Businesses today are inundated with data. When used properly, it can be a goldmine that informs how they meet consumers’ wants and needs. But without context, data is meaningless.
Communities create context, but accessing this context is easier said than done. The biggest challenge is understanding and navigating different perspectives, no matter the volume or tone. The key? Active listening.
Active listening has been at the heart of Ichor’s community-centered approach since the firm’s inception. By combining deep data and analytics with on-the-ground engagement, we help clients navigate the complexities of communities in which they operate and better inform strategies. At Ichor, we know that sound research and meaningful engagement lead to lasting transformation.
How Ichor’s Research and Analytics Probe Deeper
Research is an essential step before launching a strategy. Businesses must understand the communities that will be affected both directly and indirectly. Ichor’s approach to research is multi-faceted and leaves no stone unturned.
Local market research and reporting lay the foundation for any engagement. Ichor provides clients with an in-depth view of political, socioeconomic, and demographic factors at the community level. This helps clients better understand the unique disparities affecting each market.
Geographic information systems (GIS) technology enables Ichor to plot public and industry data against locations — going block by block to capture data points like race and ethnicity, income, education, public transportation, and more. GIS provides comprehensive visualizations of how access to public and/or private resources influences disparities. These maps enable Ichor to capture trends and identify patterns from a bird’s eye view before hitting the ground to conduct listening sessions.
Ichor’s hyperlocal analyses also identify the unique pain points that affect outcomes in a community. By analyzing intersectional sociopolitical and economic factors in underserved communities, Ichor can mitigate risks and identify emerging needs.
Ichor also utilizes corporate and regulatory experience to monitor hot-button issues and policy developments in real-time. This helps clients stay up to date on the most important developments in a community so they can respond accordingly.
Engaging Communities to Develop Stronger Connections
Any time a business enters a new market, community support is crucial to its success. Without first building strong connections with local leaders and stakeholders, companies face an uphill battle.
Ichor leverages research to inform targeted community engagement strategies that forge bonds between companies and communities. The first step is to collect and integrate diverse inputs. By engaging trusted community leaders, ranging from community-based organizations to faith-based leaders, Ichor develops a comprehensive understanding of pain points, client reputation, and how the next project can have the greatest positive impact.
Strong community relationships are integral to building trust. Stakeholders already embedded in the community like local nonprofits can provide valuable input for engagement strategies and become local ambassadors that promote current and future initiatives. Identifying these influencers can make or break a project’s success. Activists and local thought leaders have the eyes and ears of the community at large. Learning who they are and engaging them can give businesses an edge and help elevate their message.
Putting It All Together to Transform Communities
Once companies have compiled insights from local research and engagement, they can create strategies that transform their organization and local communities. Ichor helps develop change strategies that incorporate employee engagement and internal communications to operationalize equity. Ichor also helps with crisis prevention and risk management, identifying challenges before they arise to help projects run smoothly.
When it’s time to announce a new initiative or establish thought leadership, Ichor can help guide marketing, public relations, and communications teams to success. This can be especially beneficial when it comes to amplifying meaningful engagements — communities want to know what positive impact businesses will make, and how the company will uphold the promises it’s made.
Finally, businesses must understand the importance of creating an inclusive environment, especially if they are operating in underserved communities. Ichor can review existing diversity policies to strengthen recruitment and retention, streamline workforce development, and identify new sources for local talent.
Driving Change with Actionable Data
With a unique approach that combines research and engagement for lasting transformation, Ichor Strategies helps clients successfully implement strategies that mitigate risks and scale business operations.