December Newsletter – What’s Next for You?
Want to Do Good and Have Fun? Join the IABC/DC Board!
We’re seeking board members who will be enthusiastic partners as we continue to be the best DC-area resource for the comm
unications community. We have a lot of fun – join us today!
VP, Communications: This is an essential role, working with our all-volunteer Board to support IABD DC Metro members. You can expect to spend an average of approximately 15 hours per month on this role, which includes the following roles and responsibilities:
- Serve as a core member of the IABC DC Metro Board.
- Participate in monthly Board meetings (via ZOOM).
- Attend virtual and in-person events as you are able.
- Oversee the monthly chapter newsletter (we have a wonderful newsletter editor in place to work with you).
- Contribute to chapter website and blog content.
- Manage IABC DC Metro social media.
- Chapter event promotion & communication support.
- Develop annual communication plan.
Director of Events: We have an immediate need for a volunteer Director of Events to manage and direct the chapter events calendar. You will be working with an engaging and fun group of people in this rewarding role. The individual must be a member in good standing, i.e. paid dues with IABC. Please
Ready to jump in? If you are an IABC member in good standing, or would like to join IABC, contact us today or reach out to President-elect Giuseppe Laviano with questions.
Um...What's in a Communications Plan?
What does your 2022 communication strategy look like? Don’t be shy – some of us are greener than others when it comes to creating or updating a strategic communication plan. These plans are your best friend, though – they clarify what we’re trying to say, why we’re saying it, when, and to whom. They describe the purpose of a new initiative, and they guide the messages you want to deliver. Communication plans are also a vital tool when there are threats to reputation or when crisis strikes. CoSchedule’s Melissa King shares a step-by-step overview of a communication plan, complete with a template. See it here.
The Fab Five: Plan Your 2022 Career Development
Each month we share a top five list of ideas to help you advance your career, have fun, or learn something new. This month we’re focusing on your next professional steps. Communicators became essential workers during the pandemic as the world finally realized what we already knew. Messaging must be timely, relevant, and impactful to keep stakeholders aware and engaged. Make 2022 your year to take that next bold step in your career and ensure your communication skill match today’s demands. Here are five outstanding sources to tap:
- IABC’s Career Roadmap & Career Path provide an excellent guide to knowing where you are in your communication career and what skills you’ll need to continue growing.
- BestColleges.com offers an overview and ranking of key communication graduate programs. A graduate degree in communication can help you stand out in the ever-crowded workplace.
- Crescenzo Communications has the right class, workshop, or conference for you – zone in on the communication area you’re targeting.
- Professional certification lets you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise and provides evidence of your outstanding abilities. The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), a team of communication professionals assembled by IABC’s international executive board, has developed two certifications: the Communication Management Professional (CMP) and the Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP).
- The IABC Academy is a great resource for all sorts of learning modules.
What Should My Content Calendar Look Like?
There are many types of content calendars out there – are you happy with yours? Are you actually using one (we hope)? Remember – a good content calendar (or editorial calendar) is a written schedule of where and when you plan to publish upcoming content. These tools typically include upcoming pieces, status updates, planned promotional activity, and updates to existing content. Staying organized is key! Kevin Lee has put together an outstanding guide to choosing a content calendar – see it here.