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

Filed under Career, Networking, Personal | Tags: angela sinickas, bread for the city, capitol communicator, greg marsh, iabc, iabc washington, john clemons, judy gombita, marsh brothers band, ned lundquist, paul duning | Comments (6)

The Accidental Oriental Shrimp Curry

No matter what one’s communication style is, food is the one thing we all connect over (except maybe puppies and kittens, but then you start getting into exotic pet territory and before you know it you need a Bloody Mary).

At any rate, I’ve certainly found my love for cooking has broadened my network considerably, not to mention give me the courage to experiment in the kitchen much as I would in the PR arena.

So I’m adding a new category to my blog in celebration of all things food, the barriers it breaks down and the people who cheer me on (I’m extremely lucky that my husband doesn’t mind being my guinea pig). This accidental recipe is especially for Natalie Tindall, Chuck Hemann and Robin Eads (all of whom asked) as well as Judy Gombita and Betsy Karasik (who, along with Chuck, taught me the difference between red onions and shallots).

From my kitchen to yours: salud.

Shonali’s Accidental Oriental Shrimp Curry (serves 4, or 2 if you’re greedy)

Ingredients

2 tsp oil; 4 shallots, finely sliced; 1 cup finely sliced green onions (scallions); 1 tsp ginger paste; 1 tsp garlic paste; 1 tsp. Thai red curry paste; 2 cups sliced mushrooms; 1 julienned red pepper; 1 cup cut green beans; ½ zucchini, chopped; 1 cup mung bean sprouts; 2 cups shrimp (can use frozen, pre-cooked, just take the tails off when you defrost them);  1 can reduced-fat coconut milk; 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro; 1 ½ tsp lemongrass; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste).

Recipe

Heat oil in a nonstick pan. Reduce flame to medium, add shallots, fry a couple of minutes until just brown, then add green onions. Add ginger, garlic and Thai red curry pastes. Mix well.

Add mushrooms and cook a few minutes until they start reducing slightly, then add the rest of the veggies. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally; do not overcook.

Add shrimp and mix well. After a couple of minutes, add salt, cayenne pepper and lemongrass, and finally the coconut milk. Stir well until the gravy is the consistency you desire. Finally add chopped cilantro and give it a couple of stirs until it’s well mixed.

Serve over your grain of choice: white or brown rice, or noodles. Equally delicious as a hearty soup.

Notes: Don’t have fresh veggies? Use frozen (they’re almost as nutritious, as I learned when I worked with the American Institute of Cancer Research). Don’t have the specific veggies listed above? Bung in what you have. As to ginger and garlic pastes, if you like Asian cuisine, you can find them at an Indian grocery store (or just grate/crush the fresh stuff at home). Finally, when you’re frying the onions/pastes, if they start sticking to the pan, just throw in a couple spoons water to unstick ‘em and it won’t hurt anyone.

If you try this, will you let me know how it turned out? Especially if you cooked a variation, I’d love to know.

Filed under Cooking, Recipe of the Week | Tags: aicr, betsy karasik, chuck hemann, Cooking, judy gombita, natalie tindall, recipes, robin eads, shrimp, thai food | Comments (11)

Follow Friday: The Graceland Edition

One of the things that struck me about Elvis’ former home on our recent road trip through Tennessee was just how comfortable it looks.

Graceland’s certainly an imposing structure when seen from afar – or even the front. But once you get inside, the rooms aren’t vast and the furniture looks really comfy. It doesn’t look too much like a rock star’s home, unlike some of the mansions you see on Cribs; it looks like a place you’d want to hang out in.

So this week, I’m highlighting five of my Tweeps in the greater marketing communications community who aren’t just rock stars at what they do; but more importantly, they’re good, honest people whom I feel comfortable with.

1. Robin Lane (@robinhlane). I first came in contact with Robin a few years ago while she was still at Vocus, and have been a fan ever since. She’s an amazing PR professional but more than knowing the mechanics of the business inside out, she builds and maintains relationships.

2. Arik Hanson (@arikhanson). Arik and I started “talking” on Twitter, and finally met at BlogPotomac earlier this year. Boy, is he a nice guy! He knows who he is, but he won’t beat you over the head with it. And that’s saying a lot for someone of his caliber and standing in the community.

3. Leigh Fazzina (@leighfazzina). Will you look at this woman’s bio? My god, what a rock star! But what’s even more amazing about Leigh are her energy and generosity of spirit. Just looking at her avatar is a a pick-me-up.

4. Arun Rajagopal (@arun4). I don’t even remember how Arun and I came across each other, but he’s now one of my closest Twitter friends. He’s great at what he does – advertising – but he’s just FUN to talk to. And he cares; you can tell that from the minute you start talking to him.

5. Judy Gombita (@jgombita). As far as rock stars go, Judy’s at the stratospheric level. We could probably take everything the rest of us know and it would fit on her little finger. But the even greater thing about Judy is that she never lets you get lazy. She’ll challenge – and make you think – about everything you think you know.

There are many more Tweeps who give me immense value – these are just five of them. Even if you don’t work in the PR/MarComm areas, I believe you should get to know them. Because they’re like Graceland: imposing but oh so comfortable to be around.

Who’re your “Graceland” tweeps? I’d love to know.

Filed under Communication, Networking, Public Relations, Social Media, Twitter | Tags: arik hanson, arun rajagopal, followfriday, graceland, judy gombita, leigh fazzina, pr, robin lane, tennessee, Twitter, vocus | Comments (5)