Recently, there has been a ton of activity on the networking front. This has come across in a very natural manner. Sometimes, it is irritating to continually link every interaction with someone to a possible goal-related item. I'm very sociable and sometimes just want to meet an interesting person removed from their impact on my "circle."
Placing emphasis on those topics and groups where my joy and focus lays has really helped this effort. A contact that invited me for one event has now suggested I become involved with a much larger initiative that would give me political experience. One phone call with a brand new faith-based contact (discussing my termination of automatic donations) has resulted in work on an annual stewardship publication. A few efforts at my church have led to a position on a grant-allocation committee. This is invaluable experience into group communication, time management and setting boundaries when a new member of a group.
The process of just keeping in regular contact with the new faces you meet is actually very simple. I have found that actually sending messages thanking people and remaining on top of your obligations has a huge impact. Your work ethic and drive speaks for itself and begins to float around in circles. Now that I have my business cards and website there is also a common point of reference. Anyone that needs to contact me after having a positive experience knows exactly where to go to continue the relationship.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Utilizing online radio outlets - Blogtalkradio
There are so many new and exciting ways to connect with any audience of choice. The tools at our disposal do knock down many barriers. The means which you choose to get the word out depends on the content and goals of the message. Who is it that you are speaking to? What does the package do to the contents? Does your paper drown out what could be a really engaging presentation?
I have begun a weekly blogtalkradio show under the name DCommunications. It is so amazing to be able to provide information in such a session and cross-reference it on other platforms. What I mean by that is my radio show is linked on my webpage and email signature. There is a brand new way to let people know who I am in a very multi-dimensional way.
When I send out resumes with the signature all of that information becomes available. It's unspoken and there's no need to "check" that they are aware. Someone who is interested in utilizing the resource can access it and, after time passes, people will indeed begin to spread the word.
For the first show I was a bit tense. The structure which I prepare for myself tends to be very light and airy. It's difficult to have a natural speaking voice if all the content is drafted word for word. I approach the radio show as I would a comedy segment - topical indexes. That means figuring out the content mentally and using clue words to spark that portion of the material. Again, this is how I tend to frame a well executed presentation. It depends on the demeanor of the speaker. Many will be nervous and feel more secure with a word for word guide. I tend to over-utilize those resources if they are available so this method forces me to "own" the material.
What I really love about this interface is that there is a dial in number and no other equipment. The system operates like a conference call, very simplistic.
The second show was executed in a much more natural fashion. This is truly a means to deliver a message without holding an audience captive. An intersted person can play the clip and go about life with the volume up.
This Saturday is show three and also my first webinar on time management.
I have begun a weekly blogtalkradio show under the name DCommunications. It is so amazing to be able to provide information in such a session and cross-reference it on other platforms. What I mean by that is my radio show is linked on my webpage and email signature. There is a brand new way to let people know who I am in a very multi-dimensional way.
When I send out resumes with the signature all of that information becomes available. It's unspoken and there's no need to "check" that they are aware. Someone who is interested in utilizing the resource can access it and, after time passes, people will indeed begin to spread the word.
For the first show I was a bit tense. The structure which I prepare for myself tends to be very light and airy. It's difficult to have a natural speaking voice if all the content is drafted word for word. I approach the radio show as I would a comedy segment - topical indexes. That means figuring out the content mentally and using clue words to spark that portion of the material. Again, this is how I tend to frame a well executed presentation. It depends on the demeanor of the speaker. Many will be nervous and feel more secure with a word for word guide. I tend to over-utilize those resources if they are available so this method forces me to "own" the material.
What I really love about this interface is that there is a dial in number and no other equipment. The system operates like a conference call, very simplistic.
The second show was executed in a much more natural fashion. This is truly a means to deliver a message without holding an audience captive. An intersted person can play the clip and go about life with the volume up.
This Saturday is show three and also my first webinar on time management.
Philadelphia Speech Lessons
Ok, the first public speaking engagement went off with minor hitches. Here's a few bits of knowledge I am taking away.
First, it is important to figure out the logistics of any event early in advance. For this trip, I was taking a very early Amtrak train out of New York City to Philadelphia (4:30am departure). I have been staying up pretty late because I am working on a plethora of different projects. Turns out, changing the body clock isn't that easy. Take a few days prior to get all of that in check or you'll have a 30 hour day like I did.
Secondly, if it isn't a space you have encountered before ensure that all you need is available. For me, I was interested in finding out whether there were plugs in case my laptop needed charging. Also, making sure the projector would shift easily to my laptop from the "event facility" equipment also important. Turns out, we just ended up using mine the whole time.
Thirdly, include a bit of extra time from your run through. Even though I timed my speech there was more interaction with the audience than planned. Also, the interactive components can be a challenge. It's one thing to say that all questions should be held until the end of the event. If you are ushering in feedback by adding anything interactive, please know it opens the flood gates.
Fourth, know all of the material. This is really simple but a huge difference in delivery. You should not have to read one sentence of your presentation word for word. If you have prepped the head shouldn't be drooped down reading a powerpoint slide. I was most happy with my content knowledge.
First, it is important to figure out the logistics of any event early in advance. For this trip, I was taking a very early Amtrak train out of New York City to Philadelphia (4:30am departure). I have been staying up pretty late because I am working on a plethora of different projects. Turns out, changing the body clock isn't that easy. Take a few days prior to get all of that in check or you'll have a 30 hour day like I did.
Secondly, if it isn't a space you have encountered before ensure that all you need is available. For me, I was interested in finding out whether there were plugs in case my laptop needed charging. Also, making sure the projector would shift easily to my laptop from the "event facility" equipment also important. Turns out, we just ended up using mine the whole time.
Thirdly, include a bit of extra time from your run through. Even though I timed my speech there was more interaction with the audience than planned. Also, the interactive components can be a challenge. It's one thing to say that all questions should be held until the end of the event. If you are ushering in feedback by adding anything interactive, please know it opens the flood gates.
Fourth, know all of the material. This is really simple but a huge difference in delivery. You should not have to read one sentence of your presentation word for word. If you have prepped the head shouldn't be drooped down reading a powerpoint slide. I was most happy with my content knowledge.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Internal communications should remain as such
Sometimes, we are given too much information about an organization. We may have no ties or connections but need to access a resource. When it results that we are either denied or wrongly admitted the responses can be awkward.
For example, I am trying to host community roundtable discussions on healthcare. Instead of paying funds to get space secured using libraries would allow for low cost (mostly free) conference rooms. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of clarity as to what each branch requires from me to receive the green light.
In one instance I was actually approved for a space on 9-29-2009. This was a few weeks ago and the possibilities were endless. That is, until I received a voicemail from the head librarian stating that the offer had been resinded. No clear explanation other than the contact authorizing our group was unaware of the new structure of oversight. During the middle of her explanation I simply explained "This is a lot of information which is probably more appropriate for an internal communications exercise." I just needed to know what forms were necessary and how to move forward.
Information can be invaluable. When it's overloaded, however, the weight can be very uncomfortable indeed.
For example, I am trying to host community roundtable discussions on healthcare. Instead of paying funds to get space secured using libraries would allow for low cost (mostly free) conference rooms. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of clarity as to what each branch requires from me to receive the green light.
In one instance I was actually approved for a space on 9-29-2009. This was a few weeks ago and the possibilities were endless. That is, until I received a voicemail from the head librarian stating that the offer had been resinded. No clear explanation other than the contact authorizing our group was unaware of the new structure of oversight. During the middle of her explanation I simply explained "This is a lot of information which is probably more appropriate for an internal communications exercise." I just needed to know what forms were necessary and how to move forward.
Information can be invaluable. When it's overloaded, however, the weight can be very uncomfortable indeed.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Being open to constructive criticism
Guilty. That would describe my charge to the offense of not taking criticism well at times. It's always a different story when working with a client. There is a sense of amazement when a client won't just immediately implement some overhaul or new process that's been suggested. Lately, I've tried to digest my own absorption of positive feedback that's packaged in a constructive manner.
One such example is the website which I am creating. Last night, one of my buddies here in the city took time at the end of the day to skim my presentation next week. My perception was that it was essentially completed and really didn't require any further work. His thoughts - not an exact mirror. There were some pointers about general flow and word usage consistency. Even though there was nothing major sometimes when we are so invested in a project it's difficult to "move on" from what's on paper. Taking this to heart will definitely be a valuable tool to all future clients.
He also took a look at the new website and I figured that wouldn't be fun. What's so interesting is that even though there was an attempt to speak to a wide audience in terms of what communications consulting was, he didn't get that vibe. We always assume that our audience knows more (closer to our level of understanding) about any topic in which we are well versed. That's definitely been true of the advocacy work that I'm doing with the single payer healthcare initiative. Far too many large words and references to policy numbers that most people don't know anything about. He reminded me to incorporate the same thoughts to really smooth out what I could provide, in terms of consulting services, to a new audience.
Great help for current and future projects.
One such example is the website which I am creating. Last night, one of my buddies here in the city took time at the end of the day to skim my presentation next week. My perception was that it was essentially completed and really didn't require any further work. His thoughts - not an exact mirror. There were some pointers about general flow and word usage consistency. Even though there was nothing major sometimes when we are so invested in a project it's difficult to "move on" from what's on paper. Taking this to heart will definitely be a valuable tool to all future clients.
He also took a look at the new website and I figured that wouldn't be fun. What's so interesting is that even though there was an attempt to speak to a wide audience in terms of what communications consulting was, he didn't get that vibe. We always assume that our audience knows more (closer to our level of understanding) about any topic in which we are well versed. That's definitely been true of the advocacy work that I'm doing with the single payer healthcare initiative. Far too many large words and references to policy numbers that most people don't know anything about. He reminded me to incorporate the same thoughts to really smooth out what I could provide, in terms of consulting services, to a new audience.
Great help for current and future projects.
Very exciting potential project
The nature of the consulting business is the same as with any job - performance speaks volumes. Regardless of the amounts of carefully constructed networking schemes one can concoct work shines brighter than anything. Sure, one method may get you in the door. The other, however, will get you a chair, blanket and access to inside family conversation.
I am thrilled about an upcoming speech next week in Philadelphia, PA. It is a presentation, in tandem with two other dynamic speakers, to the American Society on Aging. The scope of the presentation is Communication 2.0 - social media and it's impact on an aging population. Today, I received a phone call stating that another project, unbelievably immense, could be in the works...we'll see.
One thing that I have always loved is public speaking. It's true that regardless of all the other careers one can imagine for oneself (in my case physician, physical therapist, marketer and etc) those organic traits will always kick in. If it's something that you love doing (which is very true about myself and anything communications related) the projects really aren't strenuous. Yes, it still takes an effort but the entirety of my professional life is that much more enjoyable.
Moreover, the products of my labor will be richer, deeper and much more meaningful for my clients.
I am thrilled about an upcoming speech next week in Philadelphia, PA. It is a presentation, in tandem with two other dynamic speakers, to the American Society on Aging. The scope of the presentation is Communication 2.0 - social media and it's impact on an aging population. Today, I received a phone call stating that another project, unbelievably immense, could be in the works...we'll see.
One thing that I have always loved is public speaking. It's true that regardless of all the other careers one can imagine for oneself (in my case physician, physical therapist, marketer and etc) those organic traits will always kick in. If it's something that you love doing (which is very true about myself and anything communications related) the projects really aren't strenuous. Yes, it still takes an effort but the entirety of my professional life is that much more enjoyable.
Moreover, the products of my labor will be richer, deeper and much more meaningful for my clients.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Vetting information which is supposed to be objective
We live in an age where information is produced, then copied, at lightening speed. Verifiable sources can be difficult to track and even harder to tack onto an "expanding" storyline. Whether this applies to business in their attempt to position their brand in the market or public policy conversations as weighted by the media - verifiable information should be tracked.
If someone posts a defamatory story about Company XYZ and it is untrue, how do they respond? They simply find the document which verifies their account of the story and present it as primary evidence. I know that sounds a big legalistic, but it's an important point. Word of mouth advertising, positive or negative, can be incredibly difficult to contain. Image, once begun rolling down that snowball hill, can be incredibly time-consuming (and expensive) to repair. Even if the story wasn't factual the damage left behind can be long-lasting.
My thoughts on this subject were triggered by a story posted on CNN which was presented as factual and (through light research) was cast as unsound and over-reaching. The CNN article can be read here CNN article on drug use and risky AIDS incidence. My response can be ready at my Facebook, here David's Facebook page
If someone posts a defamatory story about Company XYZ and it is untrue, how do they respond? They simply find the document which verifies their account of the story and present it as primary evidence. I know that sounds a big legalistic, but it's an important point. Word of mouth advertising, positive or negative, can be incredibly difficult to contain. Image, once begun rolling down that snowball hill, can be incredibly time-consuming (and expensive) to repair. Even if the story wasn't factual the damage left behind can be long-lasting.
My thoughts on this subject were triggered by a story posted on CNN which was presented as factual and (through light research) was cast as unsound and over-reaching. The CNN article can be read here CNN article on drug use and risky AIDS incidence. My response can be ready at my Facebook, here David's Facebook page
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