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.
