Of Sugar And Spice And Everything Nice

It’s my birthday, and I’m taking the day off, but I needed to say this to you, so here goes:

Remember the nursery rhyme? “Of sugar and spice, and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of.” Little boys seemed to get the shaft on that one (I mean, who wants to be made of snips and snails and puppy dogs’ tails?).

That popped into my head this morning as I was looking at the incredible kindness and warmth flowing towards me today, my 40th birthday. Actually, the flow started a few days ago, when people started donating to my birthday fundraiser for Kids with Cameras via Facebook’s Causes application.

I’m thrilled to report that thanks to your generosity my goal of raising $800 was long surpassed and, as of this writing, we’re up to $966 that will go a long way in changing the lives of marginalized kids around the world. If you’d like to keep donating, though, don’t stop! Or do consider helping by “joining” the cause, spreading the word, etc. – you know the deal.

I may be beginning my own new decade today, but I’d like to think I’ve still got some sugar and spice left in me. And a large part of that is because of the people around me and I get to know each day. Social media, in particular, has opened up my world in a way I could have never conceived. So has IABC and the wonderful people I keep meeting through professional events.

And when those professional connections grow into relationships, boy, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. At last night’s IABC/Washington chapter meeting, for example, as I got up to make the announcements (because I’m chapter president and all), the entire room sang happy birthday to me.

WOW.

(By the way, my friend Shashi Bellamkonda took the photograph of me with Jakub Konysz, our chapter’s co-VP, Professional Development, who told me, quite sincerely, that I “look great for 40.” How cute was that?)

I am very lucky to have all of you as my sugar and spice. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I hope, in some small way, I am – or can be – that for you too.

And now – here’s to the Fab Forties. Bring ‘em on, I’m ready to rumble!

Photo: courtesy (cc) Shashi Bellamkonda www.shashi.name Social Media Swami Network Solutions

Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall

With IABC/Washington’s first chapter meeting of 2010 coming up next week, I thought it would be interesting to see what our moderator, Daria Steigman, had to say of the communication changes over the past decade (h/t Geoff Livingston for giving me the idea from the final BlogPotomac). That’s what our meeting’s focusing on, or “looking back, looking ahead,” as its title goes.

I know Daria will have a lot more to say come next Thursday, but in the meantime, here’s a peek into her grey matter to get you thinking. And I hope we’ll see you next week – it’s not often that Shashi Bellamkonda (Network Solutions), Torod Neptune (Waggener Edstrom), John Taylor (Sprint Nextel) and Paul Sherman (Tech Wire Publications) gather under the same roof. Early bird registration ends Jan. 12, so hurry, hurry, hurry!

What, in your opinion, is the most dramatic change we’ve seen in the communication landscape since 2001?

I tend to think that Web 1.0 and the democratization of access to information changed the landscape in the 1990s. That said, the arrival of Web 2.0, and the ability for everyone (or anyone) to be a content creator, publisher, and sharer of information transformed the communications landscape in the first decade of the 21^st century. If you think about some of the key developments and the tools we take for granted, they weren’t around when the century started. If you did a timeline of some of the key platforms, you have 2003 (WordPress, MySpace, LinkedIn); 2004 (FaceBook, Flickr), 2005 (YouTube), 2006 (Twitter).

How has this impacted you as a communications practitioner?

It’s clearly had an impact on how we do our jobs, but it has had less impact for me on how I approach it. Perhaps because I came out of the public affairs arena, I’ve always thought about audiences in buckets. By this I mean that no organization has One Audience—but instead multiple stakeholders. And while you need message consistency across your audiences, you need different language and different approaches to reach different people.

While I’ve always thought of this as “duh,” I’ve been surprised in recent years that so much of the social media conversation has been around this very topic.

From a day-to-day perspective, the biggest changes may be the speed of information and the volume of business intelligence that we need to track. It’s also the enormity of the task.

It’s not like blog posts and videos are replacing old-school marketing, because not everyone’s using social tools or using them the same way. So our jobs are just getting bigger.

At the same time, I’ve been really pleased to see the conversation move away from siloed work stations (i.e., public affairs, public relations, media relations, marketing, customer service, and so forth) to how these must be integrated for an organization to be successful.

As a business owner, I have to add one more transformative element: the democratization of access to people. These same tools that allow us to share our stories also enable us to identify and engage with people across the globe.

Is there anything you miss about “the old days”?

Not really, because I think that this shift to a more level playing field vis-à-vis access and information is a social good. And while some rail that we’re all spending our time online, I actually believe that this technology is making us less isolated.

Our communities may no longer be bounded by geography, but they’re just as strong.

What’s next?

Data, data, data. Data-driven research has always been critical, but we’re just starting to harness the enormous amount of information that is all around us. Two other big trends are mobile (of course) and real time. Real time is going to be increasingly important, both in the data context and also for reputation management.

Daria Steigman, founder of Steigman Communications, has been helping companies and other organizations tell their story for over 20 years. She’s also the author of a bimonthly column and a blog that both focus on the business of running a business, entrepreneurship, communications, social media, strategic thinking, and Independent Thinking.

Mirror Image: Carol Green

3 Reasons Why Being a Volunteer Leader Helps Your Business

One of the great things about joining a professional development organization is that you can get hands-on leadership experience as a volunteer; experience which, they say, will serve you well in your “real” job. Certainly that’s a selling point for such organizations and in the PR/communications field, organizations such as IABC and PRSA thrive on it.

What kind of leadership skills do volunteer leaders actually gain though? And do these skills actually benefit them in their careers, or are they simply good volunteer leaders because of skills they’ve acquired through their day jobs?

At the end of the day, is being a volunteer leader—with all the time it takes—worth it?

I recently started my term as President of IABC/Washington after having previously served on the chapter board as VP, Professional Development, for three years until a couple of years ago. Before moving to the DC area, I served on the board of San Francisco Bay Area Publicity Club and now, in addition to my duties at IABC/Washington, I volunteer on IABC International’s Accreditation Council.

Lessons in leadership

Here are three leadership lessons I continue to learn that have been assets in my own business:

1. “Decision by committee” and “democracy” are two different things.

I’m all for healthy debate and respectful disagreement. Heck, that’s why we have boards—to discuss and debate the pros and cons of decisions that will affect chapter members as a whole and, possibly, be held up by other chapters as precedents or best (or worst) practices.

But if you’re in a leadership position such as president, you’ve got to know when to close that debate and make a decision.

It’s ok if all decisions are not unanimous. That’s why boards have quorum requirements. What’s not ok is to drag on the debate until you’ve practically twisted everyone’s arm to agree with your viewpoint.

Debate the heck out of the issue, get the majority vote, make the decision (setting your ego aside, if you have to) and move on.

2. Boundaries don’t just work, they’re necessary.

It’s easy, as a volunteer, to get sucked into doing things that other board members should be doing, but aren’t, or delay on…because you’re passionate about the organization you’re volunteering with, and want to succeed. “If so-and-so can’t do it, or doesn’t do it, I’ll just do it myself.” That’s all well and good, but you’ll get very tired being Superwoman after a while.

Successful delegation is a critical aspect of successful leadership, management and growth. If you don’t learn to set boundaries on your time and activities, you’ll constantly be at the receiving end of unrealistic expectations and will burn out. So be clear about what you expect and when you expect it, and then—and this is the tough part—let your team work its way through its collective charge. You can’t do everything for everyone all the time and if you do, it’s an indication that your team has some serious weaknesses.

3. Setting benchmarks and measures of success is critical.

I write (you may have to log in to read this op-ed I wrote in PRWeek earlier this year) and present often on measurement in public relations, because that’s my field.

But measurement itself is intrinsic to the success or failure of a business—and it should be at a volunteer level as well.

Passion, by itself, does not make for success. By definition, success implies meeting or exceeding stated goals and objectives. Which means we’ve got to start at the end—what do we want to achieve? Put it in writing, and working towards it will be so much easier. And if you don’t meet your goals, there’s no shame in that. But tracking your progress will at least show you what’s working and what’s not. And when it’s time to pass the torch, the new set of volunteer leaders will be grateful for the lessons you can pass on to them.

It’s quite a ride, this volunteer thing.

It’s exhausting, energizing and exhilarating all at the same time (and I’m sure you could come up with a few choice words yourself). And it’s the very best thing I could have done for myself to grow not just in my profession, but as a leader, manager and now, business owner.

I very much hope it is for you too, and I would love to know what lessons in leadership your volunteerism have taught you.

Would you continue the conversation by leaving a comment so that we can all learn from each other?

This post – with a very few minor differences – is featured today as a guest post on Women Grow Business. Many thanks to Jill Foster for allowing me to cross-post here. And this great image, called “Out in Front,” is from monkeyleader’s Flickrstream (also found by the redoutable Jill).

Looking Back, Looking Ahead: IABC/Washington’s January Chapter Meeting

I know it must seem like IABC/Washington’s the only thing on my mind at present – I assure you it’s not. But I did want to let you know about what I think will be a terrific event as we usher in 2010. And given how crazy the holidays get, I wanted to get the word out earlier rather than later.

Our first chapter meeting next year will bring together some of the smartest people in the DC metro area to look at the changes (often dramatic) that our business has seen since the turn of the century (and you know I’m not just talking Twitter) and tell us what they think lies in store for us. Nobody has a crystal ball, but I’m pretty sure we’ll get some interesting insights from these folk.

To loosely quote from our invitation: “… what will 2010 bring? Can we expect any changes for communication professionals in the National Capital area.. what are the communication trends we’re likely to see … and how can we learn to harness technology to work even better for our organizations and clients?”

Here’s who you’ll meet and get to hear from:

Shashi Bellamkonda, director of social media and “social media swami” for Network Solutions; Torod Neptune, senior vice president/Global Public Affairs practice leader and GM of Waggener Edstrom’s DC office; John Taylor, senior manager of public affairs at Sprint Nextel; and Paul Sherman, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Tech Wire Publications.

I know – we don’t have a single woman on the panel, which is terrible – though we did try and we’ll have to do  better next time! But we were able to convince Daria Steigman, founder of Steigman Communications and a former chapter president to moderate, so ladies – Daria will represent.

Save the date (or register now): January 14, 2010, 5:30 – 8:30 pm, and we’ll be meeting at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza in downtown DC.

I anticipate great people, great networking and killer learning… and hope to see you there!

Image: Dan Queiroz

PR: Make 2010 Your WIIFM Year

Last week I (and several others) attended IABC/Washington’s holiday party. I think a decent time was had by all (I had fun, but then, I’m the chapter president so I’d hardly rat my own chapter out).

We had wonderful holiday music provided by the Marsh Brothers (one of whom, Greg Marsh, is a chapter member; I learned this thanks to Judy Gombita, who is, I’m convinced, omniscient). We raised money for Bread for the City via a raffle ($450) and donations and we networked our hearts out. I can’t thank our raffle donors enough.

Measurement legend Angela Sinickas made a surprise appearance, which thrilled me, measurement fanatic that I am. She generously made an on-the-spot raffle donation as well, as did Paul Duning of the Capitol Communicator. The food wasn’t great, but the bonhomie was.

What really warmed the cockles of my heart, though, was when we did a slightly different iteration of what we call the “go around.” (We say this is an IABC/Washington tradition, but I have no way of knowing if any other chapters or groups do it.)

At any rate, the “go around” is where we invite anyone new to the chapter or IABC, looking for a job or with a job to offer to stand up and share that information. It’s a way for us to welcome newcomers as well as for job-seekers and providers alike to be able to identify each other, not to mention put them on the radars of those who might be able to help them.

Last week, we added something to the GA. We asked people to share good news – account wins, new jobs, etc. – as well.

You know what? Many people did; quite frankly, way more than I expected in this economy. And almost all of them had something good to say about IABC in the bargain. One even credited his new job – a 17-month process! – with a specific IABC-sponsored workshop and offered to share his learnings with anyone who wanted. Which, obviously, is a great thing for potential new members and sponsors stopping by to hear.

WIIFM

One of the questions I hear over and over again, when it comes to association membership, is “What’s in it for me?” Even if it’s not explicitly stated, you know that’s where the questioner’s going.

If you’d been at our holiday party, I believe you’d have gotten the answer very clearly. What’s in it for you is camaraderie. What’s in it for you is experience. What’s in it for you is giving and receiving through the generosity of spirit.

What’s in it for you are the completely unanticipated consequences of throwing in your lot with a bunch of your fellow communicators who, once they see you’re along for the ride, will start bringing value to your life in ways you probably never imagined.

And while no one can promise you a job, or a raise, or a promotion as the result of joining such a group, chances are you’ll get more out of it than you ever dreamed of. But you’ve got to show up and get involved.

My Wish for You: a 2010 Resolution

If there’s one thing you do for yourself as a PR or communication professional, as 2009 gives way to 2010, please consider this: commit to a professional development group and pitch in. That last part is important; you’ve got to get involved.

It doesn’t have to be IABC; choose your local PRSA chapter or any other group where you feel a gathering of kindred spirits. I know it’s not inexpensive and believe me, I’ve felt the pinch.

But it really is the best investment you can make in yourself and your growth as a professional. You’ll make incredibly strong bonds with people you might otherwise never have met along the way… and you know what else? Your career will follow.

That’s what’s in it for you.

All photographs © 2009 Marvin T. Jones

This Is What I Feel Like…

… between work, illness and events (which I’m still excited about, so if you’re going to be at IABC/Washington’s Silver Inkwell Awards gala tonight, or BlogPotomac tomorrow, make sure you say ‘hello’).

And until things settle down, I won’t be *here* for a while. So if you miss me (hah!) just press play, and you’ll be in my world.

DC Conference Mania

There are two great events coming up in DC next week that I’m really looking forward to. Here’s my not-so-subtle pitch for you to come and be a part of them, if your schedule and wallet allow, because I think they’re smart conferences for smart people to attend.

The first is the Grow Smart Business conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29 (you’ll have noticed my blog’s been sporting the badge recently). I was lucky enough to be invited to it and I can’t wait to hear from Chris Anderson, Sen. Mark Warner, Bob London, Jill Foster (I’ll finally get to meet her!) and so many others. I’m also going to be helping to staff a “learning center” that will be open throughout the day at the conference, so if you’re planning to attend, please do stop by and say hello.

I’m chuffed that IABC/Washington (y’all have heard enough about how I’m involved with them, no need for me to go on about it, right?) is a partner of the conference; with a significant number of our members at or owning consulting firms, this is a golden opportunity to learn from some real movers and shakers. So if you’re an IABC/Washington member interested in attending the event, you can get $100 off the conference registration fee ($299) by using the code IABCGROWSMART here.

The second is Communitelligence’s Rethinking Corporate Communications conference, immediately following GSB (Sept. 30 and Oct. 1). There are some really interesting speakers lined up, including Mark Weiner, David Henderson, Jack Holt from the DoD, my friends Mark Phillips, APR and Ned Lundquist, ABC, and many more. Yours truly will be part of the measurement panel along with both Marks (MarkyMark?) on Oct. 1.

IABC/Washington is also supporting this conference, which is built around delivering value in a tough economy; again, if you’re a member, you can get $300 off the standard registration of $900/$600 (depending on whether you work in a corporate or government/nonprofit setting). The details are on our website.

There’s always a lot going on in DC and no doubt I’ll be wiped after next week, but I wouldn’t miss either of these for the world. I hope I’ll see you there.

Photo: brianjmatis

Communicator, Sell – and Share – Thyself

A couple of weeks ago, IABC/Washington (of which I’m president-elect) held its annual “resume review and networking night.” This has become something of a tradition for us, and one of the chapter events I enjoy the most. Every August, we scrap our usual monthly meeting format (bar, dinner, speaker, you’ve all been there before) and devote the evening to networking.

Um, yeah. Nothing new.

What I think adds a different dimension to this event is that we schedule a limited number of free resume reviews and career counseling sessions, which take place throughout the evening, which senior communicators – both members and non-members – graciously donate their time to do.

It’s a bear to organize. Putting the schedule together, dropping people in, rearranging things because folks have conflicts that come up, handling late requests and walk-ins when the schedule is already overflowing… yea, you get the picture.

It’s completely worth it.

If you’ve ever been a job hunter, let alone one in a down market, you’ve felt the pain of paying a few hundred dollars for an “expert” to look over your resume. Perhaps they made great edits, but your search hasn’t gotten any easier. You have no clue what you’re doing wrong … are you doing something wrong? And you get even more depressed when everyone around you seems to be getting the jobs they want (or at least, say they want).

It’s great to be able to provide this service free (the meeting registration is the only fee). Granted, most of the volunteer reviewers are not avowed experts in that area, but you figure after 20, 25 years in the business, they know a thing or two about resumes. More often than not, what people are looking for is not a once-over of their resume, but for someone to listen to them, bounce ideas around with, and perhaps walk away with a couple of new doors to knock on.

This year, we had 24 such sessions scheduled. Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, we were able to knock out 54 such sessions – we accommodated everyone on the wait list, and then some (you can see some of the photos from the evening here).

But what really makes this kind of event, I think, is the recharging of batteries that almost everyone experiences – especially those who’ve been on the hunt for a while. I didn’t, but almost teared up, when one of the attendees told me that he’d barely been able to get out of bed in six months, since being laid off (and this is someone very senior we’re talking about here) but that this event – the first he’d attended in those six months – made it worth it. Yup, I’m mushy like that.

What added even more value to our event was the presence of Kate Perrin, CEO of PRofessional Solutions, the DC area’s only PR temp agency. Kate, who’s a stalwart of the DC communication community, made brief remarks on job hunting in a down economy; reassuring (don’t lose your confidence) but also candid (don’t apply for any and every job, get to grips with SM and put new technologies to work for you, don’t ignore the cover letter, and market yourself because you are your product).

Here’s a brief clip of Kate talking about marketing yourself. Yea, the camera’s shaky (I didn’t have a stand and it’s the first time I’ve done this), but hopefully it’ll give you a flavor of the evening.

By the way, if you’re interested in putting on a similar event for your own professional development group, PRSA or IABC chapter, please let me know; either shoot me an email or leave a comment below with your contact information. I’ll be more than happy to share our formula.

You’ve got to share – and sell – yourself. It works.

What programming have you found most beneficial, no matter where you are? Do you have a formula for job hunting or career success? Do share it so that we can all learn.

Photo: permanently scatterbrained

And The Award Goes To…

Seems a day doesn’t go by that I don’t get flooded with invitations to enter award programs, and I’ll bet you suffer the same onslaught. Is it just me, or are there more awards programs, more invitations and more deadlines to deal with these days? Not to mention the fees.

Ribbing aside, each of us has their favorite awards programs – or the ones they’d be thrilled to win. I was curious about this, so I posed the question to communicators (on Twitter, of course), and here’s what I got:

Sean Williams said it was the Institute for Public Relations’ “Golden Ruler” as did Katie Paine (who’s a founding member of IPR’s Measurement Commission; (SNCR, PRWeek and PRNews‘ awards also ranked on Katie’s list). Here are a couple more responses:

Brenda Drake (@brenleigh) elaborated further via email: