Ideas that stick.
Designs that click.
People want you to succeed. Often because your success makes theirs possible. That goes for your newest customer to your longest-serving employee.
Earning their trust takes commitment. They expect ideas that feel fresh and ring true. Not recycled hyperbole or generic claims.
So, you need a steady stream of creative ideas. With a visual style that makes them feel connected.
That’s our specialty.
We strengthen your leadership voice and brand identity—and unite them both. We get heads nodding in agreement, starting with yours. So please have a look at what we can do. Then let’s see what we can do for you.
We have managed projects involving:
BILL GATES
BLUE JEANS
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
EBOLA
THE UNABOMBER
KOOSH BALLS
KILLER WHALES
BABY FOOD
GMOS
AIDS EDUCATION
KITCHENWARE
PRIVACY LEGISLATION
SARBANES OXLEY
SMARTPHONES
CARBON CAPTURE
SUPERMAN
SAAS
CANNABIS
BLOCKCHAIN
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
A FITBIT TO SAVE ELEPHANTS
Sounds random but it’s not.
We were chosen for these assignments because we’re great at translating brand ideas into gripping storylines.
It’s true: two heads are better than one.
We put ours together to make audiences eager to learn and confident to act. Duet isn't just our name; it’s a promise to collaborate closely with you every step of the way.
Mike leads the story side of the house. Drawing on 30+ years as a strategist, speechwriter, and content developer, he knows how to win hearts and minds.
Ann is in charge of visuals. As a graphic designer, illustrator, and art director, her work sets the mood and enhances the meaning of what clients have to say.
“I highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a communications leader who inspires commitment, brilliance, and spectacular outcomes. Not only is he a big-idea strategist, he is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and execute on whatever needs to be done to deliver success."
STEVE BURKHART, WEBER SHANDWICK
STRATEGY
Ready. Fire. Aim.
This happens way too often in business.
But never with our clients.
We always look before we leap.
And by “looking” we mean scouting for opportunities and pitfalls. Learning what will work best.
Building strategy is a deliberate process.
Full of deep dives and tough questions.
Making informed decisions that steer towards success.
Our strategies are holistic and adaptable.
Aligning activities and maximizing resources. Setting a new standard for managing marcom.
Learn more about our custom apporach, The CORE Method.
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Research
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Workshops
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Positioning
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Naming
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Brand Guidelines
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Product Marketing
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Earned Media (PR)
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Employee Engagement
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Social Responsibility
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Issues Management
Services
The Good Fights
Elevated Levi Strauss & Co. as a pioneer in corporate social responsibility, setting benchmarks for how social good can boost business success
Trustworthy Computing
Strengthened Microsoft’s credibility as a provider of secure software and a champion of online privacy standards
Strategy in Action
The Investor's Friend
Positioned Schwab as "the honest broker" amidst widespread industry scandals and developed investor education efforts worldwide
Future You
Showcased frozen prepared meals as gifts to our future selves who need help managing busy lifestyles
The Infrastructure for Infrastructure
Enhanced ITT’s status as a leader in clean energy, pharmaceuticals, condition monitoring, and water management
Health Control
Revamped CooperCompanies positioning to highlight how its offering empowers people to make important choices about vision and fertility
“As a manager and mentor, Mike led though a process of guided discovery that empowered people to develop ideas they believed in while maintaining accountability and a high standard of quality."
CASEY MCGEE, MICROSOFT
MESSAGING
Ever drifted off in a meeting?
Ever had to re-read a paragraph?
That's what happens when messages underwhelm.
Sometimes, word choice is the culprit.
More often, it’s the structure of the story.
Or lack thereof.
We write with purpose, clear and sharp.
Stripping away the unnecessary.
Enriching facts with anecdotes.
You get powerful messages that are potent, not pushy.
Simple, straight and true.
Convincing and actionable.
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Master Narrative
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Presentations
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Speeches & Bylines
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Blogs & Press Releases
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Copywriting
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Social Media
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Website Content
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Case Studies
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Whitepapers
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Content Audits
Services
Industry Leadership
Researched and wrote annual Outlook Report to share insights about digital technology and private capital financing
Triple Bottom Line
Built pitch decks, bylines, and white papers to build the business case for aligning investments with environmental goals
Messaging that Connects
Change Management
Developed leadership messages to introduce the foundation’s new grant making procedures for drug and vaccine development
Public Affairs
Mobilized grassroots, corporate, and political support by writing PSAs and bylines calling for swift, collective action to stop the spread of Ebola
Employee Engagement
Designed and implemented content strategy to engage and educate
T-Mobile’s 44,000-member workforce
Innovation
Created a multi-media presentation – A Fitbit for Elephants – to demonstrate how big data and micro-technology can protect wildlife
Ann helped us develop a unique visual style that truly reflects who we are as a business. She brought our strengths and values to life in a way that deeply connects with our customers. From our logo to our website and marketing collateral, her partnership in every project was invaluable.
JENN HALLAHAN, UNION SQUARE ADVISORS
DESIGN
No nation hoists a flag full of text.
It’s imagery that defines and inspires us.
Visuals create a vibe that words alone cannot.
In business, strong design gets strong results.
Products gain prominence.
Brands break away from the pack.
Visual storytelling isn’t about making things look pretty.
It’s about making them feel right.
Because emotions are a powerful driver of decisions.
We see design as a creative collaboration.
A way to establish identity and affinity.
And bring new energy to your organization.
Services
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PowerPoint Decks
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Logos
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Brand Identity Systems
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Website Design
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Social Media Graphics
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Marketing Collateral
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Advertising
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Illustration
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Publications
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Art Direction
Design Collaborations
Need support with marcom strategy,
messaging, or design?
Maybe all three?
On this call we will discuss your goals and scope of work.
Please schedule a 30 min call and let’s map it out.
- MIKE & ANN