Inside out: Strengthening communication and measuring impact for social SMEs – A recap
Last Friday, CollectiveUP had the privilege and pleasure of hosting the 3rd DIGISET workshop for social SMEs, Inside Out: Strengthening Communication and Measuring Impact. This was an engaging and insightful online workshop dedicated to helping social small and medium-sized enterprises enhance their communication strategies and measure their impact effectively. Organized by DIGISET, the event brought together a stellar lineup of experts who shared their knowledge and tools to empower social SMEs in navigating the evolving landscape of impact measurement and strategic communication.
A look back at the 3rd DIGISET workshop agenda
Karel Vanderpoorten, EU Commission Policy Officer for Social Economy at the DG GROW, opened the session with a warm welcome and an introduction to the theme of the workshop, setting the stage for a deep dive into strategic impact measurement and communication practices.
Strategic planning for impact measurement
Lavinia Pastore (Open Impact) took us through the essential frameworks for impact measurement, highlighting the shift from mere outputs to meaningful outcomes. She shared how Open Impact integrates economic, social, and environmental value through innovative methodologies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her insights underscored the importance of a hybrid and flexible approach in measuring and managing impact effectively. Check out the presentation slides.
Tools for measuring impact for social SMEs
Cecile Ney (Impact Hub Network) introduced a range of digital tools that are transforming the way SMEs track and evaluate their impact. From data aggregation and visualization platforms like Tableau and PowerBI to AI-driven predictive analysis, she demonstrated how SMEs can leverage these technologies for data-driven decision-making. Her session emphasized the role of ethical data collection, digital inclusion, and accessibility in modern impact measurement. See slides here.
Online presence, real-world impact: Mastering strategic communication
Yannick De Smedt (OMcollective) delivered a high-energy presentation on seven key marketing lessons for SMEs, providing a mini marketing MBA in 30 minutes. He challenged attendees to rethink their digital marketing strategies, emphasizing long-term brand building over short-term returns and the importance of balancing ROI with customer engagement. His approach to strategic communication was both practical and inspiring. See slides here.
Work smarter, not harder: Agile practices for impactful teams
Closing the event, Liliana Carrillo (CollectiveUP) shared her expertise on agile methodologies for team efficiency and impact-driven collaboration. She explored how agile practices can help SMEs optimize their workflows, foster participation and well-being, and create a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. Her session introduced essential tools like Kanban boards, Community Mastery Boards, and Offerings & Requests Boards, which support self-organization, task tracking, and collaboration. By leveraging platforms like Trello, Notion, and Miro, teams can improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Liliana emphasized that agility is not just about speed—it's about empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and aligning work with impact-driven goals. See slides here.
Key DIGISET workshop 3 takeaways
✅ Impact measurement must evolve: SMEs should adopt flexible, research-backed frameworks that go beyond economic value.
✅ Digital tools can be game changers: Leveraging AI, data visualization, and ethical data collection is crucial for effective decision-making.
✅ Marketing success lies in balance: Strategic communication should focus on both short-term performance and long-term brand equity.
✅ Agile methodologies drive efficiency: Teams can work smarter, not harder by incorporating agile principles, leveraging visual tools like Kanban, and fostering collaboration through structured but flexible approaches.
What’s Next?
We are thrilled with the level of engagement and the knowledge shared during WS3: Inside Out. A huge thank you to our speakers and all participants who made this event a success!
Stay tuned for upcoming workshops as part of our series on strengthening SMEs through digital transformation, impact measurement, and strategic growth. If you missed the session or want to revisit the presentations, feel free to reach out—join our DIGISET community.
🚀 Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your key takeaways and insights using #InsideOutSMEs #ImpactfulCommunication #DIGISET.
