You can have a great idea … in fact, you can have a whole pile of great ideas, but if you can’t clearly communicate how great they are to potential collaborators, funders, constituents, or even the guy in the next cubicle, those ideas probably aren’t going to go very far …

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Pre-Ramble:  As a concept development specialist, I draw upon a broad base of experience in the nonprofit sector, psychology and graphic design to incite and facilitate creative thinking, strategic planning and project development.

I help my clients move from the concept stage to the content stage … taking all their great ideas — notes scrawled on bits of paper, … stacks of stuff ripped out of newspapers, … org charts, … timelines, … journal articles, … rough drafts, … super rough drafts, (you get the idea) — and turning them into sharp, compelling pieces of written communication.

My services include:

♠   Thinking – brainstorming, visioning, strategic planning and process design

I engage, challenge and inspire groups to think about their work — context, brand, goals, work environment, mode of operation — in new ways, … expanding “touch points” to make new connections, create new opportunities and develop meaningful strategies.

♥   Writing/editing - strategic plans, proposals, grants and communications materials

I usually work as the writer on a project development team. We can start from scratch or I can work with what you’ve got. Recent focus areas include civic engagement, K-12 education, science/STEM, the arts, entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity.

♦   Visual Conceptualization - words, boxes, images and arrows that clearly communicate concepts on one page

A good concept map can be used internally and externally to facilitate discussion, as talking points, in a power point presentation, or as a stand-alone piece in a marketing packet or grant proposal.

♣   Coaching/Facilitation - work with individuals and groups to develop concepts

You talk, I listen, write stuff down, and ask a lot of questions. As an “outsider” I ask the questions that will simplify and clarify your thoughts, concept or project, so that it can be clearly understood and communicated to others.

The Take-Away: Every opportunity presents a unique set of issues and parameters.  Those who can clearly articulate their ideas are better positioned to turn a promising vision into actionable, successful, sustainable outcomes.

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I welcome an opportunity to work with you to develop your next great idea!

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What’s up with the “K”? It stands for Katherine – Katherine with a “K” (KWAK). The minute I got into kindergarten, my teacher asked me whether my name was spelled with a “K” or a “C,” and people have been asking that ever since.