President's Message
 Here's a question for you. When you're driving, are you listening to the radio, talking on the cell phone, or are you in pensive thought? As a former reporter, I'm an admitted news junkie. My radio presets include our local news radio stations and a couple of music stations. Most of the time, I'm either listening to National Public Radio, or I'm talking on the cell phone. Stopped at a red light? Perfect time to check the BlackBerry. Does any of this sound familiar?
As I was thinking of ideas to write about in this monthly message, I came across an idea that sounded totally radical. Shut off the car radio. WHAT? Are you kidding me?
The idea came from several Walt Disney Imagineers who use the quiet time to come up with ideas, new concepts or solve tricky problems. One of those silence advocates is my colleague, Jason, who is a graphic designer. He got into the silent commute habit by accident. His car radio was stolen and, for several months, he tuned out the tunes and jammed on breakthrough ideas. "I found the lack of noise forces my brain to fill that void with something else," Jason told me. "All of the brainpower spent listening to music is now being used to create great ideas or solve challenges."
I understand how this could work for a graphic designer, but I'm still a little skeptical. (Candidly, I'm reluctant to admit my radio addiction.) But the more we talk, the more apparent it becomes that Jason uses this quiet time to solve creative challenges, justify project funding and generate new ideas that add great value to his team. Perhaps a silent commute might open up ideas for a new community relations campaign or a more complete theme for an event.
So, I'm going cold turkey. I tried it last night and it was very hard to not fill the car with something. I really missed the radio this morning, and I was interrupted by a phone call. This won't be easy, and itmay even be counter-productive — like forcing myself to sleep when I'm not tired. I'm not suggesting that as PR professionals, we assume the ostrich stance. We need to stay current and tuned-in to the social, business and political environments where we live and work. But it might be worth it to do a periodic sound check. The silence may be music between your ears!
—Andrea Finger, APR
PRSA Monthly Meeting: Blogs
Major news outlets cover blogs as the latest tool for today's communicators. What's all the hype about? Is it justified? Josh Hallett knows. And he'll share that knowledge with Orlando-area communication professionals at PRSA Orlando's June 15 luncheon.
After working with emerging Internet communication technologies for more than ten years, Josh has become an expert in the utilization of Web- and Internet-based technologies for business communications. He's recognized as an early adopter, and he works closely with public relations practitioners and corporate communicators to integrate these tools into an organization's public and media relations strategies.
Using his expertise on the topic of blogs, Josh assists clients by explaining how their organizations can effectively utilize blogs for public relations and marketing purposes. His understanding of the intersection of blogs and public relations from a technological standpoint allows him to provide his clients with tools they need for strategic planning, including monitoring and implementing blogs and measuring their effectiveness.
His latest venture, hyku, llc, combines his technical skills with his understanding of public relations and marketing. Josh counsels clients by bridging the gap between what organizations want and what the Web can deliver.
Date: Thursday, June 15
Time: Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch begins at noon
Place: The Citrus Club, 255 S. Orange Ave., 18th Floor, Orlando
Cost: $20 for members, $30 for guests, $15 for students
Click here to RSVP. You can pay online using PayPal or pay at the event using cash or check only.
Please include your name, company, title, phone number and e-mail address. The entree will be English style eye of round, with assorted seasonal berries romanoff for dessert. When you RSVP, please mention if you would like a vegetarian meal.
Cancellations received after June 8 and no-shows will be billed.
Is your company interested in sponsoring a luncheon? For information on sponsorship packages, contact Mike Ertel at ertel@voteseminole.org or Dan Ward at dward@thestrategicfirm.com.
Career Tools
A new PRSA member benefit
PRSA members can now enjoy another benefit — Career Tools, an Internet-based product offering a collection of job search and career management resources.
Need some help applying for a new job? Log onto Career Net and find Job Search Steps, from pre-planning and resume help to interviewing and negotiating advice. Click on over to Research
Resources and find links to learn more about career options, companies, industries and salaries.
Career Tools, a service of Execuplanet — a Lee Hecht Harrison company, is available to PRSA members at no cost. (Some fee-based services are also offered through Career Tools.) Career Tools' Career Wizard provides step-by-step directions to conduct a job search and build a personal career development plan.
Or, maybe you just want some more info about the field. You'll find Assessments and Networking helps and link on Career Net. Become part of the site's Online Community to exchange information with other PR pros across the nation.
To access Career Tools, log onto the MemberNet from PRSA National's Web site, and click on Member Benefits.
Member Survey Results
By Mason Moore
Your opinion matters.
The Orlando Chapter of PRSA would like to thank all members who participated in our recent membership survey. We enjoyed a 30 percent response rate, a phenomenal response for any survey! You provided us with valuable feedback and many great ideas for enhancing the value of your membership. We truly appreciate your time, effort and insight. That being said, we've listened to your suggestions and below are highlights of the changes that you will begin to see in the very near future:
- Improved monthly e-newsletter including media profiles, professional PR & communications tips, PR news of importance and more local chapter member news.
- All new monthly luncheon programs including presentations and panel discussions from many of the industry's top professionals.
- Enhancements to the chapter's Web site including a PR blog, podcasts and improved job listings section.
- More promotion of accreditation resources and opportunities.
- Information regarding involvement opportunities with the chapter.
- Enhanced communication regarding national membership promotions and specials.
Be sure to attend our monthly luncheons as often as possible, visit our Web site frequently and feel free to contact any of the Orlando Chapter's Board of Directors with any questions, concerns or suggestions that you might have. Thank you for your continued support of the Orlando Chapter of PRSA.
New Members
PRSA Orlando welcomes the following new members:
- Nora I. Alonso — PR Manager, Tupperware Brands
- Patrick Michael Paulauski — Director, PR, Florida's Blood Centers
- Amanda Wettstein — Prin. & Partner, Baker Wettstein Marketing & Public Relations
Ten Minutes/Ten Questions
Name: Nicole Thompson
Occupation: Account Executive at Pecora &
Blexrud
PRSA Involvement: Member since 2005
Person who has most influenced your life: My parents taught me through their example that, through hard work and dedication, I can do anything
I put my mind to.
Quote to live by: Strive for excellence, not
perfection
What made you choose PR as a profession: After taking an introductory public relations course at UCF and being mentored by Professor Frank Stansberry, I knew my strong writing skills and analytical mind would be best applied to the field of public relations.
Best PR advice you ever received: The importance of personal and professional ethics in the field of public relations cannot be underestimated.
Greatest accomplishment: Graduating summa cum laude from UCF
Favorite thing to do on the weekend: Read, watch movies and sleep!
Something nobody really knows about you: Growing up, I wanted to be everything from a seismologist to an actress. Thankfully, I chose a career in the middle of the two extremes!
Ethics Award Approaches
Which company or organization in Central Florida deserves to win PRSA Orlando's Ethics Award?
Start thinking about which company you'll nominate, and check PRSA Orlando's Web site for official guidelines and nomination forms.
Last year, Massey Services took home the award. Who will it be this year? Your company? Your client? The winner will be announced during September's
monthly meeting.
Spring Ahead with PRSA
Receive free one-year chapter membership
If you've been contemplating joining PRSA or know someone who has, there has never been a better time to join. With the new Spring Ahead special offer, all new and reinstated members (inactive for more than one year) who join from May 1 to June 30 will receive a free one-year membership in the Chapter of their choice. For the Orlando Chapter, this represents a savings of $50! The promotion is limited to those who join as Full Members. Associate Members are not eligible for this offer, but are still welcome to join.
Costs for joining during this special promotion are as follows:
- National Dues Initiation Fee $65 (one-time fee)
- Annual Fee $225
- Local Dues Annual Fee — FREE
- Total: $290
There are many benefits to joining, including professional growth, networking opportunities, leadership training, career development tools and strategic resources. If you are already a member, please pass this information along to your friends and colleagues who might be interested. For more information, or to join, click the link below, or contact Mason Moore, Vice President of Member Recruitment for the Orlando Chapter, at mmoore@fhbnet.com.
Update your info
The 2006 PRSA Orlando Member Directory is almost ready to print, so make sure your information is current and correct! Click the link below to update your info online on MemberNet, or e-mail Mason Moore at mmoore@fhbnet.com.
Check out the Job Bank
Keep checking PRSA Orlando's up-to-date job bank for the latest openings in Central Florida.
Or, if you're looking for the best talent in the area, post your company's open positions on the site.
Click below to check it out!
Submissions
To submit stories or ideas for the PRSA newsletter, please contact Communications VP Michelle Lynch.
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