Hot Topic
"I only wish we'd started working with the matrix Standard even sooner. We love the fact that it is focused on continuous improvement so it keeps stretching you, but it works with you, not against you."
Rathbone
Click here to see what other organisations have to say about the matrix Standard
Telling it as it is
Essential to any commercial organisation is the promotion of what it offers. The power of advertising is there in our own homes – television advertisements, Internet sites, ‘freebies’ thrust through the door, cold calling – we view, listen, read, digest and often act upon the information that is channelled to us. Outdoors, the same situation exists – public vehicles, newspapers and billboards carry the latest ‘must haves’; costermongers sing out the best value in fruit and vegetables. We may not always want the message but this promotional activity is part of communicating what is on offer to people who may not yet have sampled the wares. The consequences of poor promotion? The slippery slope includes failure to deliver the service to where it is needed; lack of clients; business decline.
Significant to the success of your service is ensuring effective communication to actual and potential service users. At times I have encountered people who would not listen or could not understand. When you prepare for element 1 think of how you might approach such situations. Do you need to promote your message in writing, using the Internet or latest technology or by word of mouth? What if the recipient cannot see, hear or speak; cannot access technology, does not communicate in the same language? Will glossy, branded material sent to an address or put in someone’s hand be the best way to give them understanding? As with the other service delivery elements, ensure you place your focus on the user, perhaps finding out from them their preferred method of receiving the message.
Talking of promotional material, a reminder that the matrix Standard is owned by DIUS and must not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any other means without the express written permission of ENTO. The matrix logo is a trade mark and the matrix Quality Mark is a registered trade mark of the Secretary of State. That’s not meant to be a barrier to the help on offer from ENTO – we will always try to meet your needs but we need to prevent any potential breach of copyright. As usual, please contact us if you need help or further information.