Strategy

The Sodcutter strategy is based on a simple idea: the belief that the majority of business problems, even the most vexing ones, are in fact communication problems. No, you can’t, as the old saying goes, “talk your way out of problems you behaved yourself into,” but incremental improvements in how organizations communicate – with everyone – can make a huge difference.

The four Sodcutter principles outlined below, developed over years of work in the corporate world and in community-based organizations, are the foundation for Sodcutter’s hands-on approach to improving communications:

 Storytelling works.  Every business or organization has a story to tell, and is at its best when employees, customers, stakeholders and others know and believe the story.

 Sodcutter uncovers stories, often in the least likely places, and helps organizations develop great storytellers.

 Clarity is the key.  Clarity isn’t just about telling stories well; it is about knowing well which ones need telling.  It is very difficult to be one’s own editor, especially when there are deadlines to meet and decisions to make.

 Sodcutter offers a trained, experienced ear and voice to help others discover and perfect their best stories.

 Blurred lines = opportunity.  This is about technology – insert your own favorite example of ‘communication overload’ here – and how to deal with it.  The old rules don’t apply anymore, but the new ones are still being written.  That’s an advantage for anyone trying to get their business, cause or creation noticed.

 Should I Tweet, blog, or both (or neither)? What about Facebook? Sodcutter helps you sort it all out and develops strategies that work for you.

 Inspiration ≠ communication. The things that inspire – entrepreneurial spirit, the desire to serve others, artistic brilliance – can make communication not just more difficult, but a nuisance. Communication is fundamental to success, but is rarely the raison d’être for any organized venture, which is one reason even the most inspired organizations struggle to communicate well.

 Sodcutter helps organizations gain perspective on their own “stuff” and discern what’s truly relevant to customers, employees and other stakeholders.

The Tactics page gives examples of where these four principles can be applied in nearly any business or organization.