Amanda Thinks: Show AND tell – lessons in pitching for budget

"As a profession, while we’re known for being ‘good with words’, it can be just as important to paint a vivid picture too." Amanda Teale, Senior Account Manager.

It’s budget-setting season. If you’re a head of internal communication, you're likely getting ready to fight your corner.

We’ve had a few conversations about this with clients recently, and we love finding new ways to help IC teams sell their vision in the most compelling way. Survey targets, graphs and reports are all well and good, but do they do your vision justice?

For any budget conversation, it helps to have engaging, visual examples of what you’re excited about and what you’re aiming for. These can help secure the buy-in you need from key decision makers. (I’m reminded of the endearing practice at primary school where children bring in a favourite item from home and tell their classmates why it matters to them. Sadly, my children are a little too old for this now—RIP my son’s ‘really good snail shell’ of 2022.)

As a profession, while we’re known for being ‘good with words’, it can be just as important to paint a vivid picture too.

In employee communications, we know the power of storytelling to help people relate, understand and remember. But pictures also pack a punch, helping us process information faster than spoken or written words alone. Sharing both together builds enthusiasm and interest and might even spark an idea or two. So, what’s stopping you from investing a little time to take your own stakeholders on this journey? 

One of the benefits of being part of an agency that’s been around for more than 60 years is that we have a wealth of case studies of past projects to dip into. And so much of it is packed with creative inspiration. 

Of course, every organisation’s needs and challenges are unique. But these visual examples can be a great jumping-off point, and there’s always an opportunity to adapt and build upon them. So do get in touch if you’d like to take a look. This budget season, we’re here to help!  

Drop me a line if you want to talk about adding some ‘show’ to your budget conversations: Amanda.teale@abcomm.co.uk