Theory meets practice
“In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice they are not.”
Albert Einstein
When you’re a real world organisation in need of help, there’s nothing worse than a load of jargon-laden marketing theory. That’s why, whether leading a project or helping along the way, Noble Ox ensures theory meets practice in a useful way! Two recent Noble Ox projects illustrate the breadth, depth, flexibility and practicality of this hard-working Noble Ox approach.
Making sense with McSence
In late 2014, celebrated social enterprise McSence commissioned Noble Ox to devise then lead a group-wide marketing planning and training approach. With the timescales and budget to do the job properly, Noble Ox worked across the company to achieve the following:
- McSence brand definition – to define a confident and shared direction
- McSence service review – in relation to overall brand and explore potential product development
- Marketing action planning – training to support future development of each McSence service
As the antidote to marketing consultants, Noble Ox was determined not to follow the predictable route of ‘parachuting in’. We worked hard to develop a process to optimise training and mentoring at every stage. This approach helped every team at McSence to gain confidence, ownership and knowledge of the brand and marketing processes.
Proof of the pudding
The teams produced ‘joined-up’ useful marketing plans that they could put into action and are already showing a return; a true demonstration of where theory meets practice. We were also delighted to get great comments from the people we’ve been working with over the last year or so.
“Wasn’t sure what to expect but was very quickly on board, as it was clear this project was going to be useful. The sessions with Noble Ox were enlightening and helped me and my team focus… the brand DNA and marketing plans are making life easier. What’s more, I’m already getting more business through the door.”
Steven Quinn – Training and Conference Centre Manager
“This was a significant project for us. The Noble Ox approach has above all been practical, effective and specifically designed to fit in with our operational requirements. It also represented value for money as we are already seeing a return on our investment.Each area of the business is now equipped with the tools and confidence to be proactive in its marketing so we can effectively present, position and differentiate McSence in the market place.”
David Maxwell – Chief Executive Officer
See 12 months with McSence for more background on McSence and this Noble Ox project.
Fathers Network Scotland and Year of the Dad
It was great to be asked to support Fathers Network Scotland in preparation for their flagship project, Year of the Dad. Noble Ox helped with the design of the iconic Fathers Network Scotland visual identity back in 2011, and more recently with the evolution of the Year of the Dad logo.
This time round, Noble Ox led the scoping, briefing and project management of a new website for Fathers Network Scotland, a major part of the preparations for Year of the Dad. We then helped support the team with the initial scoping of the Year of the Dad website. Last month, when it came to the finishing touches, we stepped back in to help with the all important pre and post launch testing of the Year of the Dad website. At this stage, a fresh pair of eyes was most welcome!
“Charlotte’s friendly efficiency was invaluable in helping us scope out what we wanted from our new Fathers Network Scotland website. She kept us to our brief under a tight timescale and project managed the delivery of a site we’re very proud of. Thanks Noble Ox!”
Nick Thorpe – Head of Communications for Fathers Network Scotland
Inspiring you and your audiences
Whether leading a project or stepping in to support you where needed, Noble Ox is there to deliver no-nonsense hardworking marketing to inspire you and your target audiences alike.
Contact Noble Ox to find out more about how theory meets practice!