IABC/Greater Cincinnati

November Meeting Review
by Connie Ruhe

The latest in social networking gives us technology that allows us to reach more people faster than ever.  So what can we do with it?

The high-energy speaker at PRSA's November 10 meeting talked about the latest in social networking and viral marketing--and the fun ways to use them.  IABC's Greater Cincinnati chapter joined with PRSA for lunch at The Phoenix in downtown Cincinnati.

Peter Shankman launched a website called HARO, "Help a Reporter Out" in March 2008, and it quickly became one of the most successful word-of-mouth programs ever.  HARO attracted more than 75,000 current members without spending a penny on advertising.

An entrepreneur, adventurist and author of, "Can We Do That?  Outrageous PR Stunts That Work--And Why Your Company Needs Them," Peter said his company makes up rules as they go.  If something works, they keep doing it.  If not, they stop.  Pretty simple.

Peter shared his social media rules:

• Transparency.  Quickly admit when you've made a mistake and fix it.
• Relevance.  The media landscape is fractured, so don't put all your communication eggs in one basket.  Ask your customers how they want information--and deliver it.
• Brevity.  The average attention span has dropped to a few seconds.  So learn to write to pack a punch.
• Top of mind.  Don't just have a social network, stay in touch via your sites or personal phone call.

Andrea Kay, nationally acclaimed author and career counselor gave us a career revival on October 23, at The Health Foundation Conference Center at Rookwood Commons in Norwood. Attendees learned how to take control of our careers and go from pitiful to powerful with tips from Andrea. She provided tools for taking charge of your career including how to assess your value, understand how you are affecting other people, practice defensive realism, bank on your best asset and get out and network more. She also provided a couple of take-home exercises to get our brains firing and start thinking differently about our careers. Andrea also offered IABC members a 10% discount on personal career coaching. If you are interested, send her an e-mail at Andrea@AndreaKay.com and reference IABC in the subject line. For more information about Andrea and her services, go to her website: AndreaKay.com

Meet people you don't know and strike up business-related small talk.  This is pretty challenging for many of us, but IABC Greater Cincinnati makes it easy.

The chapter's Speed Networking event September 29 provided an opportunity for local communicators to make a lot of initial connections in a fun, relaxed setting.

Plenty of new faces were on hand at Molly Malone's Irish Pub in Pleasant Ridge.  About 25 participants spent three 10-minute sessions before embarking on a networking free-for-all.

Speed networking is similar to speed dating, with one important distinction:  Speed dating helps you narrow the playing field of possible mates.  Speed networking helps you grow your list of contacts, which makes it a win-win for participants.

Members and non-members alike shared challenges facing communicators.  We have to demonstrate how we add value to a client's communication projects and not just complete them.  "I think the biggest challenge for all of us is selling your "thinking" and not implementation," said one member.

Some participants shared their desire for employment or free-lance opportunities in writing, editing, web design, graphic design, public relations and electronic media.  Others commiserated about heavy workloads and limited free time.  One commented:  "I haven't had a personal 'thing' in so long!"

Whether or not you attended the Speed Networking event, you know networking is important, an activity that requires skill and practice.  The IABC website includes tips on how to be the best networker you can.  Check out http://www.iabc.com/members/pdf/PowerNetworking.pdf.  These "Power Networking Tips" include how to go beyond your initial contact with colleagues.