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Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

…early bird deadline is tomorrow at midnight. Enter before then to receive £100 off total entry cost http://bit.ly/CEA14  #commschat

SPONSORIUM ‏@Sponsorium  19h

London @Sponsorium Forum http://www.sponsor.com/london-sponsorium-forum/ … #shamelessplug to continue the #commschat 🙂

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

The #2014CEA celebrates the best in corporate #partnerships, #sponsorships and #CSR programmes. Just a reminder that the … #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

Great discussion everyone #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

As so many companies are doing these programmes now, it is almost essential to do something that makes people take notice #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

That’s it for tonight folks, thank you for joining us and a big thank you to our guests @JackieFast and @Comms_Events good night #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

I agree @ncardwell. Companies need to be more creative/exciting with their campaigns in order to win over stakeholders #commschat

SPONSORIUM ‏@Sponsorium  19h

Often part of the goal RT @ncardwell: CSR/sponsorship activities often lend themselves to social/creative-based comms campaigns #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@ncardwell and perhaps this is why engaging consumers can be the most visible outcome of CSR campaigns #commschat

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@CommsChat Supermarket vouchers for sports equipment/computers etc for schools & community groups does good while bldg loyalty #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

T6: CSR/partnership/sponsorship activities often lend themselves to social and creative-based comms campaigns #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat I think communicating internally is probably the hardest stakeholder to reach and engage with #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@JackieFast T @CommsChat interesting point Jackie #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat Depends on who they see as their stakeholders #commschat

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@Comms_Events @CommsChat Chemical industry also had CSR in place for a long time, partly in effort to combat poor rep #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

Final topic: T6: How can companies communicate their programmes to relevant stakeholders? #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat …for the charities to gain more money #commschat

Tim Elliott ‏@TimElliottUK  19h

@KellyQHicks @CommsChat … Yes they do and some great sports teams and hospitality companies based to #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat I’d say yes as some programmes are used to improve internal relations in businesses but I suppose these are ways ….#commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@KellyQHicks @CommsChat yes, supermarkets are very strong at creating brand engagement through consumer-led CSR #commschat

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@CommsChat Supermarkets do CSR more openly now, involving customers to select local charities to support for example #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@ncardwell @CommsChat I would agree, the financial sector seems particularly strong at engaging staff through such programmes #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@Comms_Events @CommsChat more staff resource capabilities which doesn’t necessarily mean financial – it’s the lack of priority #commschat

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@Comms_Events @CommsChat Totally agree that banks’ CSR can be seen as purely PR. Much in place for a long time though #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

But do charities enable businesses to take part in CSR more effectively through various programmes such as ‘fun runs’? #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat Would you say because of financial resources or other reasons? Which sectors would you say do it the best? #commschat

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@CommsChat T5 Many banks have great CSR programmes from match-funding for staff fundraising to grants and community programmes #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

@CommsChat Financial services seem to generally do CSR well. Infrastructure/engineering companies strong on Sustainability work #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@Comms_Events @CommsChat I actually wouldn’t agree. Charities tend to have amazing properties but lack resource to make them sing #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat doing so because they “have” to in attempt to raise their #csr profile #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat from a platform pov #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat T5: Charities tend to because of their audience. Banks are increasingly getting better but there many can be seen as.. #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat From a brand point of view or a platform point of view? #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

T5: Which sectors do CSR best? Which are behind the curve? #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat Not necessarily, but it is easier to sway that way with partnerships that don’t have CSR at the heart #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat @KellyQHicks @BrittanyGolob2 partnership/sponsorship requires more than just wanting to increase rep & media coverage #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

@Sponsorium Couldn’t agree more. Like so much else in comms/stakeholder relations, proper evaluation and measurement is key #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat @KellyQHicks @BrittanyGolob2 I think it is so easy for people to see through this #commschat making a successful..

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

.@CommsChat @BrittanyGolob2 Yy, and ‘greenwashing’ where companies try to jump on the environmental bandwagon #commschat

SPONSORIUM ‏@Sponsorium  19h

Brands shld measure in advance of partnerships through KPI/criteria development lower their risk of failure #csr #sponsorship #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@KellyQHicks @BrittanyGolob2 Good example, I think that goes back to people being able to see through ‘whitewash’ sponsorships #commschat

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@BrittanyGolob2 That last example extreme, but degrees of discord can disrupt the message you’re sending out via ptshp/spnshp #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

Agree RT @CommsChat Perhaps this is why transparency is particularly important when entering into a partnership or sponsorship #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@BrittanyGolob2 #commschat I would agree – if there are no clear goals then theres definitely potential for rep damage

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@BrittanyGolob2 can strike a discordant note that can make people double-take if values don’t align e.g brewery & addiction work #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@BrittanyGolob2 Perhaps this is why transparency is particularly important when entering into a partnership or sponsorship #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

@BrittanyGolob2 Agree. I think there is a real risk of rep damage, especially if brand/sector has existing negative perceptions #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat #CommsChat @BrittanyGolob2 Not necessarily, if the partnership still meets the aims of both parties if could still be successful

Brittany Golob ‏@BrittanyGolob2  19h

What about sponsorship ? detrimental if values or objectives are not clear from the outset? Is there rep damage if it goes wrong? #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat would you say that sponsorship has a greater tendency to be slightly blinkered maybe? #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat the parties involved which sponsorship should do but doesn’t always #commschat

Brittany Golob ‏@BrittanyGolob2  19h

What happens when partners’ values don’t line up? Does that make for an unsuccessful partnership? #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat The great thing about CSR partnerships is it’s inherent that the partnership will also benefit something outside of.. #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

So there is agreement that shared values is among the most important components of a partnership, what if this is missing? #commschat

Kelly Quigley-Hicks ‏@KellyQHicks  19h

@CommsChat #commschat Complementary values and a clear understanding of what each side expects/will do vital for both pshp and sponsorship

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

T4: Partnerships which reinforce core values of both parties and/or challenge perceptions of a brand or sector #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat something which can benefit/affect a wider community and raise support a good cause #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat Mutual understanding of the objective(s) and mutual benefit #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@ncardwell definitely #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

@Comms_Events @CommsChat Great examples. Campaigns like those make big issues really relevant to a (literally) global audience #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

Our next topic is a big question: What makes for a successful partnership or sponsorship? #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

environmental awareness: http://corporateengagementawards.com/latest-collaborations-article/using-social-media-to-promote-environmental-awareness.html … it’s such an amazing cause and so many were proud to promote it #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat of course. Take a look at the work #EarthDay did with the #GlobalSelfie – encouraging everyone to promote …..#commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

exactly @ncardwell There are so many great examples of small and large businesses working so hard to create great #CSR programmes #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat Awards recognise orgs that utilise CSR as a driving force for their business. It takes going beyond the typical #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@Comms_Events @CommsChat It is, of course, often very admirable and inspirational work that is being celebrated #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

T3: Also ‘carrot’ rather than ‘stick’ approach: Let’s look at what organisations ‘can do’ rather than what they ‘shouldn’t do’ #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@ncardwell I agree, awards celebrate thorough and complete CSR strategies #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

aka. Why are awards that recognise good work being done in CSR important? #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat T3: as it is an opportunity to recognise great work done by teams and individuals for helping people/causes #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

T3: There’s some fantastic CSR / Sustainability innovation in business. Awards etc reward the ethos/thinking behind all of it #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

Which brings us to our third topic: Why should we honour those companies that excel in this area? #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat Very true. It is something which companies need to be aware of more than ever #CommsChat

Tim Elliott ‏@TimElliottUK  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat I agree there are some many ways to be environmental aware what ever your business is #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat I think more and more businesses are starting to understand this… #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

Very true RT @JackieFast: @CommsChat not just rep – being environmentally conscious means less waste; less waste = less cost #commschat T2

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat not just rep – being environmentally conscious means less waste; less waste = less cost #commschat T2

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@ncardwell Good to have you with us Neil! #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

T2: it can also enhance corporate reputation. It’s especially important for the extractive industries as it is directly related #CommsChat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat better business because of reputation? #commschat

Neil Cardwell ‏@ncardwell  19h

Late to tonight’s #commschat but already looks a good one! Looking forward to reading / taking part over next 50 mins

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat Also at the end of the day it’s just better business – and better business practice means bigger profits #commschat T2

Tim Elliott ‏@TimElliottUK  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat ahh I see … Thanks #commschat

Pamela Welsh ‏@PamelaWelsh  19h

@JackieFast @CommsChat yes – beware of spin. Also getting grass roots staff onside helps too. They have to believe in it #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@CommsChat Because almost every business has an impact on both the environment and the community they operate in #commschat

SPONSORIUM ‏@Sponsorium  19h

No coincidence! @MarketingWeekEd says trust in brands up http://bit.ly/1mitdSa  & @Sponsorium Report shows +24% in EU #csr acts #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

RT @PamelaWelsh: @CommsChat I think it’s about trust too – putting your money where your mouth is. ‘Values’ backed up by action #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  19h

@CommsChat It can also make stakeholders more willing to trust in a company if it believes in supporting people/causes #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@TimElliottUK @CommsChat It can be – for certain brands it’s a huge differentiator (ie BP and the Arts) #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  19h

T2: Why is it important for businesses to think about their communities or environments? #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  19h

@PamelaWelsh @CommsChat As long as it’s not whitewash – consumers are savvy #commschat

Tim Elliott ‏@TimElliottUK  20h

@PamelaWelsh @CommsChat …. Well said Pamela #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  20h

@CommsChat which is why it needs to be clear ‘why’ at the outset #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  20h

@Comms_Events @CommsChat @TimElliottUK @jackiefast Welcome to the debate! #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  20h

It can be but it can be used for a whole variety of reasons. Similar to sponsorship – CSR can fulfil a variety of objs #commschat

Tim Elliott ‏@TimElliottUK  20h

@CommsChat @JackieFast ….I think it adds to it but not sure if it quals as part of ? #commschat T1

Pamela Welsh ‏@PamelaWelsh  20h

@CommsChat I think it’s about trust too – putting your money where your mouth is. ‘Values’ backed up by action #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  20h

@CommsChat @TimElliottUK @jackiefast Evening all, Hannah & Annabelle tweeting here on behalf of the Corporate Engagement Awards #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  20h

@JackieFast @CommsChat Interesting… so would you say that CSR is part of brand positioning? #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  20h

@CommsChat It also can communicate it’s values to staff – especially when the staff are far removed from HO (such as retailers) #commschat

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  20h

@CommsChat CSR can help differentiate brands from their competitor by highlighting what the organisation stands for. #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  20h

RT @TimElliottUK: @CommsChat no problemo …I always find it a very interesting #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  20h

Lets get stuck in with our first topic: T1: How does CSR and sustainability enhance corporate reputation? #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  20h

@TimElliottUK Good evening Tim, thanks for joining! #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  20h

Tonight we’re joined by @JackieFast at Slingshot PR, as well as the @Comms_Events team behind the #2014CEA Awards #commschat

CommsChat ‏@CommsChat  20h

Good evening everyone, Emily here, thank you for joining us to discuss CSR and the Corporate Engagement Awards… #commschat

Gnosis Media Group ‏@GnosisArts  20h

#commschat: looks at all aspects relating to communications, When: Mondays, 8:00pm UK. #tweetchatshappeningnow

Tim Elliott ‏@TimElliottUK  20h

Evening #commschat …hope your all well?

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  20h

All ready for your questions! #commschat

Communicate Events ‏@Comms_Events  20h

Just a reminder that the Corporate Engagement Awards early bird deadline is tomorrow http://bit.ly/CEA14  #CommsChat #CSR #partnerships

Jackie Fast ‏@JackieFast  20h

Manic day – only just left office for the gym ready to gear up for #commschat in 2min discussing CSR – gotta love the power of technology!