Proposal Writing
The “Request For Proposal.” You know it simply as the RFP.
It arrives and your boss sees it as an opportunity. You see it as an omen of the inevitable stress and late nights that are sure to come.
Pursuing an RFP can require a tremendous investment; not just in terms of the cost of putting together a winning proposal, but in terms of the opportunity itself. What’s the price of distracting you from your work to focus on a proposal that could produce a windfall, but will definitely produce frustration if another team is selected?
At CIG, we’ve got a stable of experienced presentation writers, designers and strategic experts that will take the burden off of you and let you focus on other critical tasks. We’ll conduct the research, identify your competitive advantages and present them in a way that is sure to be noticed by the selection committee.
Next time you receive an RFP, give us a call. When we’re finished, you’ll actually look forward to the next one.
Research
They smile and say nice things to your face, but what are they whispering behind your back, and what do they really think?
Whether it is their opinion on your current communication strategy, their feelings toward a particular political issue, how they see your strengths and weaknesses—as well as those of your competition—research is the key to setting the proper course.
Through proven research techniques, we’ve helped many of our clients uncover the truth from their constituents, customers and clients.
They’ll tell us. We’ll tell you.
Training
When parachuting for the first time, the student undergoes hours of training with a seasoned expert and the first jump is always made in tandem.
The reason?
No one knows what they’ll do when ultimately faced with the challenge.
The same lesson is true for media relations, crisis communications and public speaking—they’re not things you want to jump into without the proper training and without someone who’s got your back.
Maybe you’ve never spoken with the media before and are terrified about saying the wrong thing?
Or, you have spoken to the media before and have said the wrong thing.
Maybe the prospect of an unforeseen crisis keeps you up at night.
Maybe you share the one thing surveys show most Americans fear worse than death—public speaking.
Let us train you on effective techniques to remain in control of the interview, in control of the situation and in control of your message.
Our experts have logged hundreds of hours in front of cameras, microphones and audiences. And yes, we’ve got a great record of being on-message and remaining under control while under the spotlight.
So go ahead, make the jump. We’re right there with you.
Public Information
Let’s play a little Jeopardy!
Answer: Noise walls.
Question: Where’s the proof that a strategic public information program on public infrastructure projects actually saves money?
That’s right – and it’s just one example.
While working on the $1.67 billion Transportation Expansion (T-REX) Project, members of CIG designed and implemented the comprehensive public information campaign resulting in a 93 percent public approval rating, which is today the model for high impact public infrastructure projects.
By effectively communicating with all stakeholder groups and providing them with important information, residents were able to make smart decisions that reduced the height of sound walls along their property, which ultimately saved time and money for the project team.
Bottom line: when it comes to selecting a partner to provide public information and involvement services on your next project, think CIG.
We’ll never leave you in Jeopardy.
Marketing
Last to know, first to go. Who could that be? Right—the Marketing Department.
In today’s sour economy, many companies are scaling back their marketing in an effort to reduce overhead. The smart ones are hiring CIG—to reduce overhead and marketing expenditures, while at the same time maintaining critical marketing communication functions.
Graphic Design
One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Mississippi.
That’s it. In today’s noisy marketplace, the average direct mail piece, billboard, bus advertisement or newspaper ad is viewed by the recipient only as long as it took you to reach Three Mississippi.
Three seconds to get your message across—or have it dispatched to the mental or physical recycle bin.
What makes the difference? Often, compelling graphic design is the competitive advantage. An interesting design will arouse the interest of your audience and help stretch those precious three seconds into the time required to communicate your message.
CIG will help you break the critical three-second barrier.
Want proof?
You’re still reading this.
Public Relations
Often referenced, sometimes wrongly criticized, the basis of effective public relations is communicating your message consistently, repeatedly and through multiple channels. Far more than a press release, implementing effective public relations strategies ensures that your target audience receives the right message at the right time through the right medium.
Whether this means implementing a strategic media relations strategy, rallying a grassroots effort, delivering distinct messages to key stakeholder groups, utilizing new communication technologies such as blogs or a mix of the above, there are countless communication strategies to help you where it hurts.
So show us where it hurts; we’ll show you how we can help.
