Scott Donaldson Communications

Happy New Year's everyone! What a year 2024 has been. I successfully completed my Level 2 New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills - Sustainable Horticulture this year. While gardening isn't directly related to communications, it was a great opportunity for me to hone my skills as I aim to live sustainably, utilising our fruit and vegetable garden. After picking up this qualification, I am now thinking about doing some more upskilling in 2025. There are a number of courses and programmes available at polytechnics and learning institutions across the country, with some fees free. What are your plans for 2025? Are you looking to upskill? What areas are you looking to upskill, personal, professional or academic? #HappyNewYears #HappyNewYears2025

Meta is betting that characters generated by artificial intelligence will fill its social media platforms in the next few years as it looks to the fast-developing technology to drive engagement with its 3bn users. Thoughts? Does this make you more or less likely to use Facebook and Instagram?

As we near the end of 2024, I thought it would be good to reflect on some highlights. Here is my preview on the Southland Stags for Rugby News' August edition. The Stags actually finished better than expected. My breakthrough player Michael Manson and go to player Sean Withy will both play for the Highlanders in 2025. Bring on the tribalism in 2025! The title is quite profound heading into the new year. #BunningsNPC #NZRugby #SouthlandStags Highlanders

Merry Christmas to everyone. Have a great time resting and relaxing with family and friends over the holiday period. It is important to make sure you take a break and recharge your batteries. See you all again in 2025! #MerryChristmas

Do you still watch TV? Thirty years ago, television was one of the go-to communications channels along with radio and newspapers, to reach target audiences, but these days people consume their information differently. Instead, people use more modern ways to stay informed including social media, on-demand services and podcast apps. That's why it is important to stay up with the latest trends in order to reach your target audience. Get in touch with me: scottdonaldsoncommunications@gmail.com or flick me an email if you need a hand to help you reach your target audience. Where do you get your information from?

Meta is down at the moment. If your organisation or business has all its eggs in the Meta social media basket or any basket for that matter, it could be time to diversify. If you need help setting up social media channels for your business, then email me: scottdonaldsoncommunications or flick me a message. We can then look to see the best channels for reaching your target audience.

The SBS Bank Tour of Southland is on! Here is a blast from the past from my sports reporting days where I went on a few tours. Olympic rowing legend Hamish Bond proved to be a very good rider in the 2016 Tour of Southland. https://lnkd.in/g2iARMsu

Technology has come a long way in the last 40 years. If you are still trying to reach your target audience using Teletext, then it is time to update your communications channels. Email me: scottdonaldsoncommunications@gmail.com and I can help you set up communications channels to get your key messages to your target audience. Don't get left behind! https://lnkd.in/g2q45EYi

Facebook and Instagram are both down, how are your communication channels going? It definitely pays to not put all of your eggs in one basket. Being flexible is key. Sometimes there are other ways to reach your target audience other than using Facebook and Instagram. The likes of eDMs, articles and ads in printed publications, phone calls and even door knocking can be effective ways to reach your target audience. If you are looking to diversify your communications channels and need some help to reach your target audience, then flick me an email: scottdonaldsoncommunications@gmail.com

Do you still use X? While some people have left X (formerly Twitter) since Elon Musk took over, it is hard to beat for short, timely or live posts and information in certain sectors. During sports or political events, or even emergencies, X is definitely a place to get live updates first, before the media outlets. The Bunnings NPC account retweeted this recent X poll post I did and it ended up getting a whopping 65 votes. While it isn't the most scientific poll in the world, it is interesting to note that those who responded, tend to place a higher importance on the Ranfurly Shield than the Bunnings NPC title. It is a good thing it is safely tucked away in the Top of the South (for now)! Just because some people you know have left X, doesn't mean it can't be an effective way to reach your target audience, depending on what you are trying to achieve. Do you need help getting your messaging to your target audience? Get in touch with me scottdonaldsoncommunications@gmail.com