This document outlines a strategic approach for developing new communication and collaboration solutions within organizations. It discusses that while social technologies are being used successfully, many projects continue to fail due to a lack of proper planning from the beginning. The strategic approach focuses on four key areas: understanding organizational goals and how progress will be measured; long-term planning to integrate new solutions with existing systems and processes; ensuring proper infrastructure like tools, training and support; and considering users' diverse needs, skills and roles. The approach aims to effectively plan projects before committing resources to help ensure their successful implementation.

1. Winning
UGLI
‘Social’ communication technologies and practices are being
successfully used more and more within organisations and
delivering real returns. However, a large number of new
communication projects are continuing to fail because of
a poor approach to planning from the beginning.
A strategic approach to developing new
communication and collaboration solutionswinning UGLI
To help ensure that communication projects are effectively
thought through and their implementation properly planned
before any commitment of valuable resources is made,
GNIUS have developed our own strategic approach to
developing new communication and collaboration solutions.
Too many projects begin with the incorrect assumption that ‘if you build it they will come’,
and too often once a new platform is up and running it is left to fend for itself rather than
receiving the vital early support it needs. There are examples everywhere of too much focus
being given to the technology solution and too little time being spent understanding the
needs, skills and preferences of those who will use the site.
GOALS
How does this new platform contribute to the
organisation’s goals and how do we measure progress?
LONG-TERM THINKING
How will the new solution fit with the rest of the
organisation; what might have to change to support it and
will you need new behaviours, processes and systems?
INFRASTRUCTURE
What resources will be needed to deliver success? New tools,
Training, Budgets, Launch Planning, Support for Change…
USERS
Not just an audience but participants too;
all with different needs, skills and roles to play.
strategic insight | creative design | engaging delivery
www.gniuscommunications.com 0844 669 6224
GNIUScommunications