Brand Narrative Media (BNM) Consultancy Project
Client
Brand Narrative Media, Nottingham-based video production startup evolving from Cloud Artisans
Industry
Media & Creative Consultancy
Duration
3 months (Spring-Summer 2024)
Project Type
Live Consultancy Project under MSc in Project Management (Nottingham Business School)
Problem and Purpose
Problem
Brand Narrative Media (BNM), a new entrant in the video production market, lacked a clear market position, had minimal brand visibility, and was struggling with low sales and a limited internal business structure.
Purpose
To conduct an environmental analysis, identify growth opportunities, and provide a strategic roadmap to improve visibility, scalability, and market positioning in the East Midlands.
Project Scope & Objectives
Scope
Market research, internal capabilities audit, stakeholder interviews, competitor benchmarking, digital strategy, and actionable business development plan.
Key Objectives
- Conduct internal and external analysis with actionable insights
- Recommend operational structures for scalability
- Increase brand awareness by 30% over six months
My Role & Responsibilities
Role
Lead Project Manager / Business Analyst
Responsibilities
- Acted as Project Lead and primary liaison between the client, supervisor, and team.
- Developed project scope, plan, and timelines using Monday.com and SharePoint.
- Created and managed Gantt charts and weekly reporting structure
- Facilitated all team activities, including task delegation, quality control, and conflict resolution.
- Led market research, client interviews, segmentation analysis, and implementation of strategy frameworks.
- Directed client updates, presentation strategies, and supervised final delivery.
- Provided tools and structured constructive feedback loops to underperforming team members.
Team Composition & Stakeholders
- Team Size: 5 team members (from multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural backgrounds)
- Client Stakeholder: Project Lead at Brand Narrative Media
- Academic Supervisor: Nottingham Business School
Vendors & Third Parties
- ATLAS.ti: Qualitative research and coding software
- Monday.com & Microsoft SharePoint: Task and file management
- Canva & Excel: Visualisation and dashboard tools
- Academic resources: Grand View Research, Company House, GOV.UK etc.
Methodologies & Tools Used
- Project Management: Hybrid (Agile + Waterfall) Monday.com, Gantt charts
- Analysis Tools: SWOT, STP, Benchmarking, Design Thinking
- Data Tools: ATLAS.ti, Excel, Canva
- Conflict & Task Management: Kanban, Tuckman’s Model, Goldratt's Critical Chain, Parkinson’s Law for time management
- Communication: Weekly reports, stakeholder engagement matrix, risk register, & Communication plans
- Team management: Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions for cross-cultural teams.
- Presentation: PowerPoint, MSTeams
Project Approach & Execution
- Initial Phase: Discovery meetings, research design, team setup
- Execution Phase: Weekly progress meetings, Gantt-tracked milestones, client updates
- Delivery Phase: Presentation of findings, strategic roadmap, marketing & funding plans
Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
To ensure stakeholders were actively involved:
- Created a Communication and Stakeholder Plan tailored to frequency and relevance.
- Developed clear updates and visuals for informed decision-making.
- Client check-ins and weekly supervisor updates
- Gantt chart updates were shared biweekly
- Client-specific documentation created for decision-making support
- Regular client engagement via Teams, email, and formal presentations.
- Final presentation included real-time Q&A and feedback session
Project Deliverables
- Comprehensive strategic market plan with a short- and long-term roadmap.
- Refined STP model targeting SMEs in the wholesale, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
- Positioning strategy showcasing BNM’s narrative expertise and flexible resourcing model.
- Recommendations to improve digital presence, hire staff, and secure funding.
- SWOT and Competitor Benchmarking Analysis
- Gantt Chart Project Timeline
- Risk Management and Communication Plan
- SEO & Social Media Strategy Blueprint
- CRM and Payment Plan Implementation Guidance
- Slide Deck for Final Client Presentation
- C-suite-level 54-page Strategy Report
- Retrospective Reflection & Lessons Learned Report
Results, Impact & KPIs
- Brand Awareness Target: Projected +30% increase in 6 months via SEO and social campaigns
- Client Readiness: Created a roadmap to scale services and structure operations
- Social Engagement: Identified and implemented a plan to improve digital activity by 500%
- Financial Insight: Comparative earnings benchmark showed BNM's gap vs. competitors
- Pricing Model: Advised pivot from fixed to flexible pricing to increase sales conversion
Leadership & Conflict Resolution
- Successfully navigated team conflict rooted in cultural dynamics and varying commitment levels.
- Employed Situational Leadership Theory, Rolfe's Reflective Model, and Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints to meet project needs.
- Mentored and motivated a team member into a leadership-support role
- Fostered resilience and encouraged performance through coaching, modelling, and restructuring tasks.
Testimonials & Feedback
“The strategic plan exceeded expectations. We now have a clear market entry strategy and a more professional online identity thanks to your team’s insight.”
– Brand Narrative Media
“The team demonstrated high levels of professionalism and agility, especially under tight timelines and internal conflict resolution.”
– Project Supervisor, Nottingham Business School
Multimedia Evidence & Supporting Assets
- Screenshots of Gantt charts and task boards
- Extracts from weekly status reports
- Client presentation slides (AOR)