CORPORATE HISTORIES
Why do you need a corporate history?
All good books are alike in that ...after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was. If you can get so you can give that to people, then you are a writer. - Ernest Hemingway
Making a commitment to preserve the history of your company might be the most important document your company ever commissions. Your company's long and rich history can provide a tremendous legacy for your family, friend, business associates, and industry- if it has been preserved appropriately.
A corporate history accomplishes a variety of important tasks. There are many substantive reasons to work now to preserve your company's story. These are just a few:
- To chronicle the unique history of your business.
- To portray your company' role within its community and its industry.
- To preserve important stories before they are forgotten or lost.
- To serve as an invaluable public relations tool. Materials from this books should be useful for future press releases, press articles, trade journal materials, and community/personal histories.
- To honor those involved in the business's past, present, and future.
- To mark a special anniversary or era in a company's history.
Reynolds believes that corporate histories should be much more than ornaments on a coffee table; they should offer multiple services. A good history should not just preserve stories and honor the past; they should assist in present and future public relations and sales promotions.
Creating a corporate history can help a company define its identity and its goals for the future.
Reynolds has formed a partnership with Harbor Links Publishing, LLC, to undertake the entire publishing process for you, if you'd like. Together, we offer the complete publication process for corporate histories:
- Define the book's theme, concept, and approach.
- Identify present and future needs the book should help address.
- Interview people who were/are instrumental in your company's story.
- Speak with experts in the community and industry to present an environmental view of the company. (optional)
- Research archival materials and work with staff members to identify appropriate photographs and memorabilia.
- Write a clear, concise, compelling story, presented first in a polished rough draft, and then in accurate, edited final copy.
- Present a rough draft of the story and several visual approaches to the book design.
- Supervise the entire book production and publication.
- Deliver your history in a timely manner.
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