Strategy Session with the Ohio Credit Union League

Last week I was asked to host a strategy session for the Ohio Credit Union League Steering Committee for their Marching Miles event.

Marching Miles is a state-wide Ohio credit union event that raises money for Children's Miracle Network for the six Children's Hospitals throughout Ohio. In the past Marching Miles has been a multi-day, multi-mile relay of sorts, leading up to the annual convention.

Over the last four years the event cumulatively has raised nearly a half a million dollars. Not bad for a young event. So why was I hired to help out? Well . . . .

The event has plateaued over the last couple years, attendance is low and logistics throughout the credit union community is slightly confusing.

So, last week a spent a couple hours with the Steering Committee performing a SWOT analysis to develop a solid strategy and direction as the event moves forward. As we were discussing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats it was quickly uncovered that a big part of the problem was brand confusion. Was Marching Miles just an event or the actual umbrella for all things Children's Miracle Network Fundraising?

I'm happy to report that after two hours with the group I was able to help them come to some decisions, focus, as well as the beginning of creating a new strategy to grow the fundraising capabilities for the Ohio Credit Union League and it's chapters across the state.

For 2011, we look to bigger and better changes which should transfer to more support for Children's Miracle Network and the local Children's Hospitals throughout Ohio!

Busy Speaking

The last couple weeks I have been busy speaking to the Ohio Credit Union League on the topic of social media. Currently, only a handful of Credit Unions are incorporating social media into their marketing plans. I was added to the Ohio Media Training Tour to introduce Credit Union's to social media, with an emphasis on Facebook and Twitter.

Not only am I making an introduction to Facebook and Twitter, I am also discussing the importance of strategy:

• Creating objectives
• Targeting your audience
• Making your footprint
• Crafting content and key messages
• Deciding how much to converse
• Determining your commitment
• Using measurement tools

It's the strategy created behind Facebook and Twitter that will give Credit Unions, and any organization, the best return on investment and social media success.

Becoming a Speaker

It's amazing the twists, turns and opportunities that come with owning a business. Lately I have been approached to speak at meetings, workshops and conferences for trade association and non-profit organizations.

This fall I have two big engagements lined up. One in September at the Ohio Benefit Bank and a handful in October for Ohio Credit Union League. Both speaking engagements will deal with Using Social Media To Spread Your Message.

Social media can be a free platform to create awareness, connect with individuals and create calls to action. My session will teach how to use social media to spread your message, as well as strengthen your brand. The session will also cover measuring your return on investment and reputation management. By incorporating these elements into your social media plan you can take your organization to the next level.

Today I became a member of Speaker Site where I officially listed myself for future speaking engagements. If you are a small business, non-profit or trade association looking for someone to speak to your staff, members or constituents look no further. Contact me through my Speaker Site Profile or email info@columbusimpressions.com. I'd be happy to work with your organization as you incorporate strategic social media tactics to take you to the next level.

You've Been Asked To Do An Interview . . Now What?

Here are some tips when working with the media for an interview.

Before the Interview:

1. A reporter's approach can give clues to the intent of the interview. Will the interview be taped or live? Before the interview date do some research on the media outlet and reporter - what type of stories do they typically cover? Is the reporter conversational or tight-lipped?
2. Prepare a fact sheet to give to reporter.  If it's a live interview give to reporter the day before the interview. If it's taped bring it to the interview.  This way your key messages will be correct either during the live interview or when the interview is edited.
3. Prepare talking points for yourself.  You may not cover all points but it is a good point of reference to use as you prepare.
4. If it's an on camera interview dress appropriately. Stay away from harsh patterns or colors. Keep hair and jewelry simple.

During the Interview:

1. Be natural, confident and speak at a normal volume.
2. Be relaxed, smile and make eye contact with reporter. Body language is important. Don't fidget with your cross your arms in front of your chest.
3. Be honest and accurate. Don't guess, it's alright to say you don't have that information at that time and you will get back to reporter as information is available.
4. Be brief. Keep language simple, straightforward and to the point. Don't use extremely technical terms and stay with the message.

If Interview Turns Hostile:

1. Stay calm. Never react and don't yield to pressure. How you sound is as important as what you say.
2. Respond with facts and be persuasive.
3. Don't repeat reporter's negative words, even to refute them. Substitute with positive words.
4. Don't let inaccurate statement pass you by. Word the correction in your follow-up response.  Use steering phrases to bring back your message like:

• "The real issue here is . . ."
• "What really affects the public is . . ."
• "Let's put this in perspective . . ."
• "Another important point is . . ."

When you are being interviewed, no matter the tone of the interview, always listen carefully to the questions. Listen to the entire question, then take a couple seconds to collect your thoughts before you answer.

Reputation Management: Social Media & Public Relations For Non-Profits and Small Businesses

Last night I was one of the presenters at the Columbus Social Media Network Reputation Management: Social Media and Public Relations session.

My focus was on non-profits and small businesses.  Because most non-profit organizations and small businesses do not have the budget or luxury of hiring social media experts, they are either opting not to do social media or are trying to dabble in social media themselves.  Either way could create a crisis situation.  Even if you aren't doing social media, others are and I can guarantee they are talking about you.  If you are dabbling, you have probably noticed all the social media options. You might feel overwhelmed, or are not sure where to start.  

To start I would suggest the Five Points of Focus:  Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogging and YouTube.

For more information, you can see the entire presentation here.  In order to prevent and handle a social media crisis I've included what I think to be the three most important slides of the presentation:  Being Proactive, Being Reactive, and Taking Action.

If you would like assistance setting up social media for your organization or assistance creating a crisis communication plan columbus imPRessions can help.  Email Michele at michele@columbusimpressions.com.

Columbus Social Media Network Fun

Through MeetUp.com I have become a member of the Columbus Social Media Network Group. Ryan Bauer is the organizer of this fast growing group.  Last night we had a Cinco de Mayo Meet Up and boy did we have fun.   Here are a couple photos of me with friends I have met using social media.  Great people! 

Next week Ryan has arranged for a MeetUp to discuss Reputation Management: Social Media and Public Relations.  I will be a speaker and will be highlighting how social media can help non-profits and ways for them to avoid a social media crisis situation.  Join us if you can. But hurry, only a few spaces are left.