Search Results

The amount of sheer wisdom dropped by the speakers at the Lawyer Growth Summit in 2025 was incredibly impressive. I was lucky enough to be a fly on the wall and capture some amazing key insights. The talented team at Ashley Rose Events http://www.ashleyroseva.com/offer/ certainly know what it takes to execute flawless experiences. See the video that her talented contractors created as a recap: https://video.wixstatic.com/video/d6c49f_f81ec95d3786433fb4b1d2324730bdb8/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Here are the two images highlighted in the video:

Reflecting on a meeting with the Sixth Judicial District Attorney in La Plata County, Colorado, I googled "why is community so important in a small town?" and stumbled upon Robert Wuthnow's online book, specifically the chapter, Community Spirit: Small-Town Identities That Bind https://academic.oup.com/princeton-scholarship-online/book/23994/chapter-abstract/185358287?redirectedFrom=fulltext The abstract is: This chapter examines what residents understand as the most important sources of community spirit in their towns. It is widely believed that small towns do encourage community participation, but the meanings of community spirit or its sources in towns' activities, such as homecoming festivals and events related to athletics , have rarely been studied. The chapter considers how narratives about the goodness and decency of a community are formulated , and how they reflect special occasions in which personal or collective tragedy is overcome . A key part of community spirit is the perception that acquaintances in town are in fact good neighbors. How neighborliness is demonstrated even through small greetings and sidewalk behavior is the secret behind these perceptions. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the stories that townspeople tell to combat negative stereotypes imposed on them by city people along with tales that emphasize the relative freedom, openness, and closeness to nature that small-town life provides. The byline is this, " Residents of small towns feel that they can rely on one another for help in the event of a tragedy or some other adverse situation ." Isn't that just hitting the nail on the head for restorative justice? La Plata County, and Durango, CO is an intersection of wealthy-ish pro cyclists and athletes, veterans, working class people, and legacy indigenous people. These subcultures often run in completely parallel paths with very little integration and cross-over. How can we change that so our community becomes stronger together and we RESTORE those community members that might otherwise be left behind? You can find more about the Sixth Judicial District Attorney's work here: https://www.southwestjustice.org/ Digital Graphic Recording Synthesis from Notes

One of the first things that I tell clients is that I cannot capture what has not been said. If you want a rich outcome, think about your audience (both inside of and outside of the room) and the intent of my services coupled with your meeting purpose and objectives. I have started to include this framework when scoping new opportunities to help my clients get the most out of my live visual note-taking services. After countless proposals I've found it to be beneficial to have clients think about an ideal outcome statement . This is a mash up of the meeting purpose and objectives (intent) and the ability to reach the right people (audience both inside of and outside of the room). For example: " The ideal outcome is to visualize the product advisory council (PAC) feedback on our software products including likes, dislikes, recommendations for large offshore call centers and supporting product development, sharing across customers to implement best practices, etc. We hope to capture real actionable insights for the product team to consider implementation into their roadmap.  There is a big focus on the employee and customer care and collaborating to build the software with our company for optimal/easy use. The PAC will potentially be beta testing new capabilities and enhanced features. The in-person audience to engage is the CEO, product managers, and key customers. They need to create output from their insights that effectively appeals to an external audience (outside of the room), helping them communicate with colleagues, peers, potential customers, and advisors." It is my belief, that this structure helps to ensure that the right questions are asked and content is communicated when you brief a moderator for panels, a keynote for their speeches, questions to answer and discussions to have during breakout exercises, etc. I have noticed that there seems to be a gap between what we want to achieve with live visual notes and what needs to be said to create the best live visual note output. Although it seems simple and straightforward, it is very nuanced. Let's say you want to get more donors and sponsors involved using live visual notes. What is the content that you can share and have captured that is appealing for that audience? Let's say you are simply trying to educate and socialize information that was said at the meeting to your colleagues and peers. What are those prominent updates and data points that they need to understand? What actions do you hope for by providing that information? Let's say you have existing customers and prospective customers to gather feedback from. How can you validate existing customers and make them feel valued/appreciated? How can you improve your offerings to retain existing customers and attract new ones? What needs to be asked, said, captured in the graphic recording to appeal to this audience? If you're not sure how to best implement this framework or have any questions, please reach out. I'd love to help. https://calendly.com/katecovey/30min

Ever stumbled upon a meeting or event where ideas just seem to float around, but no one quite nails capturing them? Yeah, me too. That’s where the magic of live visual note-taking and graphic recording comes in. If you haven’t heard of Kate Covey , you’re in for a treat. She’s not just any graphic recorder; she’s the go-to expert who transforms complex conversations into engaging, easy-to-understand visuals. Let me walk you through her vision and why it’s a game-changer for organizations and event planners alike. Why Visual Communication Matters More Than Ever and How Visual Note Taking Can be the Answer Let’s be honest - in today’s fast-paced world, people don’t have the patience for long, boring reports or endless bullet points. Visual communication grabs attention and keeps it. Kate’s approach? She listens, processes, and then draws the key ideas of what’s being said in real-time. It’s like having a translator for your ideas, but instead of words, it’s pictures and symbols that stick. Here’s why this matters: Boosts engagement: People remember images better than text. Clarifies complex ideas: Visuals break down complicated concepts. Encourages collaboration: When everyone sees the same picture, it’s easier to align. Imagine a brainstorming session where everyone’s ideas are captured live on a giant canvas. Suddenly, the room feels more connected, energized, and focused. That’s the power of Kate’s work. Live graphic recording capturing a meeting Kate Covey Insights: What Sets Her Apart So, what makes Kate’s style so special? It’s not just about drawing pretty pictures (though, trust me, her work is stunning). It’s about listening deeply and translating complex discussions into visuals that resonate with everyone in the room. Here’s a peek into her process: Preparation: Kate dives into the event’s goals and audience beforehand. No one-size-fits-all here. Active Listening: She tunes in to the conversation, picking up on key themes and emotions. Real-Time Drawing: Using bold colors and clear icons, she creates a visual story as the event unfolds. Post-Event Deliverables: The final visuals become a lasting resource for teams to refer back to. What I love is how she balances professionalism with creativity. It’s not just about making things look nice; it’s about making ideas stick . And that’s exactly what organizations need when they’re trying to capture complex strategies or inspire action. The Art and Science of Graphic Recording You might be wondering, “Is this just doodling with a purpose?” Well, yes and no. Graphic recording is both an art and a science. Kate’s vision embraces this duality perfectly. Art: The visuals are vibrant, engaging, and thoughtfully designed to evoke emotion. Science: There’s a method to the madness - using visual hierarchy, symbols, and color psychology to enhance understanding. For example, during a recent leadership summit, Kate used a mix of icons and flowcharts to map out decision-making processes. This helped attendees see where bottlenecks were and sparked ideas for improvement. It’s like turning abstract ideas into a visual roadmap. If you’re thinking about incorporating this into your next event, here are some tips: Choose the right space: Make sure the graphic recorder has a visible spot, not blocking monitors or speakers. Brief them well: Share your agenda and key topics in advance. Give the right level of context. This is received well. This is the first time the audience is seeing this content. This is sensitive. Scoping is an integral part to a robust outcome. Encourage interaction: Let participants ask questions or suggest visuals. Kate has told participants that she loves a metaphor and they have risen to the occasion. Use the visuals afterward: Share them in follow-up emails or team meetings. Use them as progress trackers. Detailed graphic recording showing key big and small areas of reconciliation at a workshop How Kate Covey’s Vision Benefits Your Organization Okay, so you get the idea that live visual note-taking is cool. But what’s in it for your organization? Here’s the scoop: Improved retention: People remember meetings better when visuals are involved. Faster decision-making: Complex info becomes easier to digest. Enhanced creativity: Visuals spark new ideas and connections. Stronger alignment: Everyone literally sees the same picture, reducing misunderstandings. Kate’s extensive experience with diverse clients means she’s seen it all - from tech startups to nonprofit conferences. She tailors her visuals to fit the culture and goals of each group, making sure the message hits home. If you want to take your events or meetings to the next level, investing in professional graphic recording is a no-brainer. It’s like having a secret weapon that turns your ideas into action. Bringing It All Together: The Future of Visual Storytelling So, what’s next for this exciting field? Kate Covey’s vision is all about pushing boundaries and expanding how organizations use visual storytelling. Think beyond just meetings - imagine: Virtual events with live digital graphic recording. Interactive workshops where participants contribute to the visuals. Training sessions that use graphics to simplify learning. The possibilities are endless, and the impact? Huge. Visual communication isn’t just a trend; it’s becoming a vital tool for any organization that wants to thrive in a complex world. If you’re curious to see how this could work for you, why not start small? Maybe a single session with a graphic recorder to test the waters. You might just find it’s the missing piece you didn’t know you needed. Ready to see your ideas come alive? Dive into the world of live visual note-taking and watch your meetings transform. With experts like Kate leading the way, the future looks bright - and colorful! Book time with Kate here: https://calendly.com/katecovey/30min

🎇 2025 was a Standout Year. 🧬 Here are the Stats for my Graphic Recording Sessions:  ✏️ ✍ 32 Projects 🙂‍↔️ 😌 21 Unique Satisfied Clients 🌎 9 States 🧭21 Cities: San Ramon, Mountain View, El Segundo, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Gilroy, San Diego, Sonoma, Boston, Denver, Durango, New York City, Seattle, Minneapolis St. Paul, Chicago, Florence, Kentucky, (multiple locations) Nebraska  🏭 9 Core Industries/Topics. Here is a breakdown of projects: 🦺 Manufacturing:  -Multiple Sessions of Crowd-Sourced Research to Create Products/Services for the Military and Space Companies -Visualized Process Improvement for a Major Chemical Company 🔌 Utilities: -Project Progress Tracking for a Major Utility Company -Gathering Feedback on Effective Healthcare Management in the Areas of Engineering, Facilities Management, Safety, and Biomedical Engineering when Building Hospitals with a Major Electric Company -Capturing Feedback on Energy Alternatives in a Small Community from Local Voices for a Local Utility Company 📗 Education: - 🌇 Education and Architecture: Visioning for an Architecture Firm to Build Intentional Schools for a District University Work: -Roadmap and Strategic Planning Work 🎶 Music and Entertainment: - 🎼 People Experience Summit Visual Summaries for a Music Company - 📽️ Creating Illustrations for a Major Steaming Platform for Internal Videos 💸 Philanthropy: -Global Leaders Philanthropic Summit and Utilization of Trust-Based Philanthropy ⚖️ Legal: -Live Visual Notetaking for a Large Legal Summit Capturing Key Learnings from Celebrated Professionals ❤️ Non-Profit Work: -Visualizing Speakers for Social Change  -Creating Templates for Workshop Exercises for a Non-Profit that is Focused on Nutritious Meals, Quality Reading Resources and Opportunities for Children to Play and be Active. -Illustrations from Survey Results for a Program Against Sexual Violence 💻 Technology: -Visualizing Automation Solutions for a Major Open-Source Enterprise Software Company -Visual Notetaking for a Software Company’s Offsite in their Hypergrowth Phase 🚑 Healthcare: -Live Visual Notes at a Summit My hope is that these real use cases provide some good examples of when and how to use a #livevisualnotetaker . Let’s chat to find out how I can support your next meeting: https://calendly.com/katecovey/30min https://www.linkedin.com/posts/katecovey_livevisualnotetaker-activity-7414461839683645440-O0P5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADZXdEBcgiPPAIicP1kF1l2uAMBVrnn-SA

Why Choose Live Visual Facilitation? Live visual facilitation, also known as graphic recording or visual note-taking, is a fantastic service offered by various companies and independent professionals in the United States. These facilitators translate discussions, presentations, and ideas into real-time visuals. They often use large boards or digital platforms to enhance engagement, understanding, and retention. Sounds cool, right? Providers offering live visual facilitation in the U.S. include independent professionals, agencies, and someone like me who works for myself and others. The Benefits of Working with Independent Practitioners Now, let’s dive into why you might want to consider working with independent practitioners instead of agencies. Here are some key benefits: Direct Collaboration When you work with an independent artist, you get to collaborate directly with them. This means no middleman relaying information. You can scope, design, and understand the intent behind the live visual notes at your meeting. Together, we’ll drill into the overall objectives and discover what we need to ask in each section of the agenda. This ensures a robust outcome for both internal and external audiences. Consistent Style You know what’s frustrating? When you hire an agency and the style of the visuals varies. With independent practitioners, the style you see is the style you get. Agencies may have a pool of talented artists, but even with brand guidelines, styles and outputs can differ. When you work with me, you know exactly what to expect! Competitive Pricing Let’s talk about money. Pricing is often more competitive when you hire independent practitioners. All fees go directly to covering expenses and the individual delivering the services. This can help bring down the bottom line since you’re paying the artist directly and not covering the overhead of an agency. Who doesn’t love saving a bit of cash? Experience Matters I’ve been live visual note-taking for over twenty years! Yep, you read that right. With experience in a variety of industries, my skills have been honed over decades. This means you get a richer and more refined output than you might with someone who has less experience. How Live Visual Facilitation Works So, how does live visual facilitation actually work? Let’s break it down step by step. Pre-Event Planning Before the event, we’ll have a chat about your goals. What do you want to achieve? What are the key messages you want to convey? This is where we set the stage for success. During the Event As the event unfolds, I’ll be there capturing the essence of discussions in real-time. This isn’t just about drawing pretty pictures; it’s about translating complex ideas into visuals that everyone can understand. It’s like magic, but with markers and paper! Post-Event Follow-Up After the event, you’ll receive a digital copy of the visuals. This serves as a fantastic reference for everyone involved. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the momentum going. You can revisit the visuals to remind your team of the key takeaways. Why Visuals Matter You might be wondering, why do visuals matter so much? Well, let me tell you... Enhancing Engagement Visuals grab attention. They make information easier to digest. When people see images alongside words, they’re more likely to remember what was discussed. It’s a win-win! Improving Retention Studies show that people retain information better when it’s presented visually. So, if you want your audience to remember those key points, incorporating visuals is the way to go. Fostering Collaboration Visuals can also foster collaboration. When everyone can see the same information, it encourages discussion and feedback. This leads to more productive meetings and better outcomes. Conclusion: Let’s Get Visual! In conclusion, live visual facilitation is an incredible tool for organizations looking to enhance their meetings. By working with independent practitioners like me, you can enjoy direct collaboration, consistent style, competitive pricing, and years of experience. So, are you ready to capture those complex ideas in an engaging way? Let’s chat about how we can make your next event unforgettable! And remember, if you’re interested in exploring more about live visual facilitation, check out this link for additional resources! There you have it! A fun, engaging, and informative blog post that meets all the requirements. Let’s get those visuals rolling!

Ever sat through a meeting or conference and thought, "Wow, I wish someone could just draw out a visual map what’s going on here"? Yeah, me too. Sometimes words just don’t cut it, especially when ideas get complex, you want to edit models, or the room’s energy simply dips. That’s where visual recording steps in like a superhero with a marker or an iPad pencil. Kate Covey is a pro who’s turning corporate communication into an art form. Let me take you on a little journey through the world of visual recording and why it’s a game-changer for businesses, event planners, and organizations looking to make their messages stick. What Exactly Is Corporate Visual Recording? Okay, so what’s this visual recording thing all about? Imagine someone listening to a meeting, workshop, or keynote speech is simultaneously sketching out the key points, ideas, and emotions in real-time. It’s like live note-taking with words and bubbles but way cooler because it’s more visual with pictures . Instead of just words, you get: Icons and symbols that represent ideas and make them pop Flowcharts and diagrams that map out processes simplifying them Colorful highlights that emphasize important points in a hierarchical fashion Quotes and key phrases that capture the essence and voices in the room This isn’t just doodling. It’s a strategic way to capture and communicate complex information quickly and clearly. And guess what? It works wonders in corporate settings where clarity and engagement are everything. Visual recording board capturing a corporate meeting Corporate Visual Recording Benefits You Can’t Ignore Now, let’s talk benefits. Why should your organization care about visual recording? Here’s the scoop: 1. Boosts Engagement and Focus Let’s be honest, long meetings can be monotonous, but when someone is sketching out ideas live, people tend to pay more attention. It’s like watching a story unfold visually. Your brain loves pictures, and this method taps into that natural preference and creates the desire to participate to see your ideas depicted. 2. Simplifies Complex Ideas Ever tried explaining a complicated process with just words? It’s tough. Visual recording breaks down those ideas into digestible chunks. Think of it as turning a tangled ball of yarn into a neat, colorful pattern. 3. Enhances Memory Retention Studies show that people remember information better when it’s presented visually. So, those colorful charts and drawings aren’t just pretty—they’re helping your team actually remember what was discussed. 4. Encourages Collaboration When everyone can see the ideas taking shape visually, it sparks more conversation and collaboration. It’s easier to build on ideas when you can literally see them. 5. Creates a Lasting Record The visual notes become a tangible takeaway. Instead of boring text-heavy minutes, you get a vibrant summary that people want to look at again and again. 6. Supports Diverse Learning Styles and Neurodivergent Populations Not everyone learns the same way. Some folks are auditory learners, others visual or kinesthetic. Visual recording caters to those who need to see to understand. Kate has been asked to show up for a group with a large number of neurodivergent participants to aid in their experience at a meeting. If you’re thinking, “Sounds great, but how do I get started?” Hang tight, I’ve got you covered. How to Integrate Visual Recording into Your Events and Meetings Alright, so you’re sold on the idea. Now what? Here’s a simple roadmap to bring visual recording into your corporate world: Step 1: Identify the Right Moments Visual recording shines in workshops, brainstorming sessions, strategy meetings, and conferences. Pick events where ideas flow fast and clarity is key. Step 2: Hire a Pro (Hint: Like Kate Covey) Sure, anyone can doodle, but capturing complex ideas live takes skill. A professional like Kate Covey knows how to listen, synthesize, and illustrate on the fly. Trust me, it’s worth the investment. Step 3: Prepare Your Space Make sure there’s a visible spot for the visual recorder to work—like a big whiteboard or flip chart that does not block a TV or speaker. Good lighting and seating arrangements help everyone see the magic happen. Step 4: Share the Visuals After the event, distribute the visual notes digitally or as prints. They make fantastic follow-up materials and can even be used in training or onboarding. Step 5: Encourage Feedback Ask your team how the visuals helped them. This feedback can guide future sessions and improve communication even more. Visual recording sketchbook capturing workshop ideas Why Kate Covey Stands Out in Visual Recording You might wonder, “There are lots of artists out there, why Kate Covey?” Well, here’s the deal. Kate isn’t just an artist; she’s a communication wizard who’s honed her craft with diverse clients across industries through decades of partnerships with consulting firms. She understands the nuances of corporate language and knows how to translate that into visuals that resonate. Her approach is: Collaborative - She works closely with your team to capture the essence of your message. This begins in the engagement process through delivery. Experienced - Years of practice mean she can handle fast-paced, complex discussions without missing a beat. Those strange acronyms? She's heard them before. Engaging - Her visuals don’t just inform; they inspire and motivate. People have been moved to tears seeing their personal presentations brought to life with powerful visuals. Plus, Kate’s knack for making complicated stuff look simple is a huge asset when you want your message to land perfectly. Tips for Maximizing the Impact of Visual Recording If you’re ready to dive in, here are some pro tips to get the most out of visual recording: Set clear objectives for what you want to capture. This helps the visual recorder focus on the most important points. This is a critical piece of the engagement process. Encourage interaction during sessions. Visuals can spark questions and ideas that might not come up otherwise. Use visuals as a springboard for action plans. Don’t just archive them—use them to drive decisions. Combine with other media like video or audio recordings for a richer experience. Train your team to interpret and use visual notes effectively. Remember, the goal is to make communication smoother, not more complicated. Visual Recording: A Smart Investment for Your Organization Look, I get it. Sometimes new ideas sound like extra work. Visual recording is more than just a trend—it’s a proven way to make your meetings and events more productive and memorable. When you invest in a skilled visual recorder like Kate Covey, you’re investing in clearer communication, better collaboration, and stronger outcomes. So next time you’re planning a big event or a crucial meeting, think about adding a splash of color and creativity. Your team will thank you for it. Ready to see your ideas come to life? Visual recording might just be the secret sauce your organization needs to communicate better and work smarter. Give it a try and watch the magic happen! Schedule time with Kate here: https://calendly.com/katecovey/30min

Live event illustration services offer several key benefits that can enhance the overall experience and impact of an event: Engagement and Interaction : Live illustrations capture the audience's attention and create a unique visual narrative in real-time, making the event more interactive and memorable. Visual Summary : They provide an immediate and creative summary of key points, discussions, or themes, helping attendees to better understand and retain information and creating actionable items to implement. Branding and Personalization : Custom illustrations can incorporate branding elements and personalize the event experience, reinforcing brand identity and making the event distinctive. Social Media and Marketing Content : The artwork created can be used for post-event marketing, social media sharing, and promotional materials, extending the event's reach and impact. Creative Documentation : Unlike traditional note-taking or photography, live illustrations offer an artistic and innovative form of documentation that stands out and is an excellent artifact for your offices. Encourages Networking : The presence of a live illustrator often sparks conversations among attendees, facilitating networking opportunities. Stimulates Action: There will be no more, "what did we decide on" discussions post-event. In the example below, the client decided on these 5 pillars and are very clear on their next steps. Below my image was my best crack at getting an AI-generated image summary. Which do you like more?

Remember the pandemic when we were forced to pivot to online meetings? While it's nice to be back in person for some, the staying power of online engagements cannot be ignored for a few prominent reasons: 💰 Cost-effective: Eliminates travel costs associated with in-person meetings, saving money for organizations.  ⏰ Flexibility: Allows people to join from anywhere with an internet connection, fitting meetings into their schedules more easily.  🧑🏽‍🦽 Accessibility: Enables participation from individuals in different time zones and locations, promoting inclusivity.  🧠 Improved collaboration: Features like online whiteboards and screen sharing facilitate real-time interaction and idea sharing.  🏃🏽‍♀️ Increased productivity: People can work in their own environment with fewer distractions, potentially leading to better focus and efficiency.  🗓️ Faster meeting scheduling: Simplified process to book meetings online, saving time.  🌱 Reduced carbon footprint: By eliminating travel, online meetings contribute to a smaller environmental impact.  💅🏼 Ease of use: Most virtual meeting platforms have user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to join and participate.  🌍 Global reach: Connect with colleagues and clients across different countries without the need for physical travel.  How does a visual note-taker fit into online meetings? ✍🏽 Virtual-share screen to watch the graphic unfold real-time- fully presenting or in the participant’s thumbnail to pin as you wish. ✍🏽 Create a template in Miro or Mural for participants to add to as an activity-I’ve done chutes and ladders before and boy was it a hit. ✍🏽 Digital remote-graphic recorder can hear the participants in the meeting and join just for the few parts of agenda that you’d like. This is a budget-friendly option as we save on travel expenses and overall fee. ✍🏽 Just want visual note-taking for one keynote? No problem, I can log on to record it live at the particular time slot or go back to the video and create a graphic.  ✍🏽 You've just saved on a lower visual note-taker rate and travel expenses and saved the planet to boot.

Your graphic recording holds value long after it is created. Use it for ongoing engagement, reflection, and as a part of a strategic planning effort. First things first, walk through the graphic recording with other people who were not at the session to get them up to speed. This will increase the reach and understanding of what you've discussed and where things currently are. Once everyone has an understanding of the current landscape, use it as a reflection tool months or years after the graphic creation. Use the past graphic recording to measure where you are today versus a year ago to see how far you’ve come. It’s good to have a graphic recorder at your meetings at regular intervals (quarterly, bi-annually, annually), if you'd like to compare your goals, objectives, vision, benchmarks, etc.  Graphic Recording is invaluable as a progress tracker which will: Identify strengths and weaknesses: By analyzing data, businesses can pinpoint areas where they excel and areas that need improvement, allowing them to focus efforts on addressing weaknesses.  Enforce data-driven decision making: Tracking progress provides valuable data that can be used to make informed decisions rather than relying on intuition alone.  Benefit from early issue detection: Monitoring progress allows businesses to identify potential problems early on and take corrective action before they become major issues.  Be utilized as a performance evaluation: Tracking progress against set goals enables businesses to evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies and tactics.  Be a useful tool in strategic planning: By understanding current performance, businesses can better plan future strategies and set realistic goals.  Create improved communication: Regularly reviewing progress data can facilitate better communication within teams, ensuring everyone is aligned on goals and aware of progress.  Create increased motivation and sense of accountability: Seeing tangible progress can motivate employees and hold them accountable for achieving targets.  Unveil customer satisfaction insights: Tracking customer feedback and related metrics helps businesses understand customer needs and improve satisfaction levels.  Foster market adaptation: Monitoring industry trends and competitor activity through data analysis can help businesses adjust their strategies to stay competitive.  Utilize the digital image of the graphic recording for marketing and communications materials (use the whole image or crop smaller pieces of it out) Tracking progress in business is crucial because it allows companies to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement, make data-driven decisions, and adapt strategies based on insights gained from the data, ultimately leading to better decision-making and increased chances of achieving business goals.

Next up in the value of graphic recording series is PROPER GRAPHIC RECORDING APPLICATION Your ROI is a visual note-taker who… Understands the opportunities to utilize graphic recording in an agenda and in what shape it takes .  Believe it or not, it’s not straight forward and could make or break the overall experience of attendees. 1. First and foremost, I start by understanding your meeting purpose and objectives. What are we here to do and with whom are we here to do it? Here, I have a fictional meeting where the existing and new executive leadership teams come together after a merger. 2. Next, we go through each line item in your agenda and understand how each section of the agenda maps to the overall meeting objectives . This is critical, because we can ensure that the right questions are answered during large group debriefs by knowing what each section is meant to accomplish. Oftentimes there is a gap between the intent and final product without this discussion…There is value, not only in the graphic recording product, but in the exploration and iteration of what we want to ultimately see in that final product. We work together and understand where in the agenda/what should be captured. Looking at our fictitious example for day 2, we know that we want to capture the pivot conversation. We know that we want to ask / find answers to record the following, "What is the ELT's role in the merger? What are the obvious gaps and redundancies when merging? What are the bodies of work that need to be done to meet the rest of our meeting objectives?" I always tell clients that I cannot record what isn’t asked and said…so if you want to know what the elephant in the room is, ask! This brings me to 3. What shape does the visual note-taking take? For those participants that do not feel comfortable verbalizing this, we can create an engagement board with questions you’d like answers to and let participants visit with post-its to anonymously respond. Here in our fictitious example, we might hear that there are sensitive hards truths like "lay-offs, budget cuts, changes in power dynamics, etc." Additionally, you can send out a poll and/or follow up survey. This is how we can get to the proper application of graphic recording so that It is most effective and useful per each section of the agenda. If we work with an engagement wall and everyone uses sticky notes to pass to the graphic recorder You’ll be surprised by how many of the comments will be related to one another and participants will see their pain points visualized… a graphic recording can help you dig into the best formats for capture to ensure inclusivity. The value of people’s voices being heard and validated cannot be understated and graphic recording is an artifact of that. I can work in an analog traditional sense, with foam or paper and markers. I can work digitally on my iPad and project to a TV or projector screens. This can be done a. cafe-style at an expo where I solicit answers to prompt questions and you see the answers digitally captured on a TV screen. b. off-line in a large group setting or c. on-line in a large group setting where the image is projected to screens. It's up to you to choose and when you work with me I will ensure the proper application of graphic recording!

I know, Graphic Recording is an investment that can sometimes be hard to prove out. I am going to explain what that per diem dollar amount nets you in this multi-part blog series. Up first: VALIDATION One of the ROIs of Graphic Recording is the real-time and ongoing impacts of VALIDATION . Validating what people say is invaluable as it can improve businesses in a number of ways, including:  Developing employee loyalty When employees feel validated, they are more likely to continue working hard for a company and to become brand advocates. Brand advocates spread positive rhetoric about your company, fostering a favorable brand image/reputation. Enhancing product development (think making your services/offerings stronger, throwing prospective investor reach and subsequent company funding, and improving company culture to boot) Creating customer (in)validation helps ensure a product meets the needs of the target audience and identifies potential issues early in development. In the case of a panel discussion where there are client success stories, this validation could impact investor readiness (a great graphic recording to socialize outside of the meeting) Validation is a key factor in getting a business funded.  Increasing workplace communication Validation is a communication strategy that can reduce pressure to prove who is right, and make problem solving easier.  Soliciting valuable feedback When people feel validated, they are more likely to accept apologies, forgive mistakes, and continue to work with you.  Speaking up can make people anxious, prompting the question, "What if I'm the only one who feels this way?" An easy way to solve for this while validating people is an engagement wall . Participants can anonymously and candidly write their answers to hairy questions like, "What's Getting in your Way?" where validating themes will likely emerge. Once we unveil problems, we can begin to address them and people will feel good that they're thoughts get out there and are synonymous with others thoughts. Don't sleep on the opportunity to use Graphic Recording at your next event for the ROI of VALIDATION .