yet sufficiently clear for a focused review or Second Opinion.

Strategic Communication Second Opinion

A defined proposal, direction, brief or investment already exists and requires independent assessment before approval.

Positioning & Offer Review

An existing positioning and offer remain difficult to understand, choose or recommend to others.

Communication Review

Existing communication requires independent assessment before it is revised, published or used.

BEFORE YOU COMMISSION MORE COMMUNICATION

Clarify what needs to be resolved and which direction should come first.

Describe the situation, the organisational outcome it needs to support, the stakeholders involved and what remains unclear.

Personal and confidential response within two working days. No commitment.

The hOuse of Braine provides independent communication reviews, strategic second opinions, advisory and digital resources for organisations, decision-makers and experienced professionals.

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