" For those already familiar with previous versions of the tool, here’s a
snapshot of what’s different. On this site you will find Smart Chart 3.0
– an even more effective strategic communications tool that builds upon
the original Smart Chart. If you follow all the steps – in order – you
will finish with a solid communications strategy.
For big fans of the old Smart Chart, don’t panic. We made only slight modifications, primarily to reflect feedback from more than 500 trainings and workshops with nonprofit organizations and foundations for how to make this tool even more user-friendly and effective.
Other updates reflect the findings from our research on the Activation Point. In December 2006, the Communications Leadership Institute partnered with Spitfire Strategies to research the best practices of persuasion. Through focus groups, case study research, an extensive literature review, brainstorms with an expert panel, and a proprietary research tool called PowerGamesTM, we developed recommendations for the best strategies and approaches public interest groups can use to create change by getting the right people to take the right action at the right time. To access the full report, visit www.activationpoint.org.
Based on the Activation Point, we’ve updated the Smart Chart with a new section on audience readiness that will help you gauge the stage of persuasion you need to work through with your audience(s). We’ve simplified some sections of the tool to streamline your planning process. We’ve also added a section to help you plot your communications activities on a timeline and assign key tasks to the key players on your communications team. Finally, we’ve added a section on implementation and evaluation to help you test the rationale for your strategy, and set benchmarks to measure your progress as you put the strategy into action.
Smart Chart 3.0 can make your communications reach and impact even more effective. But despite the changes, we still want you to “think inside the box” and make the decisions in order."
For big fans of the old Smart Chart, don’t panic. We made only slight modifications, primarily to reflect feedback from more than 500 trainings and workshops with nonprofit organizations and foundations for how to make this tool even more user-friendly and effective.
Other updates reflect the findings from our research on the Activation Point. In December 2006, the Communications Leadership Institute partnered with Spitfire Strategies to research the best practices of persuasion. Through focus groups, case study research, an extensive literature review, brainstorms with an expert panel, and a proprietary research tool called PowerGamesTM, we developed recommendations for the best strategies and approaches public interest groups can use to create change by getting the right people to take the right action at the right time. To access the full report, visit www.activationpoint.org.
Based on the Activation Point, we’ve updated the Smart Chart with a new section on audience readiness that will help you gauge the stage of persuasion you need to work through with your audience(s). We’ve simplified some sections of the tool to streamline your planning process. We’ve also added a section to help you plot your communications activities on a timeline and assign key tasks to the key players on your communications team. Finally, we’ve added a section on implementation and evaluation to help you test the rationale for your strategy, and set benchmarks to measure your progress as you put the strategy into action.
Smart Chart 3.0 can make your communications reach and impact even more effective. But despite the changes, we still want you to “think inside the box” and make the decisions in order."
Sourced from: http://smartchart.org/about.php
Give it a look and decide for yourself if it is worth your time.
