Sharpener, noun: an implement used to sharpen an edge or point.
Sharpener, noun, slang: a drink (eg 'a stiff drink') imbibed before an event or occasion to sharpen the wit.
my story
As a child, I loved nothing more than conversing with people: asking questions, hearing yarns and exchanging thoughts. As I grew, I became an energetic debater: studying law was a natural academic path. After a brief stint at Freshfields, I found the characters, themes, economics, public and social policy connected to finance, and its relationship with the press, appealing and so began a career in media relations which then expanded across the communications disciplines.
The people and the connections of the City fascinate me. Working with companies like Schroders, Aberdeen Asset Management, Deloitte, KPMG and their clients, I have enjoyed learning a craft which helps people communicate their perspectives to one another, to the press, regulators, their clients, the government and the communities within which they operate.
As my career has developed, I have specialised in advising company leaders and board members on how to bridge the divisions we so often feel between one another and the people with whom we would like to build better relationships. I have worked with small, owner-managed businesses to large global companies, communicating across the full spectrum of their audiences.
The communications revolution we have seen in the last decade has only made how we engage with one another more fascinating: from the change in how we consume world news to the empowerment of employees and customers to hyper-transparency and the decline in data privacy.
I am here to help you shape and protect your story and bring people into your world.
services
A clear and readily understandable story is central to any communications ambition. My clients are looking to share their stories for diverse purposes and to achieve different outcomes and, therefore, my services are always tailored to your unique criteria. As a guide, the predominant areas clients seek counsel on include:
Profile, opinion & SPEECHES
At the heart of communication is understanding what someone or the organisation they work for represents. We are all different but differentiation can be hard to identify in the noisy world we inhabit. Digging deep and really defining who you are allows people to understand you and your message better and feel a deeper connection. Developing this further and taking the brave step of giving a clear opinion is highly prized in a world grown tired of soundbites and neutral views. From editors of newspapers to the audience at a conference to the Twitter-sphere, we are all eager consumers of distinct opinion.
digital
Technology has fundamentally changed how we communicate. We no longer rely exclusively upon journalists to deliver our news. Social media channels such as Twitter have democratised the dissemination of news, empowering all of us to be citizen journalists. Your story is central to the success of your ambitions but tailoring it to fit the most appropriate media channel is vital. Social media represents a powerful opportunity to communicate but also represents a risk. There are great examples of people and businesses who have mastered the art, and many who have not!
launches & events
Communications can play a vital role in the success of the launch of new businesses, raising finance or equity and announcing new products or services. Bringing your business, product or service to life with colour and creating an exciting news agenda item will all support your overall business ambitions. Working hand in glove with a business' leadership team, marketing and sales function and wider stakeholders such as lawyers and regulators is always essential to ensuring successful delivery of your message and an important part of the services I offer.
MEDIA TRAINING
Regardless of experience, shaping your story for broadcast journalists or a conference room full of your peers can always be sharpened with practice and training. There are simple techniques to help you land your message and avoid pitfalls. Sessions are always tailored to your specific situation to ensure your practice and learning is targeted.
colleagues
It is our ability to work collaboratively which has made homo sapiens such a successful species. Increasingly, organisations are looking to break historic hierarchical, gender, ethnic and demographic moulds to realise the power of a diverse and collectively motivated workforce. The democratisation of communications through social media and via mobile devices has created a huge opportunity for management teams to tap into and include more diverse communities, releasing the full potential of their employees by allowing them to tell their stories. A big shift away from old style 'top down' communications.
reputation risk
Research is increasingly evidencing the bottom line cost of negative opinion. Unfortunately the kangaroo court of public sentiment can turn quickly but there is a great deal that can be done to limit damage in an unfolding situation and - while the chances may seem remote in the heat of the moment - even present an opportunity to earn credibility through strong communications handled with integrity.
Many damaging situations can also be avoided with risk mapping and identifying areas of weakness. Since the dawn of the communications revolution, it is helpful to look to the analogy of cyber attacks. Our world is increasingly hyper-transparent and we must take steps to avoid future exposure.
research & clever ideas
Society, the market place and employees are just a few of the audiences who want to understand what is happening at the coal face. Often, simple analysis of the work you already do can give others a unique insight into your world which may well be an indicator for change more broadly. Data and analysis can bring your story to life and can range from the simple headline grabber to the profound or academic.
fees
projects
I charge an affordable and transparent rate for my time and will give you a fair estimate of fees before commencing a project. I will always be open and honest to avoid fee escalation during work.
performance
I'm a firm believer in value-linked bonuses. They allow for a more affordable basic project rate plus the bonus of sharing in the future success of our work together.
team building
As a consultant, I do not employ a team. However, I have an excellent network of diversely talented communications professionals who I can draw upon or recommend should a project require a different perspective or more heavy lifting.
retainers
For clients seeking to build their profiles and shape their stories over a period of time, I will work with them on a retained basis so we can meet regularly and work together to achieve their communciations ambitions.
CONTACT
You can contact me directly or send a message using the form below.
Sorrelle Harper
Sharpener Communications
+44 7389 194551
sharper@sharpenercomms.com