A: We fulfil the role of communications manager. This may be for a small or medium-sized business that does not require an in-house resource, or we might provide additional support for an established communications or marketing team.
A: That really depends on the business need. There is no secret formula for an effective communications strategy.
Time and time again, we’ve seen press releases that receive great media coverage, but has anyone informed the staff? A wonderful editorial in a technical publication, but has anyone repurposed the content for use on the company’s website as a series of blogs? It’s not rocket science, but as business owners are focused on running the business, an overview of who knows what can be overlooked.
A: We believe in the power of content marketing, also known as inbound marketing. The basic principle is that knowledge builds trust, and trust develops relationships that will in turn lead to sales.
People buy from people, not from organisations, so modern businesses need to communicate differently and sharing knowledge is the foundation to build on.
A: £100 per hour (available in blocks of 10 hours) - £1,000 + VAT or
£75 per hour for a block of 50 hours - £3,750 + VAT
(travel expenses will be applied)
Hours are valid for 6 months and are non-transferable.
From day one we’ve been upfront about Commsbank’s rates, so much so, they are on our website. This is something our competitors shy away from, and we understand the reasons for that. For us, it’s about total transparency.
A bank of hours offers a cost-effective alternative to the traditional agency retainer. We charge based on blocks of 10 hours. The reason for this is we wish to discourage businesses who may want a single press release, for example. We wouldn’t consider this the best use of time, as a one-off gesture will not offer long-term results. A strategic approach to communications requires commitment but should also be flexible and affordable.
We offer a professional service. Our rate reflects that.
A: Our clients receive a bank balance detailing how many hours have been spent, ensuring complete transparency. Hours are valid for six months, and no monthly contracts ensure the right level of support is provided, regardless of size or stage of the business.
This is a step change to the traditional agency retainer where a set fee is payable, regardless of activity.
A: We regularly work with associates. This allows us to scale the business when required, rather than take on salaried staff with fixed monthly outgoings.
We take great pride in, and care of, our network of associates. These are like-minded people who are specialists in their own field of work. By carefully selecting the right associate for the job, our clients get maximum results. We will be the consistent link by performing the role of communications manager, but if certain activities require a specialist, we will make sure the right associate is engaged.
We have trusted relationships with digital marketing geniuses, animators and moviemakers, photographers, creative graphic and web designers and PR gurus – all are small businesses. These people love what they do, and they’re really good at it. We don’t have a big ego, and our honest approach will ensure we engage the right talent for maximum results.
So what’s right for you?
Any communication starts with a chat. It’s important to spend the time to get to know your business, the challenges you face and your hopes for the future.
A: Mentoring is a directive approach, coaching is not. As defined by Robert Dilts:
- Coaching: helping another person to improve awareness, to set and achieve goals in order to improve a particular behavioural performance.
- Mentoring: helping to shape an individual’s beliefs and values in a positive way; often a longer-term career relationship from someone who has ‘done it before’.
Both offer a structured conversation to achieve a positive outcome and do not need to be mutually exclusive. It is however, important not to jump into ‘solution giving mode’ in a coaching conversation, as its value is in supporting the other person to develop their own solution.
A: Our chief communicator, Karen Slupinski, has a professional accreditation from The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring. She also has a BA (Hons) Business Studies degree from Robert Gordon University, and Diploma in Business Administration from Aberdeen College.
This is backed by more than 20 years’ experience in a variety of industries including: making TV commercials and music videos for a film production company in New York, as marketing adviser for Deloitte in London, in an internal communications role for oil giant Petrofac, and as a communications specialist for an Aberdeen PR agency.
Our associate coaches and facilitators have an equally impressive background. Read more about them here.
A: From C-Me, DiSC and Smithfield to EQi2.0 and PCS, our Vault coaches are qualified to deliver a wealth of diagnostic tools.
One of our most popular models is C-me colour profiling. This psychometric tool helps teams to facilitate employee engagement, communication and ultimately, performance. Our accredited C-Me practitioners will not only identify behaviours that drive business results but demonstrate how to appreciate each other’s strengths and understand the unique values that everyone brings to the team.
A: Yes, all conversations before, during and after a coaching session are confidential. I may take notes, but these will be anonymised and kept securely. In line with GDPR regulations I will only retain personal data for as long as it is relevant for me to do so. I am happy to discuss any concerns you have around confidentiality, or conflicts of interest.
A: We are qualified coaches and mentors; not qualified counsellors. It’s important to understand the difference, as professional support and advice should be sought for specific concerns (for example, debt management, marriage counselling, anger management etc.)
Gladeana McMahon, award winning coach and author, summarises: “A therapist will explore what is stopping you driving a car. A counsellor will explore your anxieties about the car. A mentor will share tips from their experience of driving. A consultant will advise you how to drive the car. A coach will encourage and support you in driving the car.”
A: It depends on what your requirements are. Before working with The Vault, we will provide a proposal that sets out desired results, timescales, frequency of sessions and associated costs. It all starts with a conversation to find out more about your challenges and desired outcome.
A vault holds valuable assets, and your company’s most valued asset is its people.
"If you’re still left scratching your head then please let us know.
We’d love to hear your questions and promise to give you our honest opinions."
Karen, Chief Communicator
Curious and want to know more?
Pop a little more information about yourself and your requirements into the form and we’ll get back to you shortly. Please be assured that we will never pass your data on to any third parties without your consent.