CONNECT

Timing Communications

How often is too much communication?  When is it not enough? 

Like most professionals in this industry, we are constantly asked to put together a communications plan for an upcoming event/promotion/production launch/etc.  A recent project triggered my inquiry.  After sitting in a conference room for two hours discussing a large sales team recognition trip for next year, we saw first hand the largest gap in expectations and comfort levels relating to how often and in what formats this large global company should communicate with its employees.  There 6 months separating the announcement of this program until the actual trip. 

How often should this company communicate with its employees, being that this is not directly related to its everyday business?  How often is too much?  How often is too little?  I'd be curious to see everyone's opinion.  Once this campaigh is over, I'll post the results of what the client untimately decided upon and what was the feedback from the group.

NJIABC Student Chapter

NJ/IABC Welcomes the State’s First Student Chapter!

Sept. 11, 2006, Madison, N.J.  – The New Jersey Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (NJ/IABC) has formed the only student chapter in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. The NJ/IABC Student chapter was inaugurated April 12, 2006 at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, N.J. 

The NJ/IABC Student Chapter is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at N.J.-based institutions pursuing a degree in the field of communication.

The students and the N.J. professional chapter members have fostered a collaborative partnership to provide endless benefits to both organizations. The chapter will help students entering the workforce to succeed by providing tools such as networking-opportunities, career development guidance, and professional education programs. Rewards to NJ/IABC members include enhanced leadership and mentorship capabilities, and knowledge sharing of current communication theory and technology. The involvement of these new professional communicators also will augment the future of NJ/IABC membership.

“In a field that has recently grown in recognition, we look forward to sharing our expertise and increasing students’ knowledge as they prepare to enter the professional world of communication,” said Richard Ecke, President, NJ/IABC. NJ/IABC members represent communicators working in a broad range of disciplines and industries:  49% Corporations; 22% Associations, Academia, or Government institutions; 14% PR/communication consultancies; 6% Self-employed/independent; 5% Management consultancies, and; 4% Other. 

The Student Chapter held its first board elections on May 20. The new board members for the 2006-2007 year are: Alexis Piekarsky, president; Mariellen Brown, vice president of membership development; Beth Leman; vice president of professional development/events; Christina Holden-Barth, vice president of communication; Rachel Cera, treasurer; Laura Mannix, secretary; Lorraine Gorski, and Sheron Hansel, board members-at-large.

According Piekarsky, who was instrumental in establishing the student chapter, “The NJ/IABC is very supportive, this organization will undoubtedly be an invaluable opportunity for student communicators to learn and grow! This is the beginning of a new adventure and I am excited to be a part of it.” 

IRIS Awards

Once again, we're playing the NJ/IABC IRIS Awards song....Watch your mail for the 2006 IRIS Call for Entries, already available as a PDF download through our website, http://www.njiabc.com/images/calliris.pdf

The theme this year is "Orchestrating Excellence" and YOUR work may well-deserve a standing ovation!  This year's IRIS Awards Program boasts a new venue for the gala celebration and a new judging process.

Stay tuned for more details...but start preparing your entries now!  The curtain closes on October 28, 2006.

6 Ways to Improve Communications

1) Align corporate communication strategy to emphasize stated business goals

2) Focus the core messages for the company while giving room for the persona of your audience(s)

3) Use online toolsets to deliver and track receipt of, and response to, communications

4) Choose appropriate emphasis of message through language, narration, audio, images, video, motion or graphics

5) Survey audience message awareness and message comprehension

6) Evaluate communications for signs of audience comfort and consistency vs. media fatigue                                                                                           

Welcome to NJ/IABC's Blog

Hi Fellow NJ/IABC Members:

Summer is over and the leaves are changing. Like many business professionals, you’ve discovered that any summer slowdown has surely given way to a busy autumn. At NJ/IABC, the lazy days are clearly behind us. We have a very busy fall and winter schedule ahead that I’m sure you all will find exciting. Let’s take a closer look:

• In October, November and December, we will be holding three new NJ/IABC CommCasts. Brought to you in partnership with the people at Ragan Communication, these “learn from your desk” events are design to offer you top-notch online seminars without you having to drive to an event. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming topics.
• Also, in November, we will hold another TGIT, short for Thank Goodness It’s Thursday. These popular networking events offer us all a chance to mix and mingle, while a short program and discussion led by a local professional helps get us all thinking.
• In December, we will hold our now famous holiday party, held in conjunction with all the major (and minor) communications organization in New Jersey. Every year it seems to get better and better. We are once again proud to hold this event at The Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will go to a selection of charities, including the Community Food Bank, the Special Olympics, and others. We hope to see you there.
• Finally, January will spotlight our annual IRIS Awards program. Here we’ll honor the best and brightest in the profession and crown a new Communicator of the Year. You should have all received a call for entries in the mail recently. The deadline is fast approaching, so get your submissions in. For more info, visit our website at www.njiabc.com.

While I like to drop in from time to time to share some news, I recognize that there is a need, and desire, for an ongoing dialogue amongst many of our members. This leads to my last bit of exciting news.

We have just launched the NJ/IABC Blog. You now have the opportunity to speak your mind, pose questions, submit ideas, and share knowledge with fellow NJ/IABC members throughout the state. The virtual conversations are already starting – and I hope you will join in.

So, clearly, there is a lot going on. We’ve put together a full slate of programming. The next step is yours. Sign up and join in – and make the most of your NJ/IABC membership.

I hope to see you all soon.

Regards,

Richard

Ecke

Berry Ecke Associates

NJ/IABC President