Know-How Exchange : Taglines/Names

[A word of warning]. Most newsletters are set up by the management and speak to the management. That is to say the engagement level is zero. Because this is the clue to your newsletter being catchy. It has to chime in with the way your employees think and feel about your business.

If my experience of industry is anything to go by the workers have a very low opinion of the management in any case. [/end word of warning]

That is to say if it is to be successful it needs to deal with the things they are interested in. Things like safety, production goals must come as an occasional extra. It's a little like an email newsletter, you are invited into their email box. If you aren't providing real value, you get the spam-box treatment. The rule of thumb here is 90% interesting content and 10% sales talk. Maximum.

So put the "fun stuff" first because that way your newsletter will get read!

All of which doesn't get you a newsletter title, does it? Only as I say to be catchy we need to know what interests them apart from their weekly pay-check. It's not very inspiring when the management don't even know your name, let alone what you do or what skills you have. I know some guys with skills that would make your eyes pop - and their management put them on the lathes because that's what needed doing. And that's where they stayed because the management didn't give them any more thought. It would please me to hear you say that it isn't like that where you are - it would be unusual. I worked as a designer for five years, and the boss spoke to me once.

Well it can't be "The Management's View" can it? Can you imagine anybody reading that apart from the directors? (Who wrote most of it)

Break Room Bulletin? Really, I'm fresh out. I would really need to speak to a few of your guys to get a flavor of what they think, find their positive attitudes and work with them.

Thank you for the comments and suggestions. It is however our executives that want to speak to the shop employees. They want to provide them a sense on communication beyond what we are already doing. This newsletter is to instill the safety of not only yourself but of those around you. If we can get involvement and use real stories from our employees that is what we are looking for. We are willing to give it a shot and look for feedback from those that are reading it or stopped reading it.

Thanks again for the ideas. I will certainly talk to some of the folks out on the shop floors.

Thanks, I do like the "Talking Shop". Pretty general so content can get creative. Thanks again.

Glad you liked them!

Be warned that guys in boiler suits may not get "creative". They will be in for any good story you have to tell though. It was Solomon that said "a skilled man will stand tall in the presence of his king". These people may not have been to university, their skills in handling materials will make your jaw drop.

(The) Floor News
Floor Beat
Floor Scoop
Floor Talk
Floor Bulletin
Your Floor (Newsletter)

Thanks Steve for the ideas.

"Catchy" isn't a selling point (even if it's written in capital letters). To attract attention the content needs to be relevant and salient.

Shop floor workers tend to be dubious of managerial publications such as newsletters (I used to be a trade union rep and have in the trenches experience of this).

You might do better regardless of what management think is best, to speak to groups of people one on one, with sleeves rolled up and with neck ties off. Use this opportunity to tell stories. Include lunch (free food is a great attraction). Be honest and be willing to listen and to then act on what you learn. Safety is only an issue if there have been accidents, or if management believe it's an issue.

If it IS an issue, bring in outside experts to teach and to ask for input.

If you must produce a publication, ask shop floor workers to contribute to it and publish their content as it, even if it's critical of management.

Thanks to every one for you suggestions.

Title: "(Company / Department) People"
Gary is correct, it needs to relevant an salient.
Also lots of names, and faces… there is a fantastic book called "Made to Stick" which I would you recommend you get hold of a copy of… one of the case studies in it is about a local newspaper, has a lot of relevance to your situation.