wadecomms.com » copywriting

One Page About

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:01:28 +0000

According to Edward Tufte, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer no longer allows internal pitches in PowerPoint. Given the rise of concise communication and mobile/social trends, could a move toward “one-pagers” really be a surprise?

Recently I worked alongside a technology executive who prefers that his reports brief him in the form of a single-sided Word document.

Summarizing complex or lengthy news in such a tight space is liberating. From the point of view of the executive, it makes sense: rather than cranking out 40-slide dreck that nobody pays attention to, his people learn brevity and are able to get far more important things done with their time. As a result, weekly meetings are energetic and mercifully short. Little wonder, he’s a popular guy.

I’ve converted a 28-slide Apple Keynote document I created to such a “one pager” (below). The idea is, this (like a cumbersome PowerPoint) would be the reference document during an oral briefing. I’m not saying it’s right for all situations, but for internal staff / large team meetings, I recommend the approach.

One Page About • © Stuart Wade

(Note that regardless of the medium used, it’s still all about doing all you can to make sure your message remains clear!)

A word about 2010: “client”

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:59:48 +0000

The Client will drive the conversation in 2010.
And the message remains critical.

With the continued rise of social media, a sluggish global economy, and a shrinking media landscape clients will soon be taking the “private-label content” route.

Like never before, business influencers will shape trends directly, connecting with audiences across multiple platforms. It’s the Great Content Migration of 2010, where the message bypasses normal means and leaves for good its dependence on traditional media to be heard.

But those who establish the trends are also extremely busy people. Because they lack time to cultivate and capture their fantastic thinking in columns, articles, speeches, and other forms of content, they are going to need help to position themselves and their brands/organizations.

Private label content will be huge in 2010, as organizations begin to add their own, self-published ideas [and venues] to marketing strategies. Whoever can adapt fastest to take advantage of compelling private label content will benefit. This move toward DIY content in organizations will last beyond the current economic moment.

FG Squared: all-new site

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:20:05 +0000

I’m delighted to report that my clients/colleagues/pals at FG2 have relaunched the company site — a project many months in the making, and a site I helped to devise and write.

FG Squared: Hit ‘Publish!’

Fri, 08 May 2009 05:17:37 +0000

When interactive pioneers FG SQUARED looked for content strategy and copywriting, my work contributed to several initiatives including the company weblog.