Human motivators and needs

Direction setting

A strategy to influence – Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)

2020

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)

How might we develop a marketing and communications strategy to guide our organisation into a more strategic era with a lot of change?

ACSO delivers programs to help break the cycle of people repeatedly entering the justice system because they lack the support to make change. 

ACSO initially engaged rowdy to develop a marketing and communications strategy to guide them through a phase focused on driving change with stakeholders to create opportunities for ACSO to deliver services in a more innovative manner.

ACSO, a not-for-profit with a sizable national team and a wide range of complex stakeholders, including several State government entities, had not crafted a marketing and communications strategy in quite some time. Consequently, it was imperative to begin by actively listening to the needs, perspectives, experiences, and insights of wide and varied segments within the ACSO team, the Board, and reference groups that represent their clients. This involved many interviews and small sessions guided by a strategic consultation plan.

 

Armed with a deep understanding of audience perspectives, pain points, and aspirations, we crafted a marketing and communications strategy that not only addressed pain points but also amplified strengths. This strategy became the guiding light, aligning every aspect of our efforts with the collective vision of ACSO and paving the way for impactful and resonant communication that would drive real change. Remarkably, the strategy was approved by the CEO and Board without changes.

 

Greater value was achieved by:

 

  • Enhanced awareness and engagement
    ACSO delivers crucial programs aimed at breaking the cycle of individuals repeatedly entering the justice system. Our initial engagement focused on crafting a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to amplify their impact. By strategically guiding ACSO through this phase, we laid the groundwork to better engage and connect with stakeholders, resulting in improved awareness of their vital work.
  • Inclusive listening
    ACSO, as a not-for-profit with a national presence and complex stakeholder landscape, needed a fresh approach. We initiated the process by actively listening to the perspectives, and insights of various segments within ACSO, including their dedicated team, the Board, and reference groups representing their clients. This inclusive approach ensured that we comprehensively understood the needs and aspirations of ACSO’s audiences.
  • Strategic agility
    Our strategy development process uncovered surprises, identified opportunities, and addressed pain points. Remarkably, the resulting strategy was approved by the CEO and Board without changes, a testament to its alignment with ACSO’s mission. This strategic clarity allowed ACSO to chart a more innovative and impactful course.
  • Transformative initiatives
    Building upon the strategic foundation, we implemented several key recommendations that significantly improved the way ACSO communicated.
  • Continued partnership
    Our collaboration with ACSO has been consistent over the years, reinforcing their ability to effectively connect with their audiences. We’ve remained dedicated to delivering projects that provide valuable resources to ACSO’s diverse stakeholders.