Elections, Engagement and Evolving Platforms

Election Strategies: Adapting to Broader Social Media Audiences

As 2024 EU elections approach, politicians and NGOs are shifting their digital communication strategies. For Dave Keating this pivotal trend isn’t just about simply expanding reach, but also effectively understanding the unique characteristics of a distinct audience on each platform. ?

In fact, in the wake of the European Commission 's decisive action to halt all advertising on X - effectively combating disinformation - the social media has relinquished its position as a credible core platform. Thus, giving way to broader-reach social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok that are becoming crucial players during political campaigns, accelerating a major shift in better shaping engagement and reach as well.

In other words: the better you understand where and how to engage with your users, the higher the chances will be to build their loyalty! What’s the key? To tailor messages to the nuances of user preferences on each platform, so to maximize the communication impact and achieve campaign goals.

?? Watch below for more insights:

Following Dave's insights on shifting social media strategies, Clare Carlisle is gearing up for a different challenge: to be able to “communicate in simple terms” what is hard for people to understand.

Examples? Translating complex veterinary regulations into understandable matters to the public, from pet owners to farmers. Only by doing this, we can bridge the communication gap in highly technical digital spaces and foster effective decision-making among a broader public. It’s a promise: you will be #OnePawAhead when communicating with your cats and dogs!

Learn more about AnimalhealthEurope ’s strategy and its place in digital communication:

Our Art Director, Antonin de Bellefroid , highlighted the significant impact of AI on the design landscape. While AI brings a new depth to the creative process, Antonin emphasizes that it's the human touch that elevates design to its full potential, the creativity that breathes life into art that resonates, transcends, and leaves a lasting influence.

#ZNLive with Harold Tor-Daenens Tomorrow!

Tune in at 2pm CET tomorrow for our live chat featuring Harold Tor-Daenens ? and host Philip Weiss !

Harold is a Global and EU Digital Communications, Advocacy, and Marketing Consultant at Hyperion Tree Digital , boasting over 20 years of experience in digital communication. Join us to delve into #BeersPoliticsEU, explore the latest trends in communication, discuss strategies for navigating digital landscapes, and gain valuable advice for those just starting out in the field.

Don't miss out on this! Click here to reserve your place!

#ZN25 highlights: Standout moments with our clients??

In collaboration with the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) , we are thrilled to unveil?an educational animated video in honour of for World Diabetes Day. This impactful tool, echoing "Know your risk, know your response", empowers individuals to understand and manage diabetes risks more effectively.

This isn't just a campaign; it's a movement for health education. We invite you to embark on this journey of knowledge and join the conversation. Let's make a difference together on ISA's Twitter and LinkedIn.?

Join the movement, spread awareness, empower lives! ??

#ZNLive with Clo Willaerts #Episode 351

In our latest #ZNLive episode, hosted by Philip Weiss and Jesús Azogue , digital expert Clo Willaerts shared invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.

?? Content is key - Clo emphasized the critical need for good content, stating:

"Content has to be good, relevant, and distributed to the right people."

Highlighting the essence of effective digital communication. In the digital landscape, quality content remains a core element for being #OneStepAhead.

?? Diversification is the new Transformation - Philip discussed the impact of X’s changes, noting:

"Twitter was the platform for EU politics and discussion. Everybody is very uncomfortable with the changes that Musk is constantly bringing to them and this constant uncertainty."

Platform diversification, thus, is key: relying on owned media channels, such as newsletter and blogs, provides more control and stability in a rapidly changing environment.

???? Technological blindness - Jesús noted a generational shift in understanding technology, he shares:

"As the time passes, students are kind of taking technology for granted, understanding the things much better, but then kind of losing the contact or the track or the connection with how or why those things are happening."

?? Key Takeaways:?

• AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming content creation, significantly reshaping and expediting content creating processes.?
• Educating newer generations to understand evolving dynamics of technology and its historical context is vital.?
• Exploring immersive storytelling experiences to keep on track with the evolving nature of engaging content formats.?
• Diversifying content distribution across platforms mitigates platform dependency risks.

Recommendations Reads and Resources:

From?Clo Willaerts:

?? Exponential Organizations 2.0: The New Playbook for 10x Growth and Impact by Salim Ismail - A positive perspective on the impact of digital technology.? ?

??The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin - Insights into the essence of artistic creation.

From?Philip Weiss:

?? Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel - Exploring enduring principles amidst change.

From?Jesús Azogue:

?? Assassin's Creed Nexus in VR - A recommendation for immersive storytelling and gaming.

Missed the episode? You can rewatch it here!

In Focus

Disinformation crackdown: EU Commission pulls the plug on X advertising ???

In a bold move, the European Commission has taken a decisive stand against disinformation by halting all advertising on X.

This game-changing decision, championed by Deputy Chief Spokesperson Dana Spinant , marks a turning point in the digital advertising landscape.?

?? Navigating the Evolving Digital Landscape: What Are The Essential Strategies for Your Organization?

???? Reevaluate your Advertising Strategy: As the EU Commission shifts its focus to platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, it's time to reassess your advertising approach. Align your distribution with audience engagement and organizational goals for maximum impact.?

???? Amplify your Digital Presence: Relying on a single platform is a thing of the past. Broaden your digital footprint across multiple platforms to mitigate risks and reach a diverse audience. Strategic diversity ensures stability in the ever-changing digital environment.?

???? Elevate your Content Game: In the midst of these changes, never forget the power of high-quality, engaging content. Whether paid or organic, your content is the authentic voice of your organization. Create material that resonates and sparks engagement across all channels.?

???? Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: The digital landscape is in a constant state of flux. Embrace agility in your communication strategy, enabling quick adaptation to new platforms, emerging trends, and evolving audience behaviors.

As digital arenas evolve, so should our strategies. For a reassessment and tailored advice, contact us at [email protected].

Explore the shift in our latest article here or check out POLITICO’s article below. ??

Don’s Miss Out – Networking Events Happening in Brussels ???

Join the thought leaders of international and European associations at the Brussels International Association Forum!

Mark your calendar for December 13-14th and share your ideas with the brightest minds of BRUSSELS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (BIAF) . This premier event will bring together representatives of international and European associations, non-profits, federations, societies, and NGOs to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and tackle common challenges.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with the global association community and make a lasting impact on your organization!

For more information and to register, see below.

Insights and Inspiration

A nostalgic visit to Christ Church, Oxford , where he studied PPE, led Philip Weiss , our CEO to re-explore the impactful ideas of mental models and paradigm shifts.

At the heart of this journey is Thomas S. Kuhn's influential work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, which inspired our CEO's unique concept of #Hypershifting - challenging our habitual ways of thinking to adapt to today's dynamic world.

Must-Reads for Mind Expansion from Phil:?

Shane Parrish's The Great Mental Models for diverse perceptual tools and Clear Thinking a primer on refined thinking and mental models.

Embrace Hypershifting: What mental models guide your worldview? How do you pivot your thinking to stay #OneStepAhead in a constantly evolving landscape? Let's join the conversation with Phil on LinkedIn! ??

Download our eBook and #MakeItCount!?

Unlock innovative?end-of-year strategies?and gear up for a?successful new year?with our latest eBook, a treasure trove of insights from 25 years in digital communication. Dive into creative approaches for year-end reports, festive communications, and more.

Available here!

Digital News and Trends

Flipboard Exits X, Embraces Mastodon Amid Moderation Concerns

Flipboard has ceased its active presence on X (Twitter), shifting its focus to Mastodon and other open social platforms due to concerns over X’s relaxed moderation policies and a rise in harmful content. This move aligns with Flipboard 's values and its interest in federated social media services, following X's decision to limit its free API, impacting Flipboard 's content sharing function.?See more here.

LinkedIn Updates: Key Features Discontinuing in December 2023?

Starting December 14th, 2023, LinkedIn will discontinue carousel posts, profile videos, and in-image linking features, impacting existing and future content and underscoring the need for adaptable digital marketing strategies. See more in the link above.

Microsoft Ignite 2023: The Ethical Debate Over AI-Generated Avatars

Microsoft's Azure AI Speech text-to-speech avatar, unveiled at Ignite 2023, creates photorealistic avatars that recite scripts, raising ethical considerations about AI's use in digital representation. Click the link above for more.

Meet the #ZNetwork?

Introducing Antonin de Bellefroid , our seasoned Art Director who's been part of our journey for over a decade. For Antonin, meditation isn't just a routine; it's a vital source of peace and clarity amidst life's complexities. This practice has significantly enriched his mental and emotional well-being, adding depth and enrichment to various aspects of his life.

Meet Diana Teofilova , our Bid Manager, who has been a valuable part of our team for over two years. Passionate about skiing and dancing, Diana is an avid lover of water and mountain sports. She also considers herself the #1 Terry Pratchett fan, though this claim is yet to be verified. In her free time, you'll likely find her immersed in nature or enjoying the intense beats of rock drums and guitars.

Don't miss out – join our community today and stay?#OneStepAhead?by subscribing to our newsletter. We value your thoughts and would love to hear your take on the topics we've discussed. Comment below and let's keep the conversation going.?