Byword

IABC Tucson Chapter Newsletter, August 2007

In This Issue:

For previous issues of the Byword, visit our archives.

September 6 Meeting: Reserve Now to Jump Start Your Creative Thinking
Stop brainstorming and start innovating! Ready to learn some new techniques to help you implement innovative thinking in your business environment? Join us for lunch and an entertaining session of instruction, practical ideas and exercises. Based on the methods of Israeli company Systematic Inventive Thinking, this fun, useful session will challenge your brain and inspire creative solutions for all types of business challenges.

  • Topic: "Jump Start Your Creative Thinking"
  • Speaker and Session Facilitator: Barking Shelby Communications owner and IABC/Tucson Technology Director Paul Tumarkin.
  • Date: Thursday, September 6, 2007
  • Time: 11:30 a. m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd., east of Swan

If overflow parking is needed, uncovered spaces are available at Pima Community College on Broadway across from hotel.)  RSVP: By sending an email to gescobedo@pima.edu  or call 206-4717. Reserve by Tuesday, September 4. Please indicate your preference for regular or vegan menu. Costs are $19 for members with reservations, $26 for guests and at the door, $16 for students. No shows will be billed.

Media Insiders Give Tips on Making Content More Compelling
If you took a pass on our August 2 lunch with two media insiders, you missed insights about how local journalists navigate the maze of news content available each day. Arizona Daily Star Business Editor Tim Steller and KOLD News 13 News Producer Christopher Francis gave insider tips on making visual and editorial content more compelling. They also spoke about how media platforms have multiplied, and how reporters work their way through information overload faced each day. Some nuggets from the meeting discussion:

  • Create a blog and refresh it every day. The Internet is a harbinger of news and a reporter’s top source.
  • Editors and producers prefer emails over phone calls. They value persistence. Give your cell phone number: Often the contact is made after-business hours.
  • Make sure your submissions are relevant and succinct. There is no “routine” story idea. Does your pitch have “dynamic motion” rather than offering just a topic? Getting briefs with unique angles is an editor’s top priority.
  • Participate in media blogs and online chats: Check out the new www.azstarbiz.com site and KOLD at: http://www.koldfirstalert.typepad.com/
  • Journalism is “an act, not a profession.” While trained journalists always will be needed, “citizen” journalism reporting on blogs and in social media is here to stay.

Leadership Tidbits from Headquarters
Our www.iabc.com is chock full of inspiration and solid news notes this month:

Tucson IABC Anniversaries
Congratulations to these local IABC veterans who celebrate their anniversaries with IABC this month:

  • Stephen Reidy - 19 years
  • Marci TeBockhorst - 4 years

Holiday Happening...coming soon
A date for our joint Holiday Mixer held with PRSA will soon be announced. Look forward to December for this special, fun evening event. More information to come!

About Byword
Byword is emailed monthly by the Tucson Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators to its membership. For questions or ideas regarding ByWord content, please contact Monica Surfaro Spigelman at msurfarospigelman@gmail.com

IABC Tucson
Post Office Box 43262
Tucson, Arizona 85733-3262