Body Language 101: Janine Driver Mini Course

How cool is this? After reading The Capital Buzz' post about her great presentation to Washington Women in Public Relations this week, Janine Driver ("Lyin' Tamer" and body language consultant) left a message with a great follow-up for those who missed it, as well as those who attended.

Janine let us know that for additional training she has a FREE online mini-course called, "Business Bloopers Successful People Avoid (at all costs)", packed with body language tips and strategies at www.lyintamer.com.

Plus, she reports, "if I can help anyone with specific questions, I have an 'Ask Janine' box on my site and you can send me your private questions and I'll get back to you. No strings attached -- I just want people, especially women, to know what I know!"

Talk about sisterhood, talk about value added programs, talk about great marketing. Thanks, Janine! We're flattered you read The Capital Buzz, grateful to WWPR for a great program and appreciative of the additional opportunity to learn something useful to share with our readers.

Using New Media To Promote Health & Medical News

Presented by Allhealth Public Relations
Thursday, May 7 ~ 8:30-10:30 a.m.
National Press Club ~ Washington, DC
Cost: $95 per person
8:00-8:30 a.m. Coffee, bagels and muffins
8:30-10:00 am Panel Discussion
10:00-10:30 am Audience Q&A, Meet Panelists
Register early; space is limited.

Learn to use social media, the latest audio and video technology and other new media to build awareness and increase media coverage. A panel of top-tier health and medical reporters will discuss how new media can help get your issues noticed and your stories covered. Public relations professionals will show how to effectively use web sites, podcasts, video, the blogosphere and more with how-to demonstrations.

Panelists:
Lee Aase, Manager, Syndication and Social Media, Mayo Clinic
George Strait, FDA’s Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs and former Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News
Ceci Connolly, Health Policy Reporter, The Washington Post
Robin Foster, Senior Editor, Healthday
Bridget DeSimone, Health Unit Producer, Newshour with Jim Lehrer

When the going gets tough, the tough talk

Washington-based speechwriter Jeff Porro has launched a new blog on speeches for CEOs, called Tough Talk for Hard Times. Porro, who writes for Fortune 250 CEOs, leaders of professional and trade associations, diplomats and more. Here's what he says about the blog's focus:

With the economy stuck in meltdown, dragging down earnings and stock prices, a CEO’s ability to perform well behind a lectern, in front of cameras and microphones, or at a hearing table is more important than ever. In fact, I’d argue companies must have CEOs who can inspire confidence through speeches and presentations or they simply won’t survive.

Porro's offering tips, analyses of famous speeches, and inspiration. Check out this newcomer blog!

Brown Bag Full of Treats: Audience Cheers Body Language Speaker

Washington Women in Public Relations had a big “get” this afternoon. At their informal “brown bag” lunch Janine Driver, body language contributor for NBC's The Today Show, packed the room and packed the program with facts, tips and creative energy.

The event had to be moved to Ogilvy Public Relations offices when the head count zoomed past the usual attendance and the room was packed with close to 100 women (and a few brave men). The rows of packed seats filled the room so the space wasn’t conducive to networking, yet the group still managed to mingle before and after Driver burst into the room, got things rolling and kept them rolling for 90 minutes of presentation.

Driver clearly loves what she does, can’t wait to share what she knows and is completely comfortable sharing a lot of personal information as well as tips for making women in particular more confident and powerful. She pulls “volunteers” from the audience to critique, to demonstrate, to involve. She shares a thousand examples of body language insights from television and celebrity interviews. She is like your best high school girlfriend, sharing everything with you, making you laugh and imparting what feels like folksy wisdom even when it contains thoroughly researched data.

93% of what we communicate to others is non-verbal, and Driver tells you how to avoid inadvertent miscommunication. The open jacket that says, “I’m comfortable here” or the buttoned jacket that shows a sense of formality is an important choice depending on the situation. Driver points out that generally people form their first impression of someone new in seven seconds, and that in an interview the employer usually knows within the first three minutes if you’re going to be the one hired. You want to make the right call on your appearance and body language.

One fascinating piece of information was that moving people around with you to various spaces even in a short time makes them feel they've known you longer and helps build a relationship. This is behind the behavior at car dealerships (start in the showroom, move to their office, out to the lot, etc). As a result, Driver suggests when taking a client to lunch that you eat one place but go to another for dessert!


So ladies, the next time you're nervous before a meeting and need to generate some positive energy, rub your hands together as if to generate heat. Take a wider stance than usual, just enough so you're looking secure and in control, not able to be easily pushed over. And to gain trust and support use gestures of inclusion and team building, like hands out with the palms up, or hands facing each other wide apart like holding a basket ball. And be sure to watch Janine Driver next time she's on TV!

Invites R Out 4 the Ad Club ADDY® Awrds Gala

DC Ad Club’s ADDY® Awards have been dubbed “The Addyz” in honor of the proliferation of the txt msg shrthnd code, the language of the social networking revolution that has shaken the advertising world.

And according to the Ad Club's release, those embracing the revolution will welcome this year’s expansion of the Interactive category to include Text Messaging, Mobile Marketing, Webisodes and Internet Commercials. The category now also includes Social Media Websites and Screensaver creative.

41st Annual ADDY Awards Gala
Thursday, March 19 ~6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Carnegie Institution of Washington
1530 P Street NW Washington (Dupont Circle Metro stop on Red line)

Cost:
$85 - DC Ad Club Members and their guests
$105 - non-members
$65 - students (must have current Student ID)

Register at www.dcadclub.com

IABC Brings in Fire Battalion Chief to Explain Communicating in a Real Crisis

Talk about putting out fires at the office! While you might define a fire or other calamity affecting public safety as a crisis, the Public Information Officer of a metropolitan fire department sees these events as just another day at the office. To most effectively use the media to communicate—and save lives—these Information Officers must look beyond an event’s most shocking aspects.

At IABC/Washington’s March chapter meeting, Battalion Chief Matthew Tobia of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department will teach an exciting and interactive program for applying the “4 R’s” to craft a message that could save your customers’ lives or your company’s reputation. He will also explain how to identify and defuse PR land mines such as issues involving personnel and public trust.

Chief Tobia currently serves as the Executive Officer to the Fire Chief and Public Information Officer for the Department. His experience spans more than 20 years as a firefighter, paramedic, company officer, and command officer in the department. He has taught and has spoken nationally on Leadership and Supervision, Managing MAYDAY Events, Rapid Intervention Teams, and fire ground safety. He is a contributing editor for Fire-Rescue Magazine and has written articles for several national trade magazines.

Thursday, March 12 2009 ~ 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
NOTE New Venue: Hilton Arlington, 950 North Stafford Street, Arlington
(Ballston Metro stop on Orange line ~ Parking $8 in the underground garage)
Register by March 11 or pay a surcharge.

Members $40; Non-members $55;

1 time guest of an IABC member $45; Students $30

If this is your first time to an IABC Washington program, register as a guest of Kate Perrin for the discount.

Event Venues in Review: Bar Louie

Editor's note: At all the Washington public relations events I attend, organizers keep asking for ideas for venues for their programs. And while some organizations are great about donating conference space for this purpose, many groups must find a restaurant that can handle a large group on a fixed budget--and offer good space for a speaker. So I'm soliciting guest posts for The Capital Buzz that will offer PR meeting organizers the chance to share their experiences and reviews of available options. Want to submit a guest post for the series? Send me a note to info[at]dontgetcaught[dot]biz. Today: Robin Ferrier of Capital Communicators Group reviews Bar Louie.)

Bar Louie: Lunch Made Easy

As president of the Capital Communicators Group, I’m always looking for new locations to hold our monthly lunches. It’s a challenge because we have some strict requirements:

1) private room;
2) no additional fee for using the private room;
3) cost per meal of under $25… $30 if you’re a really (and I do mean
REALLY) stellar location; and
4) Metro accessible (and usually in D.C. though we’ll occasionally venture
to Arlington or Montgomery counties)

It’s not easy. And with all of our officers and executive board members having other jobs, we don’t have a lot of time to look for new venues (on top of finding our speakers, sending out lunch invitations, keeping track of RSVPs, etc.).

So we once again put out a call to members for new lunch locations, and one of our colleagues mentioned Bar Louie. She’d been there numerous times for happy hours… but never for lunch. We decided to give it a try for our February lunch. And it was a HUGE SUCCESS!

First off, my point of contact in all the planning was Steve Centrella. Steve was amazing. He responded promptly, provided a menu…did all that stuff you expect. But even better, when I inquired as to working off of the regular menu vs. the buffet / large events menu, he made it happen. (Not everyone would be as accommodating.)

We got there – with our party of 50 – and Steve had 3 people ready to work the room and help deliver food, drinks, etc. (Shout out to Steve and his team, which included our primary server, Elliott, and Melissa.) They were quick. They were attentive. Our food was delivered hot. This may not seem like much, but having handled more than dozen of these lunches now, I know it is. (We’ve had cold food. We’ve had food that’s taken forever to arrive. We’ve had one server to handle a party of 50. We’ve had servers that went missing.)

The room is definitely private. (Yes, we do have to worry about that as well ever since another restaurant’s definition of “private” meant putting a bunch of tables together and then putting other non-CCG people at tables right next to us. It made it very hard to hear our speakers over the conversations at the tables surrounding us.) The staff was professional and accommodating. The food was good.

My only advice: Bar Louie is located a little off the beaten path in that it’s placed back from the street inside another building. But they do have a big sign on the street. Still, I’d warn my guests next time that they have to turn down the alley next to the Clyde’s to find us.

Overall rating: A+

What did you think of this event venue? Post your comments!

Social Media: Still the Hottest Topic in Town

This week the Capital Communicators Group featured Denise Graveline talking about "Crafting a Social Media Policy" at a luncheon that sold out in just a few hours. Communicators from all kinds of organizations were there, including a large number from Federal agencies. Representatives from some of those agencies reported resistance to using social media because of "stodgy" older bosses, security, fear of legal liability or fear of what people might say about the agency on-line.

But at least one agency has taken the plunge and reports the water is fine. According to the headline for an article by Andres Analore in today's Ragan Communications blog, "U.S. Coast Guard embraces social media: New blog and Facebook help accomplish its mission".

What I love is that the article completely reinforced the advice and encouragement given by Graveline. It reports that the Coast Guard launched its social media program about six months ago because its senior leaders understood an important truth about social media—even if you’re not in it, you’re in it:

“It’s not a choice of whether to be there. You’re there. It’s a choice of whether to engage and how you engage and how you manage your relationships with the folks that are out there,” explained Commander Ron LaBrec, the Coast Guard’s chief of public affairs, during a presentation at the recent Blogwell conference in Chicago. “Social media is one way that we are trying to work better and work smarter and to be more inclusive and more transparent.”

It’s doing that through commercial tools such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, which have allowed it to connect relatively quickly to a broad audience. Like every good journey, however, the Coast Guard’s foray into social media hasn’t been without its challenges.

As if they needed more proof that this is the way to go, the amazing landing in the Hudson River made the power and usefulness of social media as part of that day's drama:

The Coast Guard has also recently begun experimenting with Twitter as a way to deliver press releases and keep the public updated on rescue efforts. That approach paid dividends.

Not long after Flight 1549’s Hudson River landing and shortly before the Coast Guard was ready to issue its first statement on the accident, the servers that host its media content went down. For several hours, press releases distributed through Twitter and Facebook provided the only official word on what was happening.

Social media provided a safe landing for the PR and communications teams!

Next Up:
Washington Network Group Program Explains "ANTI-Social Media: What Not to Do in Web 2.0"

Thursday, February 26 ~ 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Merrill Lynch Conference Center ~ 6th Floor 1152 Fifteenth St, NW D.C.
Light refreshments
Registration:
WNG Members: $20 (paid online)
Non-Members: $40 (paid online)
On-site: There is a $10 surcharge for walk-ins paying at the door

Web 2.0 is quickly becoming the new cost-effective option in an economically troubled climate. But there's a slight problem: Many businesses are doing it horribly wrong!

From Twitter auto-responders to podcasts without purpose, to babbling blogs, this is the "tough love" talk where you take a closer look at how start-ups, entrepreneurs, and corporate entities are taking the "social" out of Social Media.

Speaker Tee Morris (photo at left) of Imagine That! Studios is an accomplished writer and public speaker on the subject of new media concepts and has hosted seminars, led workshops, and designed classes on new media, online networking, and audio and video production.

His first book concerning the Web 2.0 movement, Podcasting for Dummies (co-written with Evo Terra), was ranked #1 by Nieslen BookScan on the subject of podcasting. Its success led to the follow-up, Expert Podcasting Practices for Dummies, a second edition (with podcaster Chuck Tomasi), and to his own editorial column "Behind the Mic" for Blogger and Podcaster magazine. This summer, Tee will be releasing his third Social Media title, All a Twitter, from Que Publishing.

What are Communications Employers Looking for in these Troubled Times?

Johns Hopkins University and AWC-DC Roundtable

With nearly 600,000 job losses in January alone and more predicted in the future, now is the time to take control of your professional life. This Johns Hopkins University and the DC Chapter's Association for Women in Communications Roundtable will discuss how to get a communications job, safeguard the one you already have and explore educational options.

The panel includes industry insiders
Susy Howard, Principal with The McCormick Group Executive Search Consulting,
Kate Perrin, CEO of PRofessional Solutions, LLC, (your faithful Capital Buzz blogger), and
Benjamin Long, President of Travaille Executive Search,
to share insights and advice about the employment situation in the communications industry.
Jane Twomey Ph.D., program coordinator for the JHU Master of Arts in Communications, and President-elect of the AWC-DC D'Oniece Dillard, marketing specialist and graduate of the Master of Arts program in communication at Trinity University, will discuss how professional development programs can work for you. The discussion will be moderated by the AWC-DC VP for Programs Dana Rucker, Founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Communications.

Monday, March 9 ~ 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Johns Hopkins University ~ 1717 Massachusetts Ave, N.W. Washington
Room LL7 (lower level)

JHU is located a couple of blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro, south exit. Limited parking is available at Central Parking, 1800 Massachusetts Ave. for $5 after 4:30 p.m.

$10 AWC-DC members and non-members
Register online at www.awcdc.net. For more information, contact Maurine Beasley, President AWC-DC, at mbeasley@jmail.umd.edu or call (301)320-3469.

How to Network to Attract More Clients and Referrals from PRSA-NCC's IPRA

HOW TO NETWORK TO ATTRACTMORE CLIENTS AND REFERRALS
Presented by PRSA-NCC's IPRA Section
Jennifer Abernethy, President of The Sales Lounge
Thursday, March 5, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel, Tyson’s Corner
8517 Leesburg Pike Vienna, VA 22182

We PR folks don’t like to think of ourselves as sales people because potential clients are not just buying our services, they are buying us. How do we develop our own unique sales style so that we feel comfortable sharing our energy, skills and accomplishments with our potential clients? At the March 5 IPRA lunch program, Jennifer Abernethy, President, The Sales Lounge™, will show you how to stop thinking about “selling” to grow your business and start networking to attract more clients and more referrals. Here are some questions she will ask at our March luncheon:
• Where are you networking?• How are you talking to prospects?• Who are you attracting to your business? Are they good clients?• How effective are your inbound and outbound communications with prospects?
Abernethy has generated more than $24 million in revenue during her professional sales career, serving as a national account executive with The Washington Post for 13 years and then selling knowledge management systems to Fortune 500 companies. Abernethy started The Sales Lounge™ in 2004 after returning home from a completely uninspiring sales meeting. Her classes and programs on Social Media and Relationship Selling are creating a “buzz” in the DC area and nationwide. Join us on March 5 and learn how sales development can be hip, fun, relevant and non-intimidating!
All prepaid reservations must be received by MONDAY, March 2.RSVP without payment will be charged the full on-site rate. Advance Payment Online:$25 – for IPRA and PRSA-NCC members$35 – for non-members and guests*Note: this fee is non-refundable if not cancelled by Monday, February 2, 2009.
On-site payment$30 – for IPRA and PRSA-NCC members at the door$40 – for non-members and guests at the door*Cash only at the door. No checks or credit cards.
To register, visit https://www.prsa-ncc.org/option,com_events/task,apply/id,279/

Government Relations

Tracey Wood, President of Inkwell and consultant for Diamond Solutions, Inc. is seen here with Virginia Congressman Jim Moran.

As a good citizen, it is important to participate in the political system and at least know one’s local and federal elected officials. In today’s economic climate, a business is best positioned by nurturing government relations. The support for the company’s issues and concerns are best addressed by law makers who have knowledge of the business prior to a situation. Businesses execute a civic duty by supporting politicians that will provide the most good for the community. In return, government officials benefit from the economic growth business brings to their constituents in the form of jobs, spending, tax revenues, and community outreach. Government relations is an all-win proposition. Let’s hear from you; please blog about your techniques for establishing and maintaining government relations.

Delivering Value in a Tough Economy: Rethinking Corporate Communications Conference

Our colleague Jeff Porro has shared with us that he will be leading a panel next month at a conference titled Delivering Value in a Tough Economy: RETHINKING CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, 2009 March 4-5 at Pepco Headquarters 701 Ninth St., NW

In its second year, the conference is run by Communitelligence, a communications media and training company. This is one of those very pricey conferences, but it promises to address:
· Ways to raise performance and credibility
· Imperatives for corporate communications change
· Managing business storms
· Measuring communications ROI
· Shoestring impacts: Using the best tools
· Social Media Resistance
· Reframing Media Relations

Andrew Gilman, President & CEO of CommCore Consulting Group will direct a March 4 Chief Communications Officer Bootcamp an an opportunity to work on personal leadership and technical skills. "In times like these," notes Gilman, "it is critical that communicators have a seat at the table. It's not just what you say, but how you say it and how you demonstrate communications leadership that counts."

Other PR, marketing and social media speakers during the two days include:
John Bell, Executive Vice President / Creative Director, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Roger Conner, Vice President, Marriott International
Jack Holt, Chief of New Media Operations, Department of Defense
Sharon Wamble-King, VP, Corporate Communication, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Shonali Burke, Principal, Shonali Burke Consulting
Ned Lundquist, Senior Science Advisor for Alion Science and Technology and Founder, Job of The Week
John Taylor, Public Affairs Director, Sprint Nextel Corp.
Debbie Weil, social media expert and author of The Corporate Blogging Book
Jeff Porro, PH.D., Principal, Porro Associates
Robert Holland, President, Holland Communications
Donna Uchida, Communications Counsel, Gagen MacDonald
Steve Lunceford, Director of Global Communications
Debbi Jarvis, Vice President, Communications, Pepco Holdings, Inc.
Michael Pranikoff, Director of Emerging Media, PR Newswire 4: Reframing Media Strategies
Greg Caires, Director, Public Relations, BAE Systems, Inc.

Check out the pricing and register here, or if you’re unemployed or recently lost a job but want to attend find call them at (480) 816-5550 about their “economy-sensitive pricing.”

Facebook Changes Terms of Service; Whatever You Post They Own!

Have you heard about the Facebook changes that took place February 4? According to its new terms of service, Facebook now owns everything you post to the site and can use it commercially or “sub license” it to third-party vendors, even after you delete your account.

Many people are hopping mad, but despite the outrage bouncing around the blogosphere and reporting of the change by traditional media, almost two weeks later Facebook hasn’t prepared a response. Huh? Their PR team was caught off-guard? As of Monday, they told a Tribune reporter they were preparing a response.

Those adorable photos of your kids? They could appear in an ad without permission, credit or payment because from now on Facebook has the right “to use your name, likeness and image for any purpose, including commercial or advertising, …”

The Capital Buzz would love to hear from readers if they will terminate their accounts or continue to use Facebook and why they make the choice they do.

Big Response to WWPR Event Means Move to Larger Venue

Due to a high demand to attend their February Brown Bag lunch program, Washington Women in Public Relations has changed the location to accommodate additional people.

Please note that the location has changed for
Be B.R.A.V.E.: Five Tips to Boost Your Communication Power

by Janine Driver, Lyin' Tamer

Tuesday, February 24 at 12:00 noon

Now to be held at the Ogilvy PR offices (NOT Porter Novelli)

1111 19th Street NW ~ 10th Floor

Metro stops: Farragut North on the Red line or Farragut West on the Blue/Orange.

For further questions please contact Kendra Kojcsich at 202-973-2919 or kendra.kojcsich@porternovelli.com

“SALES” IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD. -- March 5 PRSA-NCC IPRA Event

Meet America’s first Sales Stylist Jennifer Abernethy, CEO of The Sales Lounge.com at our March 5 lunch. Jennifer will show you how to stop thinking about “selling” to grow your business and start “relating” to your prospects and clients.
Jennifer is a 23-year sales professional. She has sold tens of millions in products and services. Her classes and programs on Social Media and Relationship Selling are creating a “buzz” in the DC area and nationwide. Join us on March 5 and get re-energized about how to sell yourself and your business.
Details are: “SALES” IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD. SELLING IS ABOUT CREATING RELATIONSHIPS.
Jennifer Abernethy, CEO of TheSalesLounge.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Embassy Suites Hotel, Tyson’s Corner8517 Leesburg PikeVienna, VA 22182
If time permits, one lucky audience member will be “sales styled” by Jennifer in front of the group.
To register, visit https://www.prsa-ncc.org/option,com_events/task,apply/id,279/

What Message are You Sending?

It's no secret that everything we do sends some form of a message. Whether it's our dress, words or actions...something is being communicated. You'll note in the last few Capital Buzz postings the programs associated with networking, how to present yourself etc. I sometimes think these types of programs are so overdone. But while attending an event this past week, it brought to light that they are still very much needed.

I blogged about this at Meet N' Chuckle: The Lighter Side of Meetings given the blog pokes fun at things that happen at events. There was a speaker there who not only had a fairly weak content presentation, but I initially thought I saw glimpses of her belly poking out. It turns out I was right, and depending upon how she moved, you saw more or less of it.

Perhaps I take these things for granted. I guess it's a good thing after all for such programs to remind us about what message we are sending. As communicators, we will always be in the forefront of leading the charge.

IABC Washington Offers Three Scholarships for DC-Baltimore Students

Times are tough, but they can be a little easier for three area college students this year.

IABC Washington is offering (3) $1,000 scholarships for students residing in the greater Washington-Baltimore region. The scholarships are available to full-time and part-time, undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at a local university with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Applicants must demonstrate commitment to the communication profession by majoring in a communication-related field (for example: communication, PR, marketing, advertising, journalism, technical writing) or pursuing an advanced degree. They should be an IABC member or be willing to become a member of IABC and the IABC Washington chapter.

To be considered for the scholarship, please send a three-page essay describing your commitment to the field of communication and your experience so far, along with your IABC membership number, two reference letters, a copy of a recent transcript and proof of other scholastic recognitions. Scholarship applications will be evaluated by a committee of IABC Washington chapter communication professionals in a blind review process and based solely on the criteria listed above.

The application deadline is April 1, 2009. Please send your application to Randy Tyson at randy.tyson@buckconsultants.com and Jakub Konysz at jkonysz@gmail.com.

Develop a Networking Story That Gets You the Meeting

You only have one chance to make a first impression.

When a business contact asks, "What do you do?" does your answer ~ your story ~ prompt the reply, "Wow! We need to talk?"

This interactive NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) program led by Ira Koretsky (the “Chief Storyteller”) promises a powerful process to develop your own business story and how to use it to build stronger and more profitable relationships. Each attendee is eligible for one free review after the event.

Wednesday, February 18th, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Morton's Steakhouse, Downtown DC
Register online: Members $35 Non-Members $50

Koretsky is a motivational speaker and consultant who has been performing improvisational humor professionally since 1994. He has worked with organizations like Charles Schwab, American Diabetes Association, and the EPA. He is a columnist for Think Business Magazine, in 2008 was a columnist for the Washington Business Journal, and is an Adjunct Professor in the Robert H. Smith School of Business at The University of Maryland.

PRSA in February: Evening Networking & Morning Media Measurment

PRSA-NCC Networking Happy Hour Event
Wednesday, February 11
5:30 ~ 8:00 p.m.
Chi-Cha Lounge
1624 U St., NW (www.latinconcepts.com/chicha) - 4 blocks from Cardozo Metro Stop
$10 at the door includes one drink and appetizers
RSVP by February 9 to Sabrina Kidwai at skidwai@acteonline.org or (703)683-9312

Using Strategic Media Measurement to Showcase Your Success
Wednesday, February 25
8:00 ~ 8:30 a.m. registration/networking/continental breakfast
8:30 ~ 10:00 a.m. program
Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (right at Navy Memorial Metro)
$35 members; $55 non-members; $10 students/retirees
RSVP at www.prsa-ncc.org or call the chapter office at (703) 691-8733

Learn the latest measurement trends and practices, tools and strategies, as the panel discusses methods to document your media relations achievements.

Panelists:
Katie Delahaye Paine, CEO KD Paine & Associates
Mike Carberry, president CARMA International
Barbara Coons, vice president Strategy One
Johna Burke, vice president BurrellesLuce
Moderator:
William N. Outlaw III, communications manager Veterans Affairs

Faster than a Speeding Bullet -- Crafting Social Media Policy Sells Out in One Day!

Our colleague Denise Graveline is one of the most popular speakers around these days. She's at the leading edge of social media savvy and shares it with fun and flair. Her presentations are so helpful, valuable and popular that yesterday the Capital Communicators Group (CCG) program at which she'll be presenting "Taming the Wild West - Crafting Social Media Policy" filled in just a couple of hours!

That's right -- don't try to register, it's too late! But if you're not already on the mailing list for the CCG you might want to get on their email list pronto Tonto and be ready to jump when their event announcements arrive.

Networking Tips and Opportunities

If you think networking is too difficult or outside your comfort zone it's time to get over yourself and get out there. Whether it's to grow your business or get the next job it's all about making new contacts and building relationships with people.

Colleague Deborah Brody and I have chatted about the difficulty we see among too many communicators in getting good at networking, what its causes might be and ways to encourage and enable colleagues to get comfortable and successful in this area. She has forwarded both an opportunity and a resource to get Capital Buzz readers looking to improve their techniques and make new connections started:

Learn the Top 5 Networking Tips for 2009 with the Downtown Women's Club-DC Chapter Networking and Cocktails
Tuesday, February 17 th 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Sea Pearl Restaurant, 8191 Strawberry Lane, Falls Church
Register in advance.
Members: $15 General Public/Non DWC members: $20.


Guest Diane K. Danielson, the CEO and founder of the Downtown Women's Club and co-author of two books on networking will share the Top 5 Networking Tips that you need this year. Her presentation will begin at 6:30 pm with networking before and after. (Bring plenty of business cards.)

Danielson's two books are The Savvy Gal's Guide to Online Networking (or What Would Jane Austen Do?); and Table Talk: The Savvy Girl's Alternative to Networking.

Perhaps even more valuable is Danielson’s recommendation of a book other than her own on networking. According to her, “The internet and even our current economic crises have changed the way we network. This is why I chose to review the book Smart Networking: Attract a Following in Person and Online by Liz Lynch. If you’re still networking 1999 style, it’s time for an upgrade."

"The beginning of the book focuses on convincing people that they have to network. Even if you don’t need convincing, there are a few good gems in there, such as:
'Your plan may be to stay right where you are, but that might not be your employer’s plan. Job security is a thing of the past. The only security we can count on now is our own ability to adapt quickly, and those who can’t will struggle.'

'More ways to communicate means that it’s easier to be left out of the conversation.'

Want to Know How to Find Time to Network? Ask Rob Deigh

Still more useful networking tips in the email inbox today came from colleague Robert Deigh's RDC Communication/PR Newsletter. Rob, who runs RDC Communication/PR strategic communication, public relations and marketing firm, shares great ideas ~ some of which we've included before in The Capital Buzz.

His current newsletter asks, How Can I Find Time To Network With My Business Peers? And then he answers the question:

"Face-to-face networking is one of the most important aspects of your organization's public relations and, for that matter, your own executive growth. It's a great source of fresh ideas, excellent contacts and a productive break from your regular work routine.

But where do you find the time? You don't. Like thousands of other successful executives across the country, you make the time. Here's how:
1) Be strategic. Who do you want meet? Find out which events your peers, prospects and even competitors attend and put those dates on the calendar well in advance.
2) See the list of links below. You'll find some great events.
3) If you go to an event with other members of your team, split up. Get out of your comfort zone.
4) Your elevator speech should reflect benefits, not features of your organization. Main message: "Here is what we can do for you."
5) Make sure your business card says exactly what you do. People forget fast.
6) Follow up with prospects by phone or email within a couple of days while their memory of the event is still fresh. You've already jumped one hurdle -- remember, the next time you see them, it will be your second meeting."

Links to Robert Deigh's List of a Few Great Networking Organizations:
Washington Network Group
Potomac Officers Club
ExecutiveBiz
TelecomHub
Northern Va. Technology Council
Women in Technology
SECAF
Potomac Tech Wire
Success in the City
Business Alliance of George Mason Univ.

Body Language Buzz ~ It's Everywhere!

Not only is the topic of the next Washington Women in Public Relations program body language, today I received Communicate, the always interesting e-newsletter of The Communications Center and it included the following piece:

Body Language Buzz!

As any client of The Communication Center will tell you, be mindful of the messages your body communicates. Messages and opinions are not solely sent from your lips. Crossed arms, bad posture, and poor eye contact show negative communication.

Take this recent Associated Press photo. Russia's Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin's intense glare, forward posture and pointed finger all point to one thing: he has complete control over the meeting with Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev. Judging by his body language, Medvedev can do nothing but concede to Russia's past power mogul.

So be aware all current and future leaders: your body language speaks louder than words.

Photograph Credit: 28 Dec. 2008. The Associated Press, The Kremlin, Moscow.

social media policies: round 'em up!

I'll be speaking to the Capital Communicators Group on Wednesday, February 18, on "Taming the Wild, Wild West: Crafting a Social Media Policy." I'm encouraging you to bring to this session your questions, examples and experiences with organizational social media policies. And I'll have lots of examples and case studies to share from corporate, nonprofit, government agency and other organizations. Start here with my recent post on social media policies, and we'll build a new trail to sane social media policies together. The session takes place at Bar Louie, 701 7th Street NW, in Washington (closest Metro Stop: Gallery Place/Chinatown on Red Line). Cost is $22, cash only--CCG will issue you an event receipt, and exact change is preferred. Note that you must RSVP for this event to CapitalCommunicator@gmail.com -- it is open to the first 45 people who reserve, and a waiting list will be maintained in case of cancellations. I'm looking forward to seeing you there, and would be glad to hear your questions in the comments below.

BOASTS AND TOASTS: The Examiner Names Mary Fletcher Jones Marketing and PR Columnist

Colleague Mary Fletcher Jones keeps very busy.

She is the owner of Fletcher Prince, serves on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations and is chair of the Marketing and PR Committee for the D.C. chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Now she also will be helping readers of The Examiner stay abreast of developments in advertising, social media, public relations, and design as DC Marketing and PR columnist.

Check out her column online and feel free to email Mary (maryfletcherjones@yahoo.com) with event information and announcements for the column. Mary also writes The Fletcher Prince Blog, a weekly resource for marketing tips and more.

Freebie from Burrelles: Top Media Outlets 2009

Burrelles has prepared its popular annual reference, "Top Media Outlets 2009: Newspapers, Blogs, Consumer Magazines, and Social Networking Sites", available for free download.

This list of the top 100 daily newspapers, 25 consumer magazines and the 25 most influential blogs and the 25 most frequented social networks can be a valuable planning tool.

The T.E.M.P. Report 2.0™ for February 2009~ Exclusive to The Capital Buzz

A brief update on the current Washington area PR employment scene based on the view from PRofessional Solutions, LLC, the Washington market’s only PR temporary staffing agency.

Last month (Jan’09): Bust
Last year (Feb’08): Fair

Ratings:
Bust - virtually no hiring for jobs, freelancers or temps
Slow - a few, mostly low-level, positions being filled; fewer jobs for freelancers or temps
Fair - existing jobs are being filled and moderate work for freelancers and temps
Strong - organizations are hiring at all levels and good work for freelancers and temps
Boom! - virtually everyone who wants work is finding it

Kate’s Overview: Mid-December to mid-January is traditionally a slow hiring time for permanent and freelance work. This year what picked up after the holidays were applications to temp. We also received inquiries at PRofessional Solutions, LLC from people in permanent jobs seeing signs that their organizations might soon be downsizing, asking would they be employable for temp assignments should that occur.

Unfortunately, a significant percentage of job-seeking communicators are sinking their own chances. Perhaps because they are in a panic, out of practice in job seeking, and not thinking of promoting themselves the way they would (hopefully) sell a client, they are not using the tools at their disposal effectively and are careless and sloppy.

I’m seeing too many of the following:

• No cover letter or just a sentence (“Enclosed is my resume.").
• Resumes packed with boastful adjectives and obfuscation (stop telling me you are an outstanding writer and tell me what you wrote, for whom and with what result). No clear description of actual tasks handled, daily responsibilities or measurable results.
• Resumes in microscopic type with virtually no margins that feature dense paragraphs of copy without bullets or breaks to guide the reader to important points. And some of these joyless documents run three to five pages and include completely irrelevant information. Too much work for a reviewer to get through, particularly when there are other, readable resumes in the same stack.
• Misspellings, typos, poor grammar, incorrect use of words and – always endearing to an employer – getting PRofessional Solutions, LLC name wrong. (Hint: PRstaffing.com is our web address, not the company’s name.)

There are still jobs to be had and temporary assignments to fill, just not many. How to get one of the limited openings? If you’re a professional communicator make yourself stand out from the rest of the crowd by demonstrating you can write, can craft and express key messages effectively, and can help the client (employer) meet its goals and be successful.