“Putting our heads together” is one of the best ways to uncover winning ideas and plans that achieve goals and objectives. Working with a skilled facilitator adds value to the facilitation and brainstorming process.

Here are scenarios where you can benefit from managed brainstorming and facilitation services:

• Developing strategic plans (e.g. marketing communications plan)
• Developing tactical plans (e.g. content marketing plan)
• Imagining company names and product names
• Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)
• Defining target audience profiles
• Defining product features
• Developing value propositions, key messages, themes, and tag lines
• Managing regular Management Team meetings and Board of Director meetings

Here is Irene Crosby’s approach to brainstorming and facilitation:

• Collaborate with project champion to define goals and objectives of facilitated session
• Craft and issue agenda
• Facilitate the session(s)
• Submit deliverables

Irene Crosby’s deliverables:

• Facilitation and/or brainstorming service
• Transcript of notes and action items
• Follow up action items as needed

The Extra Insight: Getting started on a positive footing is key to excellent results. I use the first 5 minutes to frame the session and set the rules. For framing, review the purpose, timeframe, desired outcome, and next steps. For rules, explain that every idea is a good idea (do not let other participants negate or dissect the idea) and every idea will be written on the whiteboard—every participant’s contribution stimulates creative thinking! The goal is to get as many ideas on the white board as possible during the brainstorming period.

Cheers!

Contact: Irene.Crosby@targetinsight.ca or 613.769.7054

Visit or return to: Irene Crosby’s marketing communications services

Tags: marketing communications consultant, marketing communications consultant Ottawa, marketing communications plan, marcom plan, marketing tactics, website planning, event planning, copywriting, Irene Crosby, Target Insight Marketing Communications

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