So, I thought in light of the Christmas spirit, I would change my page to red. I know that this may turn some people off, as it is more of a STOP color than a go...but I like it.
I hope you all enjoy the festivities this year safely and with those you love!
-Torri
Monday, December 12, 2011
Professional Organizations
Public Relations Society of America (http://www.prsa.org/):
This organization is invested in networking, professional development and even job placement. The PRSA is a good jumping off point for someone just graduating college and wanting to broaden their horizons. This is also a good way to see any upcoming training or seminars available in your local area. I wouldn't mind being a part of this org. It seems legit and seems like it's pretty user-friendly.
National Communication Association (http://www.natcom.org/):
Well this one wasn't as impressive, to me, as the PRSA. However, I would say that the NCA has some high points. It does focus on education and scholarships for the communication field, which would have been awesome to know about before I started college. Also, they do have quite a broad reach into all the states in America. What I didn't like was that their Web site didn't have a whole lot of information. Their "About Us" section was merely a paragraph and their mission statement left much to be desired. I don't think this is an org I will be joining.
The Association for Women in Communications (http://www.womcom.org/):
Well I have to have this one, don't I? In all seriousness, I would like to be a part of this org. Their site seems very well put together and I like that they not only have a brief overview of themselves, but a fact sheet as well. I also can't resist an organization that is committed to helping me succeed in my professional endeavors. This one has my vote!
Association of Professional Communication Consultants (http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/):
APCC is a good organization, I believe. However, I don't think it's one that would interest me very much. They do seem very dedicated to providing additional training and offering tools for success, but something about their presentation left me feeling like I was watching a cheesy infomercial instead of looking at something that very well may change the direction of my career path. Pretty good, I guess, but definitely not for me.
The American Communication Association (http://www.americancomm.org/):
I like the ACA, they seem like they're relevant to the field of communication, and they provide some muscle where we need it. I like that they are involved in communication law. I like that their mission is to facilitate instruction, scholarship, etc. What I didn't like, however, was one of their core values. "Americanness"...is that even a word? When you are dealing in a world of professional communicators, the last thing you want to do is start making up words that everyone understands but no one is prepared to buy in to. Just saying.
All in all, most of the orgs seem pretty good and all seem legit. I think my top two are the PRSA and the Women in Communications. I think both of those sites offer more of what I'm looking for from a professional org. I felt immediately drawn to their design, mission and goals.
This organization is invested in networking, professional development and even job placement. The PRSA is a good jumping off point for someone just graduating college and wanting to broaden their horizons. This is also a good way to see any upcoming training or seminars available in your local area. I wouldn't mind being a part of this org. It seems legit and seems like it's pretty user-friendly.
National Communication Association (http://www.natcom.org/):
Well this one wasn't as impressive, to me, as the PRSA. However, I would say that the NCA has some high points. It does focus on education and scholarships for the communication field, which would have been awesome to know about before I started college. Also, they do have quite a broad reach into all the states in America. What I didn't like was that their Web site didn't have a whole lot of information. Their "About Us" section was merely a paragraph and their mission statement left much to be desired. I don't think this is an org I will be joining.
The Association for Women in Communications (http://www.womcom.org/):
Well I have to have this one, don't I? In all seriousness, I would like to be a part of this org. Their site seems very well put together and I like that they not only have a brief overview of themselves, but a fact sheet as well. I also can't resist an organization that is committed to helping me succeed in my professional endeavors. This one has my vote!
Association of Professional Communication Consultants (http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/):
APCC is a good organization, I believe. However, I don't think it's one that would interest me very much. They do seem very dedicated to providing additional training and offering tools for success, but something about their presentation left me feeling like I was watching a cheesy infomercial instead of looking at something that very well may change the direction of my career path. Pretty good, I guess, but definitely not for me.
The American Communication Association (http://www.americancomm.org/):
I like the ACA, they seem like they're relevant to the field of communication, and they provide some muscle where we need it. I like that they are involved in communication law. I like that their mission is to facilitate instruction, scholarship, etc. What I didn't like, however, was one of their core values. "Americanness"...is that even a word? When you are dealing in a world of professional communicators, the last thing you want to do is start making up words that everyone understands but no one is prepared to buy in to. Just saying.
All in all, most of the orgs seem pretty good and all seem legit. I think my top two are the PRSA and the Women in Communications. I think both of those sites offer more of what I'm looking for from a professional org. I felt immediately drawn to their design, mission and goals.
Monday, December 5, 2011
What Makes a Good Blog
I had an incredible time reading the blogs of a few of my classmates. Some were boring, some were amazing, some were just so-so. I learned that everyone has a different style, and that it is important to understand the elements that make a good blog. First of all, the purpose of the blog is most important. You have to decide what you want the blog to say and to keep the all-important WIIFM in mind. What is WIIFM, you ask? It means – What’s In It For Me? This should be applied to anything we are putting out into the information super highway. If someone cannot determine what is in it for them when reading your products, you have lost a potential follower.
The next thing to focus on is the design of the blog. Is it too busy? Are there too many, or not enough, photographs of you? Again, you have to think about what you are trying to say and the purpose of the blog. If you are trying to attract potential employers, having photos of you doing jell-o shots with your friends probably is not the best idea. However, I noticed the easiest blogs to read were the ones with clean lines, few photos and very few distractions. I liked the ones that kept the colors subtle, so I could focus on the content of the blog.
Of course a blog would not be anything without its content. This is also a vital element when blogging. I do not appreciate the bloggers who just go off on weird tangents or random rants about the dregs of society. Please, if you are going to spew words and ideas into the universe, develop a coherent thought. Your content can say a lot about you. It speaks volumes about your intelligence, especially if you do not have a firm grasp on the English language...it shows in the written word. Be mindful, especially if looking for employment, of what kind of language you are using. You need to know what your employer is looking for, in order to best present yourself to them.
Which brings me to your audience, who you are trying to communicate with. This is a very important piece of the blog. You could almost say it drives everything. The audience and purpose go hand-in-hand. You have to know who you are trying to communicate with and what you plan to get out of that communication before starting your blog. Well, you should consider these things prior to starting a blog. We have all seen those who do not consider these things and, well, I don’t think I need to expound on the subject. Knowing who is reading and knowing what you want to get out of their involvement in your blog can help you with your design and content. If you are looking to be hired by an art institute or creative writing department, it might benefit you to put a little more color and fun design elements into your blog. You can also get a little more crazy and flowery with the writing because you are showcasing your creative abilities and talents. On the other hand, if you are looking to work for a law firm, I wouldn’t even have a blog at all...you never want something coming back to bite you =) In all seriousness, though, you would want it more subtle, with passages that highlight your intelligence and your commitment to justice.
I reviewed three blogs this week and made critiques on all three of them. I wanted the critiques to be personal to the blogger because I think people are more receptive to criticism when it’s “nice.” The following is what I posted on my fellow classmates’ blogs:
http://mylifeisspeakingwhatisitsayingaboutme.blogspot.com/2011/11/delivering-bad-news-tactfully-and.html#comment-form
Sheila
I always see your picture and smile because your dog reminds me of my dog! I love what you've done with your blog. I like the blurred background. It's calming and not distracting at all. Your blog isn't busy or too much to take in and it really helps to focus on the actual message of what you're saying.
I also love the things you never say when delivering bad news. These are truly good things to keep in mind, especially when you have had a conflict with the person before. Your stuff is very well-written and insightful. I enjoyed reading it!
http://sandradee-communication.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-infinity-and-beyondinternet-craze.html#comment-form
Sandra,
What a great writing style you have! I like that you're to-the-point with what you're saying. I love what you said about the Internet craze and how it's really changed the way people communicate. Just look at this class for example. Your background on the blog is good, too. I like that it isn't distracting.
http://dmoss-blogpurpose.blogspot.com/
I like that you put your own thoughts and explanations behind each of the commandments. It really shows your understanding of the material and helps people see where you're coming from. I often find it helpful when communicating with someone, if you can understand their own interpretations of something you have your own idea about. It can make for very interesting conversation as well as easier ways to find a common ground.
I think the biggest thing I can take away from my fellow classmates’ blogs is the diversity that we all have in our communication. It is easy to think that everyone who is taking the same class as you, might communicate very similar. However, I have learned that it is not always that simple and that I still have a long way to go before being able to communicate my message to future employers. Not everyone wants someone who speaks “military.”
The next thing to focus on is the design of the blog. Is it too busy? Are there too many, or not enough, photographs of you? Again, you have to think about what you are trying to say and the purpose of the blog. If you are trying to attract potential employers, having photos of you doing jell-o shots with your friends probably is not the best idea. However, I noticed the easiest blogs to read were the ones with clean lines, few photos and very few distractions. I liked the ones that kept the colors subtle, so I could focus on the content of the blog.
Of course a blog would not be anything without its content. This is also a vital element when blogging. I do not appreciate the bloggers who just go off on weird tangents or random rants about the dregs of society. Please, if you are going to spew words and ideas into the universe, develop a coherent thought. Your content can say a lot about you. It speaks volumes about your intelligence, especially if you do not have a firm grasp on the English language...it shows in the written word. Be mindful, especially if looking for employment, of what kind of language you are using. You need to know what your employer is looking for, in order to best present yourself to them.
Which brings me to your audience, who you are trying to communicate with. This is a very important piece of the blog. You could almost say it drives everything. The audience and purpose go hand-in-hand. You have to know who you are trying to communicate with and what you plan to get out of that communication before starting your blog. Well, you should consider these things prior to starting a blog. We have all seen those who do not consider these things and, well, I don’t think I need to expound on the subject. Knowing who is reading and knowing what you want to get out of their involvement in your blog can help you with your design and content. If you are looking to be hired by an art institute or creative writing department, it might benefit you to put a little more color and fun design elements into your blog. You can also get a little more crazy and flowery with the writing because you are showcasing your creative abilities and talents. On the other hand, if you are looking to work for a law firm, I wouldn’t even have a blog at all...you never want something coming back to bite you =) In all seriousness, though, you would want it more subtle, with passages that highlight your intelligence and your commitment to justice.
I reviewed three blogs this week and made critiques on all three of them. I wanted the critiques to be personal to the blogger because I think people are more receptive to criticism when it’s “nice.” The following is what I posted on my fellow classmates’ blogs:
http://mylifeisspeakingwhatisitsayingaboutme.blogspot.com/2011/11/delivering-bad-news-tactfully-and.html#comment-form
Sheila
I always see your picture and smile because your dog reminds me of my dog! I love what you've done with your blog. I like the blurred background. It's calming and not distracting at all. Your blog isn't busy or too much to take in and it really helps to focus on the actual message of what you're saying.
I also love the things you never say when delivering bad news. These are truly good things to keep in mind, especially when you have had a conflict with the person before. Your stuff is very well-written and insightful. I enjoyed reading it!
http://sandradee-communication.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-infinity-and-beyondinternet-craze.html#comment-form
Sandra,
What a great writing style you have! I like that you're to-the-point with what you're saying. I love what you said about the Internet craze and how it's really changed the way people communicate. Just look at this class for example. Your background on the blog is good, too. I like that it isn't distracting.
http://dmoss-blogpurpose.blogspot.com/
I like that you put your own thoughts and explanations behind each of the commandments. It really shows your understanding of the material and helps people see where you're coming from. I often find it helpful when communicating with someone, if you can understand their own interpretations of something you have your own idea about. It can make for very interesting conversation as well as easier ways to find a common ground.
I think the biggest thing I can take away from my fellow classmates’ blogs is the diversity that we all have in our communication. It is easy to think that everyone who is taking the same class as you, might communicate very similar. However, I have learned that it is not always that simple and that I still have a long way to go before being able to communicate my message to future employers. Not everyone wants someone who speaks “military.”
Monday, November 28, 2011
Bad News Bears...
“You are a department manager in a mid-sized company that provides technology support services. You have ten employees who are required to maintain a high level of technical expertise and deliver excellent customer service. One of your employees, who has been with the company for two years, is performing at a substandard level and you have received numerous complaints from customers and coworkers. In addition, this employee has displayed confrontational behavior which has created a hostile environment. You must now meet with this employee and deliver an ultimatum regarding the need for immediate improvement or dismissal.”
I would begin by suggesting a feedback session where we could both discuss the employee’s (we’ll call him Jack) performance as well as his attitude at work. Once we had arranged a meeting, I would get everything together that would be necessary for our feedback session. I would get notes from previous sessions, complaints from co-workers, performance reports, etc.
When it comes time for the meeting, I will begin with a positive attitude and ask Jack why he thinks we are having this meeting. Giving him the time to respond, I will be direct with him about the problems I have seen with his work performance, and tell him I have had complaints from other employees about his confrontational behavior. At this point, I imagine Jack will become withdrawn, even have a bit of an attitude toward me. He will defend himself, saying that it’s just his personality and he doesn’t see what the big deal is. He’ll say everyone is just picking on him because they don’t like him and they just want to see him fail. He will put up a wall, and make it difficult to proceed.
This is where it gets tricky. In all honesty, I don’t really know that I want Jack to stay around. He has no redeeming qualities and creates more work for everyone in the department. He is rude, pushy and kind of a jerk to customers and other employees. It’s hard to try to teach someone who behaves like this. However, this is the point where I would try to come to some sort of collaboration with Jack. Ask him why he feels that way, and if there is something I can do to help with his productivity. Maybe he has too much responsibility? Maybe he’s really unhappy in his current position? He’ll push back. He’ll tell me that he’s too smart for this lame work and that he’d serve the company much better if he was promoted and had more responsibility. Maybe he could get his own office, and several people to work for him.
Well...that’s not going to happen any time soon. This is the point where I would tell him, point blank, there is no way he will have a future in this company if he continues with the path he is on. This may not be his favorite thing to hear, but it’s the truth. I will let him know that I have to see immediate improvement, and when I say immediate, I mean as soon as he walks out of my office. I will document the conversation, and tell him that if he does not improve, he will be terminated.
I don’t know that it will be the most pleasant conversation, but sometimes you just have to call a spade a spade...especially in my line of work.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Media Technologies
There are a few media technologies that I feel are actually worthwhile. There are several on the market but, not a whole lot that really reach out to the masses.
Facebook: Let’s start with the most obvious form of social networking out there right now. This phenomenon took the world by storm with its insight into the personal lives of our families, friends and, sometimes, complete strangers. It says a lot about our society that we jumped at the chance to get a very intimate peek into the lives of others. Now, Facebook is the largest social networking site on the Web. Millions of people, companies, social groups, log on every day to update their friends on what is going on in their small corner of the world. For my job, we even have a Facebook page for the Airmen on our installation. It is just another way to get the information our and to engage the younger population. We put things like upcoming events, safety tips and photos of Airmen at work on the Facebook page. We do have to be careful, though, because when you have an organizational page, you have to make sure that other people are not being inappropriate on your site. You don’t want to make it look like you endorse the opinions of others, just because they have “liked” your page. Facebook does give privacy settings to its users which does allow a bit of control on who is allowed to view your information. It’s important to me to have the settings as private as possible because I am not comfortable with my work life and personal life mixing. For that reason, I am not “friends” on Facebook with co-workers. Maybe it is because I am in the military and I have to set a good example to my troops. I don’t necessarily want them to see a photo of me out at a bar or club. It can really undermine my authority and credibility.
Twitter: Sort of a mix between your Facebook folks and your bloggers, this site allows people to “follow” an individual’s every move, literally. With “tweets” limited to just 140 characters, users subject their followers to some of the most mundane news moments. I have seen “brushing my teeth with my new toothbrush,” “going to the grocery store,” “Oh! They’re out of milk!” I can’t even begin to describe how riveting this news is. However, like everything, Twitter does have its purpose. Many celebrities use it to connect with their fans. This is an excellent marketing tool because it makes them more attainable to those who are true followers. At work, we also use Twitter. We mostly just “tweet” links to news stories, photos and Facebook posts. Every once in awhile we will provide a quick congratulatory message to award winners or people who have been selected for promotion. Businesses can use this service to update their clients and customers on quick facts pertaining to the business. I could see this working really well with the stock exchange and investment companies. It really just gives people another avenue to receive pertinent information quickly and from anywhere. Even though you are limited to how many characters you can use to send a message, it is very easy to link your “tweets” to other sites containing more information.
Broadcasting: Ah, yes…remember the days when you HAD to listen to commercials on the radio because you were driving through the most remote part of the Midwest and there was only one station that came in? It made for some very creative road trips but, ultimately, we all survived. In today’s world of satellite radio, TV’s in cars, we have kind of forgotten our friends in the radio. Television broadcasting has experienced similar setbacks. Now you can record a show and fast-forward through all the commercials. It’s a far cry from the days when you dreaded The State of the Union speech because you knew the president would be on all finve channels that you received. However, broadcasting is not a dying breed, yet. They have moved with the times to make commercials more entertaining, funny and, sometimes, shocking. We are all familiar with watching the Super Bowl and laughing hysterically at whatever commercial the beer industries came out with. Even if you’re not a sports fan, I’m sure you can relate. TV and radio are still medias which reach several people and can sometimes reach them on a more emotional level than an Internet news feed. I’m talking about the Hallmark commercials that have you in tears or the holiday charity ones; those get me every time. TV and radio broadcasting are still hanging on, but just by a thread. What we’re seeing here is a complete shift in the way people get their information. If TV and radio want to stay relevant, they’ve got to move with the changing times. Many have, with Facebook and Twitter pages. Go figure.
Print: And my long, lost love – print journalism. It’s still there, if you look hard enough. Papers are going away all across the country, which makes me kind of want to cry. However, specialty papers and magazines, like the New York Times, Washington Post, etc., are still going strong. The support of their loyal readers is still evident in their profit margins. Unfortunately, because the world gets its news immediately now, print journalism has become almost obsolete. Again, in my job, the base paper used to be the end-all, be-all of our existence. It defined our relevance as communicators and really gave a tangible product to our audiences. Now, with budget and personnel cuts, the paper is a thing of the past, and something we really cannot afford to keep in production. I am lucky at my current duty station because it’s a fairly small town we operate in. What is nice about this is that you still have people who take the time to read the morning paper and find the information in it relevant, even if the information is a week old and doesn’t really pertain to anything going on today. Almost all publications now have a Web site as well as their print counterpart. This allows its younger audience to get news immediately, while still catering to those who prefer to enjoy their morning cup of coffee with the newspaper. It pains me to say it but, print journalism is a media outlet that is drying up faster than a puddle in the middle of Afghanistan in June.
Monday, November 14, 2011
I fought it for so long...
So I'm not really a fan of blogging, social networking, etc. But, since I will have to do it for this course, I was actually surprised at how painless it was. Setting up the blog was a cinch since I already have a gmail account and they've got this nifty blog wizard that pretty much does everything for you. I picked a template I enjoyed, I really like reading, uploaded a photo and voila! my blog now lives!
I think that because I was not looking forward to it in any way, shape or form, I put it off until the last minute to accomplish this blog. However, I will continue tinkering with it to see just what the high and low points are of having a place where I can spout off sporadically without much accountability for my actions. =) In all sincerity, though, I do enjoy a place that allows you to speak freely and allow prospective employers get a feel for your creativity and, if you possess it, your biting whit.
Stay tuned...I'll play around with this and report back any kinks...
I think that because I was not looking forward to it in any way, shape or form, I put it off until the last minute to accomplish this blog. However, I will continue tinkering with it to see just what the high and low points are of having a place where I can spout off sporadically without much accountability for my actions. =) In all sincerity, though, I do enjoy a place that allows you to speak freely and allow prospective employers get a feel for your creativity and, if you possess it, your biting whit.
Stay tuned...I'll play around with this and report back any kinks...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)