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Archive for the ‘networking’ Category

Essential ways to approach a PR strategy

Saturday, April 2nd, 2011

Generating caravan sales was an unexpected, ongoing theme in the March PR Strategy workshop in Manchester. But feature it did, and workshop leader Dennis Kelly FCIPR from Teesside University successfully used this real live example to guide us through the creation of a PR strategy, bringing the whole process to life.

We seven delegates ranged in experience from sole practitioner of B2B PR to corporate comms managers for NHS, banks and retail complexes. Pooling our resources, we spent a very enjoyable day looking at why PR strategy is so important, via the trusty ‘plan-do-review’ model, right through to evaluating the PR process, which involved inputs, outputs, outcomes and outflows.

With humour and sound practical knowledge, Dennis looked at various ways to generate a PR strategy, including a Weihrichs 4 strategic options and De Bono’s ‘segment and challenge’ techniques.

As a hands-on PR practitioner, what I found particularly useful were his 15 top tips on getting time with busy managers to encourage them to focus on PR and strategy in particular. And here they are:

Identify common objectives
Be seen, be accessible, be visible
Say … ‘we have problem [x] and this will solve it’
Something which is new/leading edge
Say “This is something which will work for us..”
“Have you seen…” ie. topicality
“I think I know how we can save some money…”
Appeal to vanity..
When you achieve something, have some celebration – share the credit
Try the ‘reverse seminar’ technique. “… I know you’re really busy, but can you give me just half an hour to explain to me what’s happening in [your world]“
Find advocates for PR in the organisation
Demonstrate how something will work to get buy in
Set up focus groups
Gather insights from experts
Just pop in!

At the end of the session, we left armed with some great notes, more PR contacts, and a headful of ideas to implement back at the office. Which is my definition of a successful workshop.

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Women’s networks in logistics – where is the benefit?

Monday, February 7th, 2011

At the Women in Logistics AGM (www.womeninlogistics.org.uk) a few weeks ago, Kirsten Tisdale from Aricia Ltd raised a fabulous point. “Am I a ‘WIL’ or a ‘PIL’” she mused, “am I a woman in logistics or a person in logistics?’

Well, clearly both do indeed apply, but with passion, humour and intelligence she cogently argued why there is indeed a need to strike forward as a WIL – in order to not only to change business perspectives, but to network and importantly, enjoy, being with like minded people.

And it struck me that this is exactly what ALL the best networking events should be like. They add something to our busy lives – not just intellectually, but socially too.

Citing Ingrid Devlin from Dell in Times supplement ‘Women mean business’ from November 2010, Kirsten acknowledged the differences in communication styles between men and women, and stressed that we ought to embrace the difference – but be aware of how a more ‘dynamic approach’ might affect a listeners’ conclusions.

“Women account for just 22% of the logistics workforce in England.”

Set up in September 2009 as a LinkedIn group, Women in Logistics now has more than 1400 members, men and women. From the kernel of an idea by Ruth Waring, MD of Labyrinth Logistics Consulting Ltd, the group was formed to help increase the number of women in the sector and to address the gender imbalance issue. It now organises mentoring, skills days, social events, factory tours, and educational sessions; has exhibited at various shows, and most of all, provides a network for logistics professionals to work within.

“I am so proud of the Women in Logistics network”, says Ruth. “it has wildly exceeded my expectations in its size, scope and influence. Clearly there is a demand for an organisation like ours to make a difference.”

A non profit making group, WIL runs with no finance, no bank account even, and is totally volunteer led. They will be putting on six events throughout 2011. These were democratically chosen at the AGM by the 40 or so delegates: we were all armed with six sticky dots each, and had to nominate our six favoured events (out of a total in excess of 24). These are now being finalised.

The line up for 2011 includes topics like a Professional Development Day, and seminars on topics such as

Non exec directorships
Work life balance
Social Media & LinkedIn
Spa and Confidence Building
IT for Logistics

And of course, a celebratory 3rd birthday party for WIL in September.

WIL has some exceptionally talented men and women in its membership, and you can read some case studies on what some of the members do, and what they get from being a part of the group.

So in answer to my question, where is the benefit? Well, for both men and women in logistics, it strikes me that the potential for benefit is the same in any network - the more you put in, the more you get out.

The next event is in March and will be a Social Media day, with talks on LinkedIn, Twitter and blogging. See Women in Logistics‘ website for more information

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Network rules

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

There is a surfeit of networking events at the moment. Clearly a great way to meet new people and exchange ideas, but not right for everyone. You could conceivably start with a slap up breakfast network at around 7.30am, do a mid morning event over coffee, a lunch network taking you through to 2pm, possibly fit in a few one-2-ones, before zipping into town for dim sum and more chat. Which is great for a chin-wag, but pretty poor for the waistline and disastrous for getting any work done.

So what should we do? Well, the first question to ask is whether or not you need to go to a networking event at all. It’s a real buzz word at the moment, but in all fairness, we’ve always networked, just not called it that. What about the trade association meetings you attend? Or the people down the sports club? The ones on courses, conferences and exhibitions?

If you do feel the need for ‘formal’ networking, first of all, find one which suits you in terms of timings, frequency and members. I enjoy the monthly ‘Preston Business Network‘ lunch, and I’ve heard great things about BEN (but never been), but meeting people at 7.30am? AND being civil?. Social media (such as Twitter and LinkedIn) provides masses of networking possibilities from your own office. It works for me, but my mind, nothing beats talking face to face.

Once at your event-of-choice though, here are some tips to help you to get the most out of it. (Thanks to Mike Ode, Oliver Westall and my LEAD action learning set for sharing their knowledge)

Be brave – you’re all there to meet people, which just won’t happen if you don’t join in
Don’t just chat to people you already know
Try to set yourself a target of how many new people you’ll speak to.
Go up to a friendly looking group and ask ‘may I join you?’.
When the opportunity arises, exchange cards. Use these as your prompt to guide the conversation:
- what does your company do?
- So what does being a *insert job title* involve?
- What made you join this group?
Rehearse your own 30 second or so summary of what you do and a bit about your business. Irritatingly called an ‘elevator pitch‘ it should quickly cover what sort of problems your company comes across, and how you go about solving them.
Ask ‘what are you hoping to get out of this event?’
Invite others into your conversation group…
…and use this as your cue to leave and move on to meet others

Finally, one of the best pieces of advice I’ve received came from Mark Williams who explained what happens when you outstay a conversation because you’re trying to appear interested. He said:

“The perception is that you’re being rude by going; but the reality is you’re being rude by staying”.

So if you’ll excuse me, there’s just someone else I’d like to catch…

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