Dawn Whisler is founder of One Clear Voice
Before studying communication management, Dawn was a software designer, instructor, and engineer for enterprise telecommunications providers.
A far cry from corporate communications. Or was it?
It was within this high-tech, high touch, business ops setting that Dawn developed a sharp project management acumen, the ability to distill complex concepts, and the appetite to far exceed client expectations. She observed the intrinsic connection between effective communication and business success, and so pursued communication management.
Industries include: architecture, engineering, construction, renewable energy, education, government, non-profit, financial services, IaaS, SaaS, cloud services, data center storage, beauty, restaurant, and telecommunications.
Dawn’s experience with diverse industries, media, and audiences offers a true cross-pollination of best practices in copywriting and communication. Her award-winning work has earned high praise and high profits for client-partners and employers.
Knowing is not enough. We must apply. Willing is not enough. We must do.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Project Highlights
Superior PR Performance
Building the first of its kind zero-energy office building for the US Department of Energy (DOE) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was a game changer. Dawn led an 18-month public relations campaign to raise national awareness for the project.
The organic, integrated PR campaign was officially rated ‘superior performance’ by the DOE, garnering dozens of building awards and millions in earned media. The client made the cover of ENR magazine as "Newsmaker of the Year," and the campaign was awarded the coveted IABC Gold Quill Award.
Brand Management
Shortly after a merger, Dawn was recruited to develop a new brand promise with relevant, engaging content in a crowded IaaS landscape. As the rebrand gained traction, the role expanded. Dawn led the company's public relations efforts and customer reference program, managing dozens of testimonial videos and positive placements in trade journals.
The tag line Dawn created, Be On Solid Ground. Even in the Cloud, was widely adopted as a rally cry for the new brand.
Employee Engagement
Twelve hundred employees faced uncertainty when three financial services companies merged. Dawn designed an internal communication plan to support the new business strategy. At the core was a digital platform featuring a collaborative intranet that reduced expenses, enabled real-time news, reduced email overload, and increased transparency.
Participation in new programs and volunteerism soared. The firm experienced a breakthrough with employee line-of-sight. Surveys revealed a 70% rise in satisfaction with communication.
Market Research
Dawn put her research and communication skills to work for her academic capstone project in collaboration with Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo - a 100+ year Wyoming tradition and ‘The Daddy of ‘Em All.'
Based on her research - which included exit surveys and a thesis on the modern American rodeo - several changes were recommended to increase attendance and satisfaction. All recommendations were enthusiastically implemented by the rodeo Board of Directors.
Franchisee Enablement
During a communication audit for a national beauty salon chain, Dawn saw the need to shore up support for franchisees, a key audience segment. With insight from primary research, she led development of a digital marketing toolkit to assist 300+ franchisees with their local marketing needs.
The toolkit elevated engagement and marketing results on a national scale. With a renewed focus on franchisee enablement and multi-media content, the salon chain became Forbes #1 Franchise to Buy and grew 200% in 3 years.
Thought Leadership
Dawn authored white papers, blogs, articles, landing pages, web copy, and email campaigns over several years of consultancy with a start-up cloud storage firm.
Designing the Next Generation Data Center became a pillar piece in a series of thought leadership papers that fueled lead-gen, conversion, and sales. In addition to sales funnel increase, the firm gained the interest of industry mega-player, and a merger soon followed.