We hear a lot about decluttering our lives. I want to declutter, too. Strategically communicating, rather than efficiently communicating, can declutter communication. The first thing to do for all communication is to consider your audience's needs and make your communication important to them. Here's an example of when efficiency backfired, big time. I recently sent a meeting invite to one person. She was a co-facilitator for a presentation we were doing together. She then sent the invite to the group of internal staff people who would be … [Read more...]
Changes in FB and Instagram: How will you respond?
Last Friday, upon first opening email for the day, the email at the top of my inbox was from Social Media Examiner. (BTW: This has been a great resource.) Embedded in the email was a recording of a Facebook Live they had done the night before explaining the changes to expect from Facebook pages. The next day, Social Media Examiner did a podcast on both Facebook organic reach and Instagram. If you use Facebook Pages or Instagram as a communication tactic, you definitely want to listen in. Then, that day - all day - I had the privilege of … [Read more...]
Communication or communications? We need both.
There and their. One or won. One letter changes everything. In the world of communication, where I spend my professional life, the letter 's' changes our understanding of an effective organizational communication program, too. I am a communication professional. I do communications. The goal of communication is the establishment of mutual understanding between parties. Communications are the products that disperse information in an effort to establish mutual understanding. Communications are tactics, such as a newsletter, the pamphlet, or … [Read more...]
Right Now: Why School PR/Communication Strategy is for All Schools, Big or Small
Every year, I pay close attention to the Phi Delta Kappa survey of public attitudes toward public education. This year was no different. I reviewed the 2017 results with great interest. In addition to the PDK Poll, I read a lot of public opinion surveys, and try to keep a pulse on the environment surrounding public education. (It's not a secret that we live in a time of choice, right?) After reading the PDK Poll, I began to aggregate other information I've found. When I look at the data, taken as a whole, I conclude that there are at least … [Read more...]
Leadership Communication Refresher from the Millenials “Kids” Table
Does your family have a “kids’ table” at family gatherings? You know, the table set off to one side where all the little ones sit together, play with their food, and giggle at their own silly talk? All the while, the “grown-ups” are gathered at the formal dinner table, immersed in their meal and adult conversation. At a recent family gathering, an impromptu "kids" table formed, composed of the Millenials in our extended family. Traditions die hard. They just wanted to sit together. These “kids” are now in their late 20s and early 30s - … [Read more...]