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





