Putting the "O" back in SEO

At Connective Canvas, we specialise in facilitating strategic discussions that bridge gaps and drive clarity. Recently, we collaborated with a leading eCommerce SEO technology partner to navigate significant vendor technology changes. This project involved gathering critical insights and facilitating an online workshop to address the impact of these changes.

Our initial phase focused on engaging with the partner's Chief Technology Officer (CTO). These discussions aimed to unpack the specifics of the vendor technology changes, understanding their implications for the SEO platform. The identified changes were determined that they could significantly impact platform functionality and client strategies. These insights formed the foundation of our workshop design, ensuring we addressed the most pertinent concerns.

The online workshop was structured to encourage a candid exploration of the “good, bad, and ugly” of these changes. We implemented interactive activities, including virtual brainstorming sessions and structured Q&A, to maximise participation. The goal was to create a platform for open and honest feedback, allowing all stakeholders to voice their perspectives.

During the workshop, we encountered initial reluctance to engage in open discussion, particularly with C-suite executives present. Participants were hesitant to voice concerns that might be perceived as critical. This common hurdle highlighted the need for a carefully managed environment.

To overcome these challenges, we implemented several strategies:

• Anonymous Input: We utilised Miro's Private Mode feature, allowing participants to share concerns anonymously. This facilitated honest feedback without fear of reprisal.
• Breakout Rooms: Where appropriate, smaller breakout rooms and Miro's Breakout Frames provided a more comfortable setting for detailed discussions. Commonly, this technique aids in encouraging participants to share their thoughts freely.
• Confidential Feedback: We emphasised the confidentiality of all discussions, assuring participants that their feedback would be anonymised and presented in a consolidated format.
• Pre-Workshop Surveys: Prior to the workshop, we distributed surveys to identify potential concerns, allowing us to proactively address them during the session.

These techniques fostered a safe and confidential environment, enabling participants to engage openly and constructively.

The workshop yielded valuable insights into the impact of the vendor technology changes. Participants shared detailed feedback on the platform’s functionality, usability, and strategic alignment. This information was used to inform the partner's strategic response, addressing key concerns and refining their development roadmap.

A key lesson from this project was the importance of independent facilitation in addressing sensitive topics. Creating a safe and confidential environment is crucial for fostering open communication. Independent facilitators can provide an objective perspective, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.

This collaboration with the eCommerce SEO technology partner demonstrates the value of Connective Canvas's expertise in facilitating strategic discussions. By addressing communication challenges and fostering open dialogue, we enabled the partner to navigate vendor technology changes effectively. The workshop provided a platform for crucial feedback, ensuring the partner’s strategy remained aligned with stakeholder needs.