Byword

IABC Tucson Chapter Newsletter, September 2007

In This Issue:

For previous issues of the Byword, visit our archives.

September 2007 is Wordwide Membership Month!
During Worldwide Membership Month any new or lapsed member can join or re-join IABC and the association will waive the application fee. If your membership is expiring….or if you are new to IABC, please check out: http://www.iabc.com/login/trial.cfm

October 4 Luncheon Meeting To Discuss the ABCs of Accreditation
Did you know that October is IABC Accreditation Month? IABC’s accreditation program is a fantastic career development tool. Join us on October 4 to learn tips on the IABC Accreditation process from J. Kimball Hansen, Jr., ABC, Phelps Dodge Mining Co. Regional Communications Manager. An IABC-headquarters expert also will be available via conference call to provide insider perspectives. Whether you pursue IABC Accreditation or not, this meeting is a resource for your professional development!

  • Date: Thursday, October 4, 2007
  • Time: 11:30 a. m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd., east of Swan
  • RSVP: By sending an email to gescobedo@pima.edu  or call 206-4717. Reserve by Monday, October 1. 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. 

You can learn more about this internationally-recognized credential prior to our Oct. 4 meeting by visiting  http://www.iabc.com/abc.

Worth Reading
What are qualities of effective leadership? In case you missed the news in the most recent edition of the IABC Leadership letter, IABC has launched a new series of case studies on communications leaders. First up is an interesting case study on Integrated Supply Chain Motorola Executive Vice President Stu Reed, who offers his ideas on qualities of effective leaders:  http://www.iabc.com/awards/leadership/leadership.htm

Getting Creative
Earlier this month, chapter luncheon meeting attendees had fun exploring a process designed to inspire creative thinking. The session was facilitated by IABC member and Barking Shelby Communications owner Paul Tumarkin, who introduced the group to five thinking tools, how to apply these tools to existing challenges, and how to use them to inspire innovative solutions.

For example, one thinking tool explored is "Subtraction.” Using this tool, attendees took existing situations or problems, removed an attribute of the problem, and explored how results played out. One interesting Subtraction example discussed was a real situation faced by NASA when developing the Lunar Rover. The problem? Bulbs in the headlights would explode when turned on. The solution? The NASA team came up with the idea of removing the glass bulb. With just the filament, the lights worked perfectly in the atmosphere-free lunar environment.

September meeting attendees learned that being creative isn't necessarily a function of people being innately creative. Rather, creativity and innovative thinking are learned skills and can be applied on-demand—either by individuals or teams—to achieve results.  Contact Paul directly to learn more about how your organization can benefit from a little innovative thinking. Thanks, Paul!

On the heels of our September meeting, it is good to look back on our association’s magazine, Communication World. The magazine continually publishes interesting resources to help spot and foster ideas:  For example, check out IABC speaker Sam Harrison’s site:
http://www.zingzone.com/?view=creativity_tenets

Also spotted on www.iabc.com
Top tips on communications management are offered on the website by Diane Gayeski, Ph.D., author of “Managing the Communication Function: A Blueprint for Organizational Success,” Second Edition. Gayeski suggests that managers employ these successful communications management techniques:

  • Continuously benchmark and research best practices in communication and adopt and adapt them to suit the organization’s needs and culture.
  • Effectively collaborate with counterparts in the organization and with organizational leadership, building trust and partnerships.
  • Build long-term infrastructures of communication policies, practices and tools that build excellent relationships with all constituencies.
  • Manage resources effectively, bringing in projects on time and within budget.
  • Design the most effective constellation of in-house staff and external contractors.
  • Research, evaluate and pitch the value of communication to corporate leaders.
  • Manage the communication function as a business asset, nurturing the systems that drive long-term organizational vitality.

These tips are excerpted from “Managing the Communication Function: A Blueprint for Organizational Success,” Second Edition, by Diane Gayeski, Ph.D. The book is available online at the IABC Store.

Byword Snapshot – Elena Acoba
You see her byline in the Arizona Daily Star, and if you’re a crafter or home design enthusiast her design trend articles or regional interest features are must-reads each Sunday. If you’re a Tucsonan IABCer, you know her as our chapter’s energetic, former president who spearheaded IABC/Tucson’s 25th anniversary celebration. This month, Byword proudly spotlights Elena Acoba – writer, entrepreneur, soccer mom and all-around force on Tucson’s professional communications scene. Since 1997 Acoba has written about living and playing in Tucson for local and regional publications and has provided communications support for companies and organizations. And we’re happy that she is an IABC/Tucson indie!

Trained as a journalist, Acoba worked for 11 years on the staffs of Southern California and Tucson newspapers and news services. She worked as publications director of the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau for more than six years, and then moved back into freelancing after her daughter was born in 1996. She joined IABC/Tucson in 1999.

”IABC/Tucson provides invaluable contacts for my business,” says Acoba.

The network enriches her on the personal side, too: “IABC/Tucson helps me get out of the house and see what else is happening out there,” Acoba continues. “There's a wealth of collective knowledge in the chapter and it seems everyone is willing to share that knowledge through presentations at meetings, responses to the e-group and informal contacts among members.”

When Acoba became Chapter president in 2006, her goal was to demonstrate the professional and personal benefits to others. Under Acoba’s leadership this past year, the Chapter revamped its web site, developed a new Cactus Quills Awards format, designed a new logo and increased media publicity. “We had a productive year,” she admits.

Acoba encourages local companies, organizations and communicators to get involved in the chapter. “IABC/Tucson's membership is admittedly small, but the chapter creates a vital, easily accessible community of people who want to improve their skills, share their knowledge, advance their careers and enjoy the company of peers. And we have a darn good time doing all that!” she says.

Acoba, who earned her BA in journalism from California State University, Long Beach, was a founding member of the Asian-American Journalists Association's San Diego chapter. She is married to Sid Steketee and they have an 11-year-old daughter (Elena's real boss). To learn how to reach this IABC partner, visit our Independent Contractors list.

Calendar Notes
Don't forget to visit our calendar and save the dates for our upcoming 2007 and 2008 events!

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