Monks Communication provides a variety of communication and public relations services:
- Strategic planning
- Implementation of communication programs
- Project management
- Writing, editing and media relations
- Preparation of publications
Strategic planning
We develop and evaluate communication strategies, public relations campaigns, marketing and educational packages and specific projects. We are best known for our expertise in providing communication support for rural ‘extension’ projects. In this situation communication is one of a variety of tools used to achieve changes in farming practices.
Monks Communication can provide strategic assistance with:
- Issues management.
- Corporate image.
- Research for communication planning and evaluation.
- Business plans for major communication projects and events (and implementation plans).
- Advising Boards of Directors on communication issues and policies.
Implementation of communication plans
Monks Communication provides a complete service in all communication activities such as:
- Media relations, including writing.
- Government relations.
- Speech writing.
- Production of publications (see below).
- Events management.
Project management
Monks Communication has a reputation for delivering quality results under pressure – on time and within budget. We are renown for our:
- Ability to manage many projects at once, including projects on differing time lines.
- Systematic approach to developing comprehensive task/deadline schedules, which can be used by all project team members.
- Organisational skills, and ability to motivate the team to work together.
- Lateral thinking approach to solving difficulties as they arise.
Writing/media relations
Writing, editing and media relations are core skills used by the Monks Communication team. We enjoy the challenge of presenting complex concepts in a simple, easy to read format. Our customised media database enables Monks Communication to distribute media releases electronically, which is efficient and cost effective. Our dairy industry media data base includes many industry newsletters – those which are proven to be the most effective but can’t be found in subscription media data bases.
Publications
We produce publications from concept through to printing and distribution of the final product. Publications include a magazine, newsletters, annual reports, technical reports, fact sheets, corporate brochures and promotional brochures. We can:
- Develop concepts for new publications including budget and production phases.
- Prepare briefs to suppliers such as journalists, photographers, graphic designers and printers.
- Decide on content – written and visual.
- Write, edit and sub-edit copy.
- Arrange photographs and illustrations.
- Supervise production of artwork.
- Arrange film, printing and binding.
- Promote and distribute final product through direct marketing, editorial promotion and targeted advertising.
Evaluation
Communication and extension strategies should be evidence-based, that is underpinned by a robust understanding of the audience needs and their operating environment. Communication research (qualitative and quantitative) provides useful insights and benchmarks from which to evaluate the impact of the strategy. Where possible, we draw upon existing research. However, we undertake some elements of communication research in-house, such as in-depth qualitative interviews and simple online surveys. We leave large quantitative research projects to specialist services, but we can help in preparing the brief and interpreting reports.
We also evaluate specific communication tools and projects, using frameworks such as Bennett’s Hierarchy.