IABC Be Heard Weblog

For the first time in a very long time IABC and a “competitor” organization, PRSA, collaborated on presenting a professional development event. Insider’s Guide to Internal and External Branding was held October 21 at the Briar Club.

The panel was stellar–Mark Schumann, ABC, with Towers Perrin, who has written two books on the subject; Bethany Haley, president and brand director of Savage Design; Karen Love, director of practice growth with PKF of Texas, an accounting firm; and Christine Mathers, corporate communications director, Weatherford International. Denise Patrick with Pierpont was the very able and entertaining moderator.

The sponsors were impressive–Brookwoods Group, Beth S. Miller Marketing Communications, Art Squad, Business Wire and Houston Wellness Association.

I just have one question–where were you?

Those who did attend came away with pages of notes, some of which I had planned to share in this space. But I changed my mind. You really had to be there. You really should have been there. I’m at a loss as to why more IABC and PRSA members didn’t take advantage of this professional development opportunity. I believe the topic was relevant. So what was it? Too early? Too long? Everyone was out by 10 a.m.

I’d like to thank Travis Harper, our board’s marketing VP, for representing IABC so well and working with PRSA’s Suzanne Lammers and Melanie Brenneman to plan the event. Thanks to the speakers who took the time from their busy schedules to participate. Thanks to the sponsors for investing in the program. Thanks to PRSA President Priscilla Tinsley and her board for the willingness to collaborate with IABC.

And thanks to those who attended. I know that like me, you came away with valuable information you can use in your jobs and careers. Special kudos to the students who attended.

We plan to work with PRSA again to present another program next year. Maybe then I can add you to the list of thank-you recipients.

No stock tips here, just some tools IABC can offer.

1. Monthly professional development meetings. Now’s not the time to hunker down (my favorite phrase from the Hurricane Ike coverage) at your desk or under your desk. It’s time to learn from our speakers, network with other members and, if nothing else, get a change of scenery and perspective. It’s a great time to find out how other communicators are dealing with the crisis in their businesses.

As for learning something, we have a great line-up over the next few months. Rice Professor Deborah Barrett will kick it off in October with how to counsel the senior leaders in our companies or clients’ companies during these unsettling times. In November, much-sought-after speaker Carol Kinsey Goman talks about the Nonverbal Advantage and how our body language communicates way before we even open our mouths. This no doubt will get you to stop wringing your hands over what to do about your 401k.  In December, we’re going to try something a little different–an evening meeting. The September presentation by political analyst Dr. Richard Murray was wiped out by Ike, but he has graciously agreed to come back for a less formal presentation. We’ll meet for post-election analysis and appetizers in a Q&A format. And what better time than in January to have a session on strategic planning led by well-known UH futurist Dr. Peter Bishop.

You’ll also get to experience some of Houston’s top restaurants as we try out different venues while our beloved Brennan’s rebuilds. It’s quite a line-up as well–Damian’s, Escalante’s, Alden Hotel and Maggiano’s–so far.

2. Social media forums. IABC International has the IABC Exchange and a Facebook group. IABC Houston also has a Facebook group. It’s a great way to venture into cyberspace to find out how other communicators are coping and add your two cents.

3. IABC membership. As people look for ways to cut expenses, the inclination is to get rid of the extras. But if you are a communicator, an IABC membership is not an extra, it’s an essential part of doing business. It’s a value to you and your company to stay current on skills and trends, plus in the unfortunate event that you lose your job, it becomes invaluable in terms of networking. Watch for a special promotion in December on how you can earn up to a year of free membership.

4. Mentorship. We have an awesome group of students in our UH Chapter. They’re full of energy and ideas and anxious about what the future holds for them. We can help each other out. They can rejuvenate our passion for the profession and we can be a positive light to guide their way with advice and encouragement.

5. Your thoughts. Let me know your ideas on other ways IABC Houston can provide the tools you need to be a successful communicator. We have a great board open to breaking with tradition and trying some new things. We have to be creative. The times call for it. Post a comment to this blog or send me an email theresa@torma.com with your suggestions.

And we’re not talking cell phones.  Over the next few months, the chapter’s professional development luncheon meetings will be held at a different restaurant each month. Hurricane Ike not only dealt us a blow by canceling all of our events in September, our beloved meeting place, Brennan’s, was destroyed by fire. An employee and his young daughter were injured in the blaze. Thanks to you who have made a donation to their medical fund. Go to www.brennanshouston.com for information on how you can help if you haven’t done so already.

Our October meeting will be held on the 23rd at Damian’s–another Houston institution only a few blocks away from Brennan’s. It’s well known that Houston is a well-fed city with some great restaurants. Our goal is to check out what the city has to offer in different parts of town. If you can’t make a luncheon downtown, maybe you can join us in the Galleria or West Houston areas. Once we’ve had a chance to sample several venues, we’ll ask you to choose which one you liked the best. We’ll then stay with the winning venue until Brennan’s has been rebuilt–which the Brennan’s family estimates will take about 18 months.

Join us for our tour de restaurants. Is there a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try or one you swear by? Let me know by posting a comment here or emailing me theresa@torma.com. Remember, the restaurant needs to have a good-sized meeting room. Let the tour begin………