Communications Consultant

Do you have problems getting your message across in the right way, in the correct format and to the right people? If not, then I can help.

I have worked with companies large and small (from BAE Systems to one small businesses) to help improve their business communications both internally and with their customers.

If I can help you then please, as an initial contact, email me at tonyheth@aol.com.

Publishing Consultant

I can help with anything from the launch of a new magazine to getting the most out of an ebook or in revamping, refocusing and revitalising existing content.

I have been involved with magazine publishing since 1983 and have revamped numerous titles, changed staff procedures, built up freelance teams and created multi-language publications.

I now have expertise in digital and online publishing and often advise those looking to do an ebook to think again at the possibilities as the same content could become an online course of set of video tutorials with a much higher perceived value. I helped cover this topic at the Huntingdonshire Business Network here in the UK. You can listen to the talk by clicking here.

Product Launch Consultant

If you have a product or service to launch or relaunch then I can help you. A product launch is a great way to create a buzz about your product and then build excitement before a launch. While most companies release new products too few launch them.

A launch that is handled well can create a real buzz and excitement that will be reflected in your sales.

Pre pre- launch – A series of checks to ensure that you, you website and your product is ready and complete.

Pre-Launch – generate a buzz with some promotional activity. I have 10 different means at my disposal.

Launch -  Make the most of the excitement with a mix of bad things and bonuses to get the sales in.

Post-Launch – and extra push to bring in more sales.

Consulting Case Studies

1. Business integration - Communications Consultant

An international client had just bought two companies at either end of the country and they had to be integrated into the corporate IT policy. This means moving to a new email system and policy and the deployment of over 1000 new PCs. I was engaged as a communications consultant with the role of helping all users from the Executive Board to the shop floor workers through the change. This 7 month task combined very long hours, lots of travelling with a different challenge every day. These included persuading people used to using their email system as a storage solution for technical drawings to cut 100GB from their mailbox in 3 weeks, creating Powerpoint presentations and handouts for road shows and extensive communications plans detailing every email, poster, hand out, presentation, news article etc to be used and when.

2. Lost in the fine detail - Communications Consultant

My work on the previous task led me straight to this 6 month task to implement a communications and awareness plan for a multi million dollar IT transformation program. The work involved 34 individual projects each with their own teams impacting on 6 individual international business groups. The problem I had to solve was one of communications. The business groups were being exceptionally resistant to change because, as revealed by analysis, they were getting drowned in the fine detail and didn’t have the big picture to guide them. This damage was quickly repaired by a website, slide show and numerous articles and emails that provided the overview or big picture that put everything else into context.

3. “I’ll do it next month” – Launch Consultant

Does this sound familiar? A business idea left undone because it never got the attention it deserved? A new service for website owners was in development for over a year before I got involved. It never got the attention it required as the owner was too busy. After an initial session I declared that Mondays be set aside to complete the task and challenged them to get in launched within a month. After the initial shock it was clear that no-one thought it impossible. My part of the process was to review all the existing content, create new content, develop autoresponders, press releases etc and guide and bully as appropriate. With direction, a plan in place and some cajoling the service was launched.

4. New website launch – Launch Consultant

A new e-commerce website had an owner overflowing with enthusiasm but also being dragged down by doubts and frustrations. A few minutes brainstorming fired up their imagination and created a lead generation campaign that became a feature month for the website. My role was as mentor / coach to guide and suggest and answer any questions as they came up and review and edit the materials being produced including press releases, survey, articles, pdf giveaway and responder sequence. The launch plan is now growing into an impressive number of lead generation campaigns that will guide the site to success.

5. Magazine lacking direction – Publishing Consultant

A consumer magazine was in trouble. It had had two editors in as many months and the content was confused and the readers were not impressed. I had a month to make changes. I found new writers, chopped existing sections and made the articles fight for space in the magazine so that only the best got published. I reorganised staff and gave them new responsibilities to own and drive forward part of the magazine. I then created a 6 month strategy and handed over a reenergised magazine to the new editor.

6. New publisher – Publishing Consultant

A client with a sales background wanted to launch a new magazine into a European market. A market I knew nothing about. After some research I created a 40 article synopsis of what would be in the first issue that was then used to impress sponsors and potential advertisers. The key was a 2-day conference where I not only helped to sell the new publication but also found the experts that would write it. Meanwhile, I offered continuous support and advice to the new publisher to make the transition from salesman who’s happy with leads to publisher who has bills to pay! This work also included sourcing a printer and briefing a designer.

7. Troublesome letter – Communications Consultant

An individual client had a single problem that was causing stress and lack of sleep. He had got involved with a business arrangement that had got out of hand. As often happens the goalposts had been moved and he was doing far more work that he wanted to for the same fee. He had tried writing a letter but he was too emotional. Within an hour I had taken his rough letter and reworked it completely, toning down the emotion but keeping the salient points. I had to reorder the paragraphs to make sure it had a clear and concise structure that got his argument across and reworded a few troublesome sentences to improve the flow of the letter. The outcome was that a new clearer agreement was made.

8. SEO work – Launch Consultant

A client wasn’t getting the web traffic they wanted – only 50-60 visitors a day. Armed with a list of keywords I improved the search engine optimisation for each page as well as the content adding in more detail wherever required. That same client is now getting over 400 visitors a day.

9. Future case study 1

[Insert your name here] has a new business with a new product or service to launch. [Insert your name here] knows their market well but doesn’t know what to do next. Not a problem. With my help I guide [Insert your name here]so that they know what their USP is and how that can be used to promote their business. I guide them through the vital process of identifying their customers and their needs and frustrations and how these can be used to build a successful business. I then help [Insert your name here] ensure that their product is complete and devise lead generation strategies and campaigns to promote them using a selection of 10 different methods.

10. Future case study 2

[Insert your name here] is trying to make money online. They have tried many ways but are yet to succeed. [Insert your name here] needs my help to first devise a plan that will succeed and to discover ways to differentiate themselves from everyone else trying to do the same thing. A plan is quickly formed and it is applied to the blueprint to create a clear task list to follow. Guidance is given and any questions [Insert your name here] has are answered as they start on the road to success.

How I can help you?

Online Mentoring

I offer two versions of online mentoring (daily and weekly) which reflects the frequency with which you can contact me via your own private message board. Through this you can get help with launch plans, or ask any specific questions and even get documents reviewed and edited.

Personal Mentoring Consultancy

If required I can visit your office to plan the bet solution for you and then help you implement it. UK only or travel and accommodation costs would have to be included.

Coming soon - The Launch Workshop course

A 6 week ecourse to get your product or service launched.

Contact me initially by an email to tonyheth@aol.com with your basic requirements for personal mentoring and I’ll be in touch or click here to buy online coaching and mentoring.