Spotlight: Gift of Giving
On October 4, the Silicon Valley Chapter identified seven not-for-profit organizations to join IABC members and other communication practitioners for lunch. During the meal, representatives from the community organizations shared their communication challenges and participants had an opportunity to share their talents. Common areas for discussion included fundraising and donor relations, special event management, media relations, marketing and promotions, message development, and leader communications.
Feedback from both non-profits and volunteers was excellent. Attendees’ comments included “fun, highly interactive” and “a really enjoyable way to give back to the community.” The letter below from Maryanne McGlothlin from Family & Children Services illustrates the value of the discussions.
Thanks to ALL who participated, Cisco Systems for hosting and Starbuck’s for donating gift bag items. Also, special thanks to Kathleen Makranyi (VP of Community), Pam Leitterman, Ron Schmidt, Justine Pelina and Yvonne Thomson for planning and orchestrating this amazing event. The participating non-profit organizations give to others throughout the year. What a great opportunity to give them something in return!
Best regards,
Susan Karnstedt
SV-IABC President
susan@karnstedt.net
Maryanne McGlothlinDear Susan,
Family & Children Services would like to thank you, as president, for encouraging and supporting the Gift of Giving event earlier this month. The afternoon ran so smoothly that we would not have thought it was the first time the Silicon Valley chapter held a Gift of Giving event.
My colleague Lani and I enjoyed a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation with our table of talented SV-IABC members. We left with our minds abuzz with ideas to try, consider, and research further, and we wasted no time in putting some of them into practice. Ideas from the meeting have already worked their way into one of our upcoming donor communications and plans for our first agency video.
Thank you for supporting the mission of Family & Children Services and the other worthy agencies selected to participate in this valuable event.
With our best wishes and our appreciation,
Marketing Manager
Family & Children Services, Palo Alto
Mark Your Calendar — Upcoming Events
Thursday, November 8,
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Independent Communicators' Book Group Presents:
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Read and discuss how to regain control of your life, take time off and achieve a vacation mindset every day
In the controversial New York Times bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek (www.4hourworkweek.com), Tim Ferriss posits that you don't need to wait for retirement to have the lifestyle of your dreams. From taking year-long leaves to 'outsourcing your life' and eliminating 50 percent of your work, Ferriss says you can have it all, now. His book promotion claims:
'Whether you're an overworked employee or an entrepreneur trapped in your own business, The 4-Hour Workweek is the compass for a new and revolutionary world.
“Forget the old concept of retirement and the rest of the deferred-life plan-there is no need to wait and every reason not to. Whether your dream is escaping the rat race, high-end world travel, monthly five-figure income with zero management, or just living more and working less, this book is the blueprint.”
ICR Member Kelly Parkinson of Copylicious.com has read the book and says the take-home message is that everyone has the power to create their own ideal lifestyles. For example, a writer may want to work and create, and may not want to sit around drinking cocktails.
“This book helps you figure out what you really want to do with your life, and then helps you develop an action plan to achieve it, so at any given moment you are doing exactly what you want to be doing,' she says.” He gives you specific tips and strategies and provides examples of what “lifestyle design' means for different folks.”
The buzz around this book ranges from fanatic endorsement to crazed accusations about fraud and lunacy. Find out for yourself whether Ferriss is the real deal — a 29-year-old Princeton grad, serial entrepreneur, kickboxing champion and Argentine tango dancer (among other things) with insight into how you can change your life — or not.
Read the book and join us for a fascinating discussion led by Jill Winkelstein, owner of Napa Writing Retreats (http://www.napawritingretreats.com). Jill is certified to lead workshops using the Amherst Writers & Artists Method and has an extensive background in publishing, teaching and facilitating groups.
Be the first to register and get a free advance copy of The 4-Hour Workweek. Seating is limited, so register early! (And remember, you're welcome to come, even if you don't read the book!)
When: Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007
Registration and networking: 8:30 am; introductions: 8:45 am; session: 9 to 10:00 am
Where: The Commonwealth Club, 595 Market Street, Max Thelen Board Room, Second Floor, San Francisco (near Montgomery Street BART Station)
To reserve: Book online at Acteva or send your check to SF IABC by November 6th to Cathy Chatfield-Taylor, 142 Cortona Dr., San Ramon, CA 94583. For questions, call Cathy at 925.968.0088 or email cathy@cc-tunlimited.com.
Cost: Advance registration: $10 SF IABC members; $20 non-members; $10 students.
At the door: $15 members; $25 non-members; $10 students.
Monday, November 26,
10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
SF IABC and Chevron present:
Skill-Building Event — Audience-Centric Communication Planning
Our Chevron members will host a skill-building event for all SF IABC members and their guests on Chevron's San Ramon Campus. The topic is Audience-Centric Communication Planning — identifying ways to develop and implement tailored and effective communications for your target audiences. The session will be led by Gordon Rudow, CEO of Bonfire Communications.
Communicators can produce more effective employee communications by developing a deeper understanding of their audiences. Learn the essential tools for creating targeted internal communications that make a meaningful difference for your organization.
In this engaging session, Bonfire's co-founder and chief executive, Gordon Rudow, will share a unique methodology for building highly customized strategic communication campaigns.
The session will focus on a proven methodology and lessons learned from Bonfire's award-winning work. Gordon will walk participants through the six lenses of audience-centric communication design, and address critical communication and engagement challenges.
This comprehensive approach employs a collaborative mapping technique that harnesses the collective insight of your communication and design teams. It has resulted in successful enterprise-wide programs for companies such as Gap Inc., Starbucks, Oracle, and Genentech.
You will learn:
- The basics of the six-lens, audience-centric communication planning methodology
- How to integrate thinking models from change management, learning, and communications design
- How to discover new ways of identifying and meeting the needs and preferences of your audiences and stakeholders
- An understanding of how to build multi-dimensional campaigns that sustain mindshare and momentum, and change attitudes and behavior to meet business objectives.
Be sure to come early to get a seat!. The meeting will start promptly at 11:00 a.m. See you there!
When: Monday, November 26th, 2007
Registration: 10:45 am; Program kick-off: 11:00 am; close: 1:30 pm (Box lunches served at 1:00)
Where: Chevron, 6001 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583, Room TB193/TB205
To reserve: Book online at Acteva
Cost: Advance registration: SF IABC members and Berkeley STC members: $20; non-members: $25. At the door: $30 members; $35 non-members; students: $15. CHEVRON EMPLOYEES: FREE REGISTRATION
Questions? For questions or to volunteer in any capacity, please contact Preston Lewis, 415-597-9930 ext 14, or Michaela Hayes, 510-653-0282.
Wednesday, November 28
What’s Hot — What’s Not? …Media Predicts ’08
Register now for the must-attend technology visionary event of the year! Media Predicts ‘08, hosted by Silicon Valley PRSA & The Computer History Museum, is an exciting pre-holiday evening gala, where industry trendsetters, luminaries and chroniclers share what will be the most influential and cutting-edge trends, issues and technologies for the coming year. Gain important knowledge and insight that translates into business advantage and strategic programs and results. Rub elbows with Silicon Valley digerati, movers and shakers at this premier event and highlight of ‘07! Features Jon Swartz, USA Today; Don Clark, The Wall Street Journal; Victoria Murphy Barrett, Forbes; Rob Hof, BusinessWeek and Tech Beat; Robert Scoble, Scobleizer and Fast Company; Kara Swisher, All Things Digital and BoomTown; Jim Goldman, CNBC and Tech Check; Ann Winblad, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners (moderator); Sam Whitmore, Sam Whitmore’s Media Survey (MC). Here’s what’s in store for attendees: Cocktail and Networking reception, Dinner Event, Tech Influencer Media Panel of Speakers, Insight and Impact Honors Presentation, Audience Q&A, Special Live Performance by Don Clark (WSJ) and his Band “Off the Record.” (Black Tie Optional). Sponsors include (Gold) Yahoo! Inc.; (Bronze) A&R Edelman, Access Communications, Burson-Marsteller, Citigate Cunningham, Eastwick Communications, Krause Taylor Assoc, MarketWire, Porter Novelli, PR Newswire, Trainer Communications, VisiTech PR, Voce Communications.
When: Wednesday, November 28, from 5:00-9:30 p.m.
Where:The Computer History Museum: 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View
Cost: Attendance limited. Early registration at $105 (SV-IABC members $89) ends Oct 31.
Chapter News
IABC Membership on the Rise
September was Membership Month for IABC International, and IABC membership continues to grow. As of 30 June 2007, IABC has 14,847 members from over 70 countries—an 8.7 percent increase from 30 June 2006, when IABC had 13,661 members. Close to 2,000 members have been enrolled through 118 corporate packages.
Our Silicon Valley Chapter also welcomes our newest members:
Welcome, Cisco Systems! Cisco Systems recently joined as a corporate member of IABC. More than 45 members strong, including a couple of past SV-IABC chapter presidents and 23 communications professionals here in Silicon Valley who are brand new to IABC. Cisco has also added new IABC members in North Carolina, Hong Kong, Texas, England, and Israel. We are excited about having Cisco as a corporate member of the association. A number of Cisco members are already up and running in various volunteer roles, and we look forward to our chapter benefiting from their talents and involvement. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a corporate membership for your company, please contact Marie Coppola, Membership Development Director at mcoppola@iabc.com.
Here are some of the newest members from Cisco:
Cisco Systems
Linda Denesiuk
Roberta DeTata
Andrea Whalen
Justine Spelman
Tracy Lewis
Michelle Nitsch
Toshiko Tanabe
Laimin Lo
John Proctor
Martina Moscone
Reggie Hagan
Sharon Hume
Dan Taylor
Sharon Cullen
Lisa Carucci
Sarah Halper
Julianne Harvey
Shalon Maudsley King
Regina Gordon
Aliza Hutchison
Peggy Wolf
Celeste Fetsch
Sherry Sorensen
Also a warm welcome to new members:
Alice Borda, Avago Technologies
Patrick Hathaway
Corey Olfert
Al Zayha, Rebuilding Together Peninsula
David Woodward, Stanford Grad School of Business
Laura Roman, Hewlett Packard Company
Steven Laine, TechProse
Lisa Neuman, Intuit
Lee Bonds, BBI
Membership: Member-Get-a-Member Promotions starts December 1
The value of a network increases exponentially with each new member, and current members are the best marketing resource we have to recruit new members. So, IABC International is bringing back the popular Member-Get-A-Member promotion, starting December 1, 2007 and running through the end of the year. Members who recruit new members get three free months of membership for each new member they bring in...up to a full year at no charge (complete rules below).
Just three rules:
- The new member must identify the referring member in one of the following ways:
- For mailed, faxed, and online enrollments: Write the referring member's first and last name and chapter (or region member-at-large) on the application form
- For phoned enrollments: Mention the referring member's first and last name and chapter (or region member-at-large)
- The new member must not have been an IABC member since November 1, 2006.
- The limit for this promotion is four members (a full year of membership at no charge).
If you have questions, contact our chapter VP Membership, Renate Kammersgard.
October Is Accreditation Month
Thinking about becoming an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)? Now is the time to act. Accreditation is one of IABC’s professional development programs. It offers communicators a way to showcase their ability to think and plan strategically, and to demonstrate the skills essential to effective organizational communication, including internal communication, marketing, media relations, crisis communication and other key stakeholder relations.
Submit your accreditation application and fee between 1 October and 14 November 2007 for a chance to be eligible for a raffle to win some exciting prizes. Plus, every applicant will receive a US$20 gift certificate to the IABC Knowledge Centre.
Find out all the details at: http://www.iabc.com/abc/accMonth.htm.
News from IABC National
Hear and "Be Heard" — IABC Member Forums
Have you visited IABC’s online member forums recently? Next time you are looking for creative inspiration for your latest project or interested in catching up on the latest communications trends, take a few minutes to log-in and participate in the online member-only forums IABC has to offer. MemberSpeak is the original forum, complemented by The IABC Buzz, a place to share professional and personal member news with the IABC Community. The newest member of the forum family — IABC Communication Commons — uses a blog forum to host real-time conversations, share insights and engage readers with leading experts in the field.
Member Forums: http://www.iabc.com/forums/
Communication Commons: http://commons.iabc.com/
Get Recognized! 2008 Gold Quill Awards: Call for Entries
Join your colleagues in recognizing the world’s best communication programs. The Gold Quill Awards program is the highest level of professional acknowledgement in business communication. Be part of the international best practices this annual competition represents.
Early-bird deadline: 5 February 2008; final deadline: 12 February 2008
Get complete entry details available in October at http://www.iabc.com/awards/gq.
The Gold Quill Student Awards recognize young talent, reward excellence and showcase some of the best communication work from college students around the world. Entering is a great way to start a portfolio, and the experience gained from entering an international competition looks great on a résumé. Any college or graduate student who does not have significant professional experience may enter.
Final deadline: 12 February 2008
Get complete entry details available in October at http://www.iabc.com/student.
Member Forums: http://www.iabc.com/forums/
Communication Commons: http://commons.iabc.com/
Special Rates for Club Quarters Hotels for IABC Members
IABC has become a member of Club Quarters — a group of private hotels for the exclusive use of guests and employees of member companies. Club Quarters offer unique, user-friendly services for the business traveler in a club-like setting. Members pay the lowest rates for a quality hotel room in 13 prime locations.
Club Quarters are located in New York City, Boston, London, Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco and Houston.
Low everyday rates start from US$99.
Special weekend and holiday period rates start from US$56.
Reservations and pricing are subject to availability.
Get complete details.
IABC Calendar
Conferences
For more information and registration details, visit http://www.iabc.com/education/conferences.htm.
- IABC and Cision Research & Measurement Conference
- Hilton New York, New York City
14–16 November - Blast of Fresh Air - Canada East Regional Conference
- St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
18–21 November - Communicators' Day Out - Asia/Pacific Regional Conference
Sydney, Australia
22–23 November
Teleseminars
For more information and registration details, visit www.iabc.com/education/teleseminars.htm.
- Planning for Success: Writing the Strategic Communication Plan
8 November
Presenter / Tudor Williams, ABC, twisurveys, Inc. - Developing Your Accreditation Portfolio
6 December
Presenter / Nick Durutta, ABC, IABC accreditation council - Demonstrating the Business Value of Communication
13 December
Presenter / Diane Gayeski, Ph.D., Ithaca College
Web Seminars
For more information and registration details, visit www.krm.com/iabc.
- How to Develop the Mindset of a Strategist
24 October - Delivering Bad News to Employees and Other Crucial Constituencies
14 November - Communicating Change: Successfully Getting to Tomorrow
12 December
Silicon Valley Job Opportunities
Find these listings and more on http://jobs.iabc.com
- Public Relations Officer
Stanford University Stanford, CA - Community Relations/Public Relations
San Jose, CA - Public Relations Mgr
San Jose, CA - Corporate Public Relations Specialist
San Jose, CA - Communication Specialist
Cisco Systems, Inc. San Jose, CA - Sr. Director, Public Affairs
Abbott Laboratories Santa Clara, CA
- Manager, Employee and Affiliate Communications
Roche Molecular Diagnostics Pleasanton, CA - Communication Project Coordinator
ROI Communication San Jose, CA
Other Job Resources
EntryLevel-PR.com was created to help students and recent graduates find entry-level jobs and internships in public relations and communications. Both viewing and posting jobs to the site is free. Run entirely by volunteers, the site will "re-launch" on May 11 with a new look and many new services. www.EntryLevel-PR.com
About the IABC Silicon Valley
For nearly three decades, the Silicon Valley Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (SV-IABC) has provided a professional network and learning community for hundreds of Bay Area communicators committed to delivering strategic, integrated communications. SV-IABC brings together a passionate group focused on improving organizational effectiveness and delivering measurable results. In an environment fueled by innovation and growth, our members represent diverse disciplines within communications. For more information visit: www.sv.iabc.com.