I hear it at least once a week. A grandiose statement about how savvy twenty-somethings are and that they are the experts in exploring and using technology. I interact with that generation every week at the college level, and see a different type of native. In the past two years, I have had students who: […]
In case Halloween is under the radar at your attraction, here are some staggering stats from the National Retail Federation. 170 million people will celebrate Halloween this year, according to the group’s annual consumer spending survey. 24% of those plan to “visit a haunted house,” a category which has grown consistently year after year from […]
A friend was recently lamenting his frustration on yet another crazy board meeting. The group dynamics were contentious and the meetings went way too long. The leader often stifled conversation during meetings. After serving 12-plus community organizations in the past 10 years, I have experienced boards, committees and organizations with a wide range of communication […]
In the early days of my public relations career, it was an accepted fact that you should train the key people in your organization who may be called upon to speak to the media. In some organizations, this “training opportunity” was geared to one or a few key executives. In larger organizations, it was often […]
Is PR talk value? At a recent professional development event I attended, the speaker continually referred to talk value as PR. The first couple of times, it was okay. By the seventh or so reference, I started to cringe each time the phrase was used. What is it about this reference which grates on my […]
I attended the “Rockstars vs. Roadies, Who Makes a Better Employee?” session at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival last month. This session was a real stretch for me because I am a one person shop, so I don’t hire people, at least not right now. A thread which emerged during the session about interview […]
During a recent Twitter chat with solo PR practitioners, the subject of recovering from the loss of a client became a hot topic. As the chat progressed, the group serendipitously compiled a list of signs that all, in hindsight, recognized were signs that a client was about to change their mind about the relationship. Change […]
Happy birthday Girl Scouts! Today this venerable organization for girls turns 100. I attribute my success in my life and my career to a great Girl Scouting experience. The motto “Be Prepared” has served me well in public relations and in my family life. I was a Girl Scout for the ten best years of […]
A SWOT Analysis, often used by businesses in strategic planning, is a great way to determine your next career step. By now, you’ve created a SWOT Analysis with your “trusted advisors,” so it’s time to look at it and analyze your results. Reflect on Results Put all the Strengths | Weaknesses | Opportunities |Threats together […]
Nonprofits depend on volunteers for all sorts of things. In some organizations, they may answer phones or process donations. In others, they may assist clients or staff. But volunteers also direct strategic campaigns to bring millions of dollars into organizations. And they often govern the very structure of the nonprofit, through board service and operations. […]