RandallFox is an agency that brings clarity and direction to your communications so that you can make more of an impact.
So what's your background?
My first six years were in different comms roles at The National Trust. I then made the leap to the commercial sector: Colman Getty, a fantastic PR agency, where we built a client base of charities, arts and heritage organisations.
However, I’d always hankered to work for an international development charity so when the Head of Communications role came up at VSO I moved. That was a dream job, but when I had a young family I decided to go freelance. And in 2008 Susannah Randall and I started RandallFox.
How did you get this job?
The thought of forming a collective of very good freelancers had been in my head for a while but it had to be with the right people – you have to know and trust absolutely in the ability of the other members of the team. So when Susannah became available I pounced.
Together we refined the business model and RandallFox has grown from there. We’re currently a team of six freelancers, each with own specialist areas: comms strategy; branding; audience research and focus; messaging; PR and media relations; digital comms; and storygathering.
Depending on the client’s needs we come together to work on projects. It means that we can take on complex, ambitious work but there are no business overheads to deal with or to pass on to the client.
What was your first charity job? And your first communications role?
It was an annual graduate intake job in the Public Affairs department of The National Trust. I had to drive a massive truck and set up exhibitions. As I’m not much over 5ft tall I wasn’t even sure that my feet would reach the van’s pedals! Luckily they did and I spent six years working in different comms roles around the country.
It gave me a fantastic grounding in communications and particularly issues management: deer hunting, an IRA bomb, a major fire and road protests – it’s not all tea and scones at The National Trust.
What do you actually do on a daily basis?
My job mostly involves figuring out how to help organisations tackle old problems in new ways and make more of an impact with their communications. What I found difficult to find time for in-house (really getting to grips with strategy, barriers and opportunities) is something I now do most days.
It might include developing and delivering workshops; helping clients gather the evidence they need to make a case for change internally; benchmarking research to learn from best practice in a sector; stakeholder interviews; writing up strategic reports and/or recommendations; hands-on mentoring with teams – very varied.
What's been your biggest achievement in this role so far?
Probably helping to create the RandallFox business model, which I’m convinced delivers fantastic value for clients. And the team of associates, which is nothing to do with me, but I don’t take for granted that I am with people who are not only a pleasure to work with but among the best in the business.
What are the most challenging parts of your role?
It’s important to get up-to-speed with a client’s business and their working culture very quickly so that we can win trust.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I can’t say ‘making a difference’ without it sounding trite, can I? We’re all a bit obsessed with making sure clients see a step change after their work with us. Seeing that happen, and knowing that you’ve played a part in it, is great.
Anything you don't enjoy?
Don’t judge me, but I’d rather have root canal work than be thrown into a room of people I don’t know and told to ‘network’.
What kind of personality is best suited to working in a job like yours?
You need a good degree of experience and confidence; the ability to empathise but not shy away from difficult questions or decisions; to be clear-headed and objective; to work as part of a team; and helps if you’re curious, terrier-like and able to win trust. Ideally, someone who likes networking (see above).
Any top tips for people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
An old boss once said to me that the best communications people leave their egos in a box at home. There’s something in that, particularly when it comes to consultancy.
You can find out more about RandallFox on their website here:
http://www.randallfox.co.uk/