Communicate, Connect, Grow: The OSP Podcast: Recent Episodes
Open Strategy Partners
At Open Strategy Partners, our mission is to help you communicate the value of what you do to connect you with the people who need to know about it, and help you grow … personally, professionally, whatever it means to you. This podcast is us figuring out communication, connection, and growth. We want to show you how we go about translating between technical complexity and business value to create strategic communication at OSP. And we want to learn more from our guests.
What if there was a way to redefine the significance of non-code contributions in open source projects? That's exactly what our guest, Bryan Behrenshausen of GitLab, is here to explore with us. OSPea, Felicity Brand, and Bryan journey together through the evolving landscape of open source projects and discuss the value of non-code contributions. Bryan shares his insights into the creation of contributor pathways, the optimization of recognition systems, and the importance of fostering an environment of effective communication.
Felicity and Bryan discuss remote work and how asynchronous communication can revolutionize your work culture. We unwrap GitLab's unique model that's setting industry benchmarks, discussing their tools, policies, and practices that cultivate a healthy work environment. Bryan explains GitLab's innovative Team Ops model, which champions a distributed, asynchronous work approach, ensuring everyone feels connected and valued.
Bryan and Felicity dive into GitLab's Open Source Programs and Partnerships, discussing the exciting opportunities these programs bring to the table and how they play a vital role in nurturing a thriving open source ecosystem.
Show notes
- GitLab Handbook
- The Good Docs Project
- How The Good Docs Project Uses GitLab
- Symfony Contributor Guide - Respectful review comments
- Excalidraw
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
The CNECT code helps remind us to apply empathy when creating our communication, to think in terms of, "Hey, what does my audience need?" That's the information that goes in. "How will they best receive it?" That goes to choosing appropriate words, structures, and metaphors—different for a project manager than a marketing executive.
The language we use and how it's written should connect with the target audience. It should show our readers the information they need in a way that is easiest for them to consume.
Join OSPeas Christine Buehler, Chris Fenwick, Felicity Brand, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire for this quick, helpful podcast about decoding communication that connects.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Back with another quick podcast about effective writing with OSPeas Felicity Brand, Jeffrey A. McGuire, Christine Bueller, and Chris Fenwick. We dissect the anatomy of our HEAD and SUBHEAD editing codes. Headers are powerful tools for long-form writing online. Break down long texts into meaningful chunks, aid readability, and provide structural support ... and add some soothing white space :-)
Learn how 'head' and 'subhead', though subtly distinct, are like the yin and yang of writing, where the former enhances readability while the latter fortifies structure. We also touch on bullet points and help us condense and catch the reader's eye.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Do you ever feel like your words get muddled up, lost in translation, or simply don't have the impact you'd hoped for?
Open Strategy Partners Carl, Felicity, Chris, jam, and Christine are here to guide you through one bit of the writing wilderness with the CLEAR editing code. Increase the impact and effectiveness of your writing with this code: Pinpoint generalizations, request specific evidence when describing benefits, and ensure a logical flow in your writing, and other handy tricks :-)
As we move along, we'll also share how our own team navigated the buzzword-infested waters of corporate communication, developing a tongue-in-cheek "BS Bingo" card to keep our language authentic and grounded. More importantly, we'll journey into the heart of a mindful, human-first work culture, highlighting how something as basic as clear communication can have profound effects on your work environment. Whatever your level of experience, you'll walk away from this episode with valuable insights to transform your writing process and create a more positive, engaging workspace. Clarity awaits!
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Based on time-honored press printing journalism practices, the LEDE editing code is all about getting straight to the point—ensuring your audience instantly knows whether an article is relevant to them.
In the intense competition for online eyeballs, you need to captivate your readers right from the very first sentence. Today, OSPeas Carl, jam, Felicity, Chris, and Christine, explain the LEDE editing code, and how we try to keep your readers hooked from the start.
Building a bridge between writer and reader, a strong lede can simplify the reading process, reducing cognitive load and capturing your readers' attention.
In this conversation, we'll explore how you can craft engaging ledes that hit home right from the start, whether you're writing a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire article. We also reflect on the importance of mindful communication in fostering a positive and human-centered culture in the workplace.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Ever felt like you're drowning in an ocean of complex words while reading? Wish you could break through the walls of jargon and make sense of that technical documentation? Us, too!
In this episode, some of our team our expertise and experience on simplifying writing for everyone's benefit. We dive into the heart of the SIMPL editorial code, a tool that advocates for readers and ensures technical concepts are explained with clarity and simplicity.
This episode isn’t just about simple language, though. We also discuss the nuances of writing for international audiences, the importance of understanding your audience, and how to pitch your writing just right. We share practical tips on making writing more accessible—like avoiding jargon, spelling out acronyms, and choosing culturally neutral words. We highlight the importance of having multiple eyes review your work—because everyone knows, two (or three) heads are better than one!
Whether you're a technical agency, a product company, or a b2b technical business, join us as we unravel the power of simple language and clear communication.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
You need your content to convert. Product and Agency Communications are all about offering your readers the chance to inform themselves about what you do, and convincing them to take the next step.
This week, we talk about guiding your audience to take action with Calls to Action (CTAs) and Calls to Value (CTVs). Carl Richards, Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire, Christine Buehler, Chris Fenwick, and Felicity Brand peel back the layers on how these content components can enhance your narrative, drive readers' enthusiasm, and ultimately increase the effectiveness of your work.
We explore practical tips on where to place these crucial elements and discuss how they influence user experience. We'll also dissect different examples of CTAs and CTVs, from buttons to links and sentences. Whether you're an editor, a writer, or interested in digital marketing, this episode can help refine your skills and write more engaging pieces. Tune in now!
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Ever wondered how specificity in writing can lead to building trust, credibility, and a deeper connection with your readers? Join us as we decode the SPIFIC Editing Code in this episode of Communicate, Connect, Grow.
OSPeas Carl Richards, Jeffrey A. McGuire, Christine Bueller, Chris Fenwick, and Felicity Brand break down this editing code and how it can bring clarity and structure to your writing. Drawing parallels from stand-up comedy, we shed light on how being specific can paint vivid images, thus fostering empathy and connection. We also dive into the reader's perspective, focusing on their pain points to build a stronger relationship.
We also look into the significance of SPFIC for writers and editors—how being specific in your titles, narrative structure, and openings can hook readers and make a stronger impression on them. We'll top this off with examples on how specificity can give rise to an authentic communication style.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire appears as a guest on Carl Richards's Speaking of Speaking podcast!
What if the secret to enhancing your professional communication lies in positivity and gratitude? That's the intriguing premise we explore in this thought-provoking conversation between Carl Richards and Jeffrey A. McGuire, a professional musician and communication expert. Drawing from his unique experiences traversing the music and business worlds, jam shares insights into the transformative power of positive communication.
The episode takes a look at Positive Psychology, shining a light on its practical application in fostering empathetic, clear, and trust-building communication. We discuss the unique communication framework built around these principles used at Open Strategy Partners, and how it has empowered us to build thriving relationships with our clients. Listen in as we unpack the importance of a positive work culture and the power of gratitude statements in shaping these interactions.
Finally, we take a deep-dive into the realm of mindful communication. We talk about how mindfulness can influence the impact of our words, especially when engaging with a technical audience. Prioritizing mental health and self-care, particularly under the pressure of tight deadlines, is another resonant theme explored in this episode. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a new perspective on how positivity, gratitude, and mindful communication can improve your personal and professional life.
More Speaking of Speaking here: https://speakingofspeaking.buzzsprout.com/
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Ready to reshape your understanding of effective communication? Unlock the secrets of meshing Technical Communication and Marketing with our special guest, Zora Mutabana from the Inside Techcom podcast.
Zora and OSPea Felicity Brand delve deep into the crucial role of empathy, clarity, and trust in establishing successful marketing strategies. Sharing our own experiences, we'll take you on a journey through a landscape where active listening and detailed clarity aren’t just nice-to-have, but pivotal to survival.
We also talk about maintaining consistency within a large team. Hear firsthand how a structured team, clever use of tools like Slack, and fostering a culture of collaboration can smoothen your path to success.
We're also exploring the potentials and pitfalls of AI in technical writing and remote work. We'll share our experiences with AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard, and how they can either be a game-changer or a challenging adversary. So, buckle up for a mind-opening discussion with Zora and me, packed with insights from our bountiful experiences.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In this quick podcast, we talk about a simple issue: grammar. Get it right, maybe no one really notices. But get it wrong, and you'll quickly lose the trust of your readers.
If you're investing in content marketing, you're trying to build trust in your product, project, or services. Do yourself the favor of taking every step you can to show that you care about quality.
... and despite the serious tone of that introduction, this is another fun episode from the OSP crew. Enjoy! Share your thoughts with us!
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In this episode, Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire sits down with Chris Fenwick, an experienced writer and editor interested in contemporary science and technology—and a new OSPea at the recording time! They discuss Chris's initial thoughts and impressions about the editing codes and how they can help us be more effective writers and transparent editors.
This is a lightning tour of how the codes came to be and why we find them so valuable for our daily work. Please enjoy this conversation with jam and Chris ... mostly jam, yes, but still worth a listen :-)
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Build trust with your readers by being positive, clear, and authentic about the unique selling points of your technology or product. You can show you’ve done your research, you understand your competition, and how you differentiate—all without Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD). Acknowledging your competition and honestly describing the differences between your offering and others gives your message weight.
Being nice is better and more powerful than being mean :-)
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In this quick podcast, we talk about another way to make your content as easy to understand for your readers as possible: Make it self-contained. Don't refer to imprecise times like "new," "last week," or "next summer" when you can say "September 2024." Be specific, clear, and aware of what kind of content you are writing. Blogs, for example, are generally published with a date stamp, and have a place in time. We consider "evergreen" assets like product pages or case studies, for example, to be more timeless. Write accordingly!
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In this quick podcast, we discuss being clear about what you’re referring to in your writing with the editing code ANTE. There can be long rhetorical distances between whatever we’re talking about and the next “this, “that,” or “they” referring to it :-)
For example, when we write case studies for our clients, there are a lot of perspectives to keep track of:
- We, OSP, are writing the piece.
- The case study describes our client’s client and refers to their customers or users, too.
- Make your readers’ lives easier by using more nouns and fewer pronouns.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
The WHOM editing code relates to how we begin a piece of online content. Show respect for your audience by being upfront and clear whom you’re writing for. Empower readers to self-select and decide to engage with your content or not.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
SPOCK is about logic and that means having a clear path from one point to another. It also means when you support your points with evidence, you need to ensure your evidence does indeed logically support your point. Not just be ‘in the neighborhood’, tangentially relevant.
Also: "Live long, and prOSPer!"
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
**There is a lot of specific terminology for names and processes in the technology industry. These are often represented as acronyms.
Acronyms are good to use when writing, because by abstracting a term, they achieve brevity, and can reduce visual noise and reduce the cognitive load on the reader having to parse a complex sentence.**
In this episode, host Carl Richards interviews Felicity Brand, Christine Beuhler, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire. We talk about how we use the Editing Code ACRO to add clarity and give all our readers the same chance to understand our writing.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
How we create peaceful, clear, and colorful communication through one of OSP's favorite Editing Codes: PAX.
In this episode, host Carl Richards interviews Felicity Brand, Christine Beuhler, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire. We talk about how we use the Editing Code PAX to add connection, authenticity, and awareness to our technical communication.
Welcome to the Open Strategy Partners podcast, "Communicate, Connect, Grow!" At Open Strategy Partners, we specialize in strategic product communication. We help you communicate the value of what you do, connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In this episode, we talk about how to engage readers right away, even in technical communication. Host Carl Richards interviews Felicity Brand, Christine Beuhler, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire discuss how we use the Editing Code FRONT to grab attention and keep our readers engaged.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In our 4th episode, host Carl Richards interviews Felicity Brand, Christine Beuhler, Liz Robau, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire. We talk about how we use the Editing Code REPET to ensure our technical communication is interesting for readers and a mindful practice for writers and editors.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In our third episode, host Carl Richards interviews Felicity Brand, Christine Beuhler, Liz Robau, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire. We talk about we use the Editing Code QUOTE to add credibility, accuracy, authenticity, and visual interest to our technical communication.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
In this episode, host Carl Richards interviews Felicity Brand, Christine Beuhler, Liz Robau, and Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire. We talk about how the Editing Code CRISP (or, getting to the point!) can benefit writers, editors, and of course, readers, especially when it comes to product communication.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
Open Strategy Partners is excited to announce our brand-new podcast, “Communicate, Connect, Grow.” In this episode, we share how we create empathetic, clear, and trustworthy communication through our unique editing workflow and Editing Codes.
To get in touch with us, follow what we’re doing, or learn about our Writer Enablement Workshops, you can:
- Go to our website
- Email us at hello@openstrategypartners.com
- Hit us up on Twitter
- Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen to podcasts
At Open Strategy Partners, we help you communicate the value of what you do to connect you with the people who need to know about it, and grow.
We do a lot of thinking about what makes for effective, consistent, strategic product communication. In this podcast, we want to show you how we translate between technical complexity and business value to create strategic product communication at OSP. And we want to learn more from you and our guests.
And it’s not just about technology, and it’s not just about business …
If you want to be a more effective writer, a more transparent editor, develop clearer strategic thinking, and learn from our network of expert friends and colleagues, come along for the ride!
Subscribe now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or the podcast channel of your choice! Follow us, suggest guests and topics, ask us questions on social media! We are @open_strategy on Twitter.
We’re planning episodes in three broad categories, hosted by different members of the OSP team:
- Communicate: All things communication. We share how we tackle writing, editing, word choices, formats, processes, and more.
- Connect episodes are in-depth conversations with interesting smart people about who they are, what they do, and how they approach their life and work as communicators, technologists, and leaders.
- Grow: We cover strategic approaches to understanding and expressing the value of what you do, including tools, templates, and practical applications.
- You might need to grow the adoption of your products, open source solutions, partner networks, sales, community, or teams.
- You also might want to grow into a better communicator.
It also turns out that building a mindful, positive, human-first culture at work is a big part of that. That’s something we work on every day. We’ll be talking about that, too.
This podcast is us figuring out communication, connection, and growing. Together.
Subscribe now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or the podcast channel of your choice!