Communiqué

The Association for Women in Communications

What’s inside:

www.womcom.org

September-October 2010

One organization embracing ALL communications disciplines

In today’s challenging economic times, networking and advancing one’s skills is key. Being a member of the country’s leading communications association is, as you know, a great way to do this. This fall, AWC is making it more affordable for communications practitioners from across all disciplines and around the country to join AWC. New members signing up by Nov. 30, 2010 as an executive, professional or entrepreneur member will save $50, as the national application fee is waived. Some great prizes await AWC members who recruit the most new members, too.

AWC members are encouraged to recruit new members and compete to win prizes: •Theindividual member with the highest number of

recruited new members will receive a Flip video camera! Second place wins a Blu-ray DVD player, and third place wins a complimentary AWC webinar of their choice.

Campaign, cont’d. on Page 2

New members signing up by Nov. 30 as an executive, professional or entrepreneur member will save $50.

R

Pick up lines that really work

TechTrekking to Lafayette

Update your profile

Connect, engage, advance:be a communications leader

AWC Fall 2010 Membership Campaign

458

2

•Theprofessional chapter with the highest percentage of new members attained during the cam-paign will receive one complimentary registration to the 2011 AWC National Conference in Tulsa, Okla., a $400+ value. Second place will receive one complimentary membership renewal to present to an out-standing chapter volunteer, speaker, or VIP, and third place will receive $75 worth of AWC branded mer-chandise.•Thestudent chapter with the highest percentage of new members will receive one complimentary

student registration to the 2011 AWC National Conference in Tulsa, Okla., a value of $250+. Second place will receive $50 worth of AWC branded merchandise, and third place will receive a complimentary AWC webinar of their choice.Byjoiningnow,newmemberswillbenefitbyreducedpricingonprogramming,culminatingwiththe

2011 AWC National Conference in Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 13-15, 2011. Here’s what you need to do: Checkwithyourchapterleaderorthenationalofficeforrecruitmente-fliersandpostcardsthatyoucan

sendtofriendsandcolleagues,invitingthemtojoinourterrificorganization.Besurethatnewmembersinclude your name on the “referred by” section of their membership application so you get the recruiting credit.Tobeeligibleforprizes,youmustrecruitatleastfivenewmembers.

Also, use your Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts as a method of recruiting. By linking to AWC national,aswellasyourlocalchapter,potentialmemberswillfindoutwhichmembershiplevelisappropri-ate, the cost and information on AWC.

You’re not alone in this recruitment venture. AWC national is supporting your efforts through a dedicated page on the www.womcom.org website, direct mail and social media outreach, all directing prospective memberstoAWC’sbenefitsandmembershipapplicationform,aswellaslocalchaptersifthereisoneintheir area.

Potential members will be able to participate in live webinars to learn about AWC membership on Sept. 28, Oct. 18 or Nov. 16. For more information or to obtain campaign materials, please contact AWC Mem-bership Manager Dan Mondloch, at members@womcom.org or (703) 370-7436.

Connect, Engage, Advance: Be a communications leader

Campaign, cont’d. from Page 1

What do you do?Every business professional needs an engaging answer to that question. On Sept. 21,

join 2009 AWC Headliner Lorraine Howell, author of “Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift!” for a guide through her proven process for creating a winning elevator speech. You will learn how to craft your own elevator speech, enhance your personal brand, improve your networking skills, connect with any audience, and create effective speeches and presen-tations. Register today and make your own 30-second commercial!

Visit the Upcoming Events page to register for the AWC Webinar Series.

With the roller-coaster changes that have occurred in the fieldofcommunicationsduringthepastfewyears,weallneeda way to connect with each other for guidance and professional growth.ThebenefitsofAWCmembershipareenormousandinclude networking, industry information, career guidance, and lifelong friendships. AWC also provides an avenue for third-partycertificationofjobskills,theabilitytocommunicatewithmembers in a wide variety of disciplines, and a forum to learn how to utilize the latest technological tools.

Members can take advantage of local chapters, volunteer opportunities, and a virtual community to share specialized information and even promote their own businesses. The asso-ciation has an awards program to honor individuals, teams, and organizations for their exemplary work. But, it is the intangible benefitsthathavemeantthemosttome.

When I graduated from college, I landed a job in a part of the country I had never lived in before. The previous marketing director had left for greener pastures; there was no one to really explain what it was I should do. I decided I could learn the ropes in two ways: 1) make it up as I went along; or, 2) learn from experienced AWC members. I distinctly remember looking at my budget and not seeing a line for memberships. Nevertheless, I vowed to attend as many AWC meetings as possible.ThefirstfewmeetingsIwenttowerelikeenteringanalter-

nate universe. I didn’t know the people and I didn’t understand the culture. I was surrounded by much older women, some whom had 30+ years of experience!

I had anticipated a very competitive atmosphere. What I discovered was exactly the opposite. I was in a welcoming, accepting atmosphere. These women patiently helped me learn the ropes, taught me about the community, and helped me avoid the pitfalls I didn’t even know were there.

On top of that, they recommended I get involved in some chapter committees. From that point on, I was an insider. I had access to all sorts of experts and fellow professionals. When my bossaskedmeadifficultquestion,Icouldputhimoffforafewhours, make a phone call and receive instant support. My staff never knew that my saying, “Let me sleep on it” meant “I’m going to the membership directory.”ItiseasytoseethatjoiningAWCisbeneficialforyourown

professional development and the future of your career. The connections you make, the resources made available to you, and the ideas and advice you’ll discover, represent an outstand-ing return on what amounts to a modest, manageable invest-ment of time, money and effort. Takeaminuteandsharethisbenefitwithyourfriends.The

price of joining will not be lower than it is right now. Make cer-tain your friends put your name in the “referred by” line on the application. This automatically enters you in the competition for the top prizes. If each member would recruit just one new member, we would double our networking potential.

From the AWC National Chair Judy Arent-Morency

AWC is filled with instant support

AWC in the newsBess Furman, 1949

recipient of the Headliner Award, was featured on a series about Nebraskans by Colleen Williams with the localABCaffiliate,KHGI-TV.Bess was chosen as the firstwomantobefeaturedon this special celebrity series.

AWC National Chair Judy Arent-Morency and emeritus member Maurine Beasley were interviewed for the story and are included in the clip.

Click here to go to the website, click “Media” on the left-hand side of the screen.

3

Judy Arent-MorencyAWC National Chair

4

Pick up lines that work!Writing e-mails that get read

One of the key elements to writing e-mails that get read is capturing your readers’ attention. Why? With hundreds of e-mails vying for potential clients’ or customers’ consideration each day, your messages have to stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re trying to sell a product or service, educate or inform, create a call to action, or simply get some questions answered, knowing what techniques work best will help you write e-mails that get read time after time.

E-mail subject lines are the newspaper headlines of the Internet. If one grabs your attention in that second or two you’re scrolling down the page, you’ll click on it and read. One of the keys to creating a good subject line is to tell, not sell. Write to the reader, not at them. Remember, you’re working to build trust and a positive, long lasting relationship. That’s why it’s equally important that you know your audience and their general behaviors.

Since you can’t share everything in the subject line, you have to follow a few simple rules. First, include your brand and a name in the “from” section of the e-mail. People like to hear from other people, not huge companies or do-not- reply sites. Plus, a name and title make your message seem morepersonal,aswellasimportant.Keepyoursubjectlinesrelatively short and sweet, between 35 and 55 characters, including spaces. Longer lines may get truncated or cut off by various programs — which is an automatic delete.

Likewise, avoid using all caps and exclamation points. When writ-ing, be clear and concise, try to convey action or value, and, if appro-priate, have a little fun. However, steer clear of those 100 or so words that automatically alert SPAM detectors (“FREE!,” “BUY NOW,” “URGENT MATTER,” etc.), as well as the pointless adjectives (amazing, stupendous, fantastic, etc.) that really add nothing but incredulity.

Whatever the particular reason for why people open your e-mail, the fact that they have opened it means you’ve won half the battle. Now you have to deliver equally great copy they can scan and deter-mine “what’s in it for me” ... in about seven seconds. That’s why it’s so important you mention the key points immediately. Whether you choose to use a normal copy style or a series of bullets, be clear and to the point. Be sure to proofread for typos and grammatical errors. Spellcheck doesn’t catch everything!

Finally, to ensure that your e-mail gem gets the attention it deserves, keep a sharp eye on the time you send it. Late in the day or early in the morning generally don’t work well. The same logic applies for Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, and at the beginning or end of the month. A good rule of thumb is to think of your own reading and deleting habits. When are you more likely to give your inbox closer scrutiny?

Jenny Engle, past AWC national president, is a strategic marketing and communications consultant, entrepreneur, speaker, and writer. Her business, jke marketing & communications, recently earned Green Plus Certification from the Institute for Sustainable Development for her efforts to develop and implement sustainable practices that benefit people, planet and performance.

Member inspiration

Need more e-mail tips?

Join us for the E-mail Tips and Trends 2010

webinar on Nov. 17 with Christy Broccardo-Davis.

Learn tips for your e-marketing efforts, such as e-newslet-ters, e-announcements and

e-invites. Register today!

by Jenny Engle

When the Lafayette Chapter heard about the new one-day TechTrekking seminar that AWC was offering tochapters,theirBoarddecidedthatthisprogramwastherightfitfortheirchapterandcommunity.Theycontacted the national organization about scheduling a date and on Oct. 22, the TechTrekking will be held in Lafayette, Ind.

TechTrekking is a one-day seminar that has been developed for AWC profes-sional chapters to use as a way to raise the awareness of AWC in their community, as well as provide techni-cal information in the ever-evolving digital world to both AWC members and non-members. The TechTrekking seminar covers the basics of Web design and stan-dards, content management systems, podcasting/blogging, video production and photoshop basics.

“It’s especially germane to those communicators who have found that they are behind in understanding what the new digital communications can do for their clients or employer,” says Maria Henneberry, one of the TechTrekking instructors. “It’s a great way to get a thorough understanding of the value of each of the technologies, as well as knowledge of the basic start-up techniques.”

Phil Vandiver and Maria Henneberry started Contemporary Visuals, a multi-media production company, after college and during the past 20 years have expanded their clients to include non-profit agencies and universities, to Fortune 500 companies. Together they produce countless video projects each year and are both on the cutting edge of digital technology and communicate to others how to navigate within that world.

Click here to read more about the event and instructors.

TechTrekking - Right for your chapter? TechTrekkingwasheldinKansasCityinAprilandreceivedverypositivefeedbackonthematerial

presented. As more AWC professional chapters request this seminar for their city, other instructors may become part of the presentation team. The program can be designed to adapt to particu-lar topics that meet the needs of a chapter or community.

This is a great opportunity for AWC chapters to connect their members and community with the latest in the digital world by partnering with AWC National. It’s also a way to connect with local sponsors and earn money for your local chapter. If your chapter is interested in bringing TechTrekking to your city, contact Sheryl Liddle, immediate past AWC chair, for more details on how to make this happen.

Lafayette Chapter takes advantage of national offering; brings TechTrekking to town, Oct. 22

5From left to right, Kat Keyes, Carol Francis, and Angela Frizell listen to the TechTrekking instructors in Kansas City.

San Antonio awards students and local mediaThe San Antonio Chapter hosted its 30th Annual Awards Banquet & Silent Auction, Fri., June 18, at

the Westin Riverwalk San Antonio Hotel, continuing a long history of honoring community leaders with the chapter Headliner awards. Every year the chapter awards two scholarships during the awards ban-quet, with this year’s Ajay Castro Scholarship for Re-Entering Women going to Ivonne Martinez and Ligia

Gomez. Also, the chapter selects a member of the local media to receive the Edna McGaffey Media Excellence Headliner. This award, sponsored by the San Antonio Express-News, went to Wendy Rigby, a local veteran medical reporteronKENS5SanAntonio.

6

From left are: Ivonne Martinez, Scholarship Chair Ginger Hall Carnes, and Ligia Gomez.

Chapter Connections

Seattle’s Scholarship Putting Challenge

The Seattle Chapter’s eighth annual Putting Challenge on Aug. 4, sponsored by the Startup Sisters, raised funds for college scholarships. Overlooking the beautiful view of the Golf Club at Newcastle, attend-ees putted their way through 18 holes, followed by a light buffet. During the past 25 years, the Seattle Chapter has awarded more than $75,000 in scholarships to com-munications students at Washington col-leges.

Sponsor Mel DePaoli waits her turn as Carol Loe putts.

7

More than 100 prospective and current members gathered for the Tulsa Chapter’s annual open house at Harwelden Mansion.

Tulsa Chapter member Gayle Long assists a prospective member with her application during the open house Aug. 20.

Get Smart 2010, Oct. 21 in Austin The Austin Chapter’s professional development conference is scheduled for Oct. 21 in Austin, Tex. A

diversegroupofmarketers,journalists,publishers,PRspecialists,writers,radio/television/filmprofession-als and others will gather to network, to advance their career skills and knowledge, and to be inspired by the personal and professional journeys of keynote speakers Matthew Dowd and Stephanie Klein, as well as learn from learn from fabulous breakout sessions, including “Destination Get Smart — Your Journey Begins Here!,”“DefineYourself!TakingChargeofyourPersonalBrand,”and“WhyEntrepreneursCanMakeMoneyin Any Economy.” Let’s go! Find out more information and register today on the website.

Tulsa Chapter opens house to drive members

Hats offPresident and CFO Denise Baker’s DRB Electric, Inc. has been ranked the #6 Woman-Owned

Business in the state for 2010 by the New Mexico Business Weekly. Margo Berman was promoted to full professor of advertising at Florida International University. She

will be on leave in the spring semester of 2011 to write her third book, which will focus on copywriting.Aleesa Ross graduated in May from Texas Tech University with a Master of Education in Instruc-

tional Technology.Patti Douglas has received the Silver Star Award from the Lubbock Advertising Federation, rec-

ognizing her outstanding contributions to advertising and furthering the industry’s standards, cre-ative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.

8

Update your AWC profile

The more information you provide in your online profile,theeasieritwillbetonetwork with fellow AWC members. If you do freelance work or provide services, those attributes will be searchable in the directory. You will also be able to register for events and webinars with just a couple clicks!

The new system’s more professional design will have several new features:•Registerforeventsandpurchasemembershipat

the AWC online store•Seeandupdateyourprofile, including your recent

transactions, renewals, committees and upcom- ing events•Morerobustanduserfriendlymember

directory: instantly search for friends, colleagues, chapter members, and services that member offer.•Nationalcommitteesandchapterleadersshare

notes and meeting minutes online

To get the most out of the new system, please edit yourprofile. Sign in with your e-mail address and enter Password1 if you haven’t signed in yet. You will be prompted to change the password to your own. If you have trouble logging in, just click the “Forgot your password?” link and follow the instruc-tions.

Primary E-mail Address: (your e-mail)Password: Password1

Now you will be able to renew your membership withoutfillingoutabunchoflongforms!Whenyouare up for renewal, about 90 days before your mem-bershipexpires,youwillreceivenotificationthatyouhave an “open order.” To pay your open order, you simply go to “My Transactions” and pay via credit card online, or print out the open order and mail a check.

For guidance on how to renew your membership, updateyourprofile,andregisterforevents,watch the new features training video.

As always, please contact AWC national headquar-ters with any questions, problems or concerns you have at members@womcom.org or (703) 370-7436.

Your AWC National Board of Directors Liaisons

Each AWC professional chapter has a friend on the AWC National Board who makes periodic calls and responds to chapter questions and concerns. Please note, some chapter liaisons may have changed.

Austin Prof. ChapterJane Baxter LynnBloomington/Normal Prof. ChapterMaria HenneberryDallas Prof. ChapterJane Baxter LynnDes Moines Prof. ChapterLinda StrellufDetroit Prof. ChapterSue VoylesIndependent MembersMelanie Trunkey CampKansas City Prof. ChapterSheryl LiddleLafayette Prof. ChapterSheryl LiddleLubbock Prof. ChapterBillie RodelyNew Mexico Prof. ChapterMelanie Trunkey CampN. New Jersey Prof. ChapterCarla CapizziMadison Prof. ChapterJudy Arent-MorencyOklahoma City Prof. ChapterBillie RodelyRochester Prof. ChapterSheryl LiddleSan Antonio Prof. ChapterJane Baxter LynnSanta Barbara Prof. ChapterWhitney MasonSeattle Prof. ChapterWhitney MasonS.E. Wisconsin Prof. ChapterJudy Arent-MorencySouth Florida Prof. ChapterMelanie Trunkey CampSpringfield, IL, Prof. ChapterMaria HenneberrySpringfield, MO, Prof. ChapterWendy MorlanStudent ChaptersLinda StrellufTopeka Prof. ChapterWendy MorlanTulsa Prof. ChapterJudy Arent-MorencyWashington, D.C., Prof. ChapterCarla Capizzi

Are you a seasoned communicator looking to give back to the organization that has given you so much over the years? Would you like to help foster the educational efforts of women entering our ranks? Do you want to help recognize outstanding communicators who have gone the extra mile to protect our First Amendment Rights or advance our profession? Then, maybe it’s time you thought about joining the AWC Matrix Foundation Board of Directors.

The AWC Matrix Foundation Board is a small group of seasoned AWC members who oversee the foundation’s mission to “promote the advancement of women in

the communications profession by providing funds for education, research and publications and works in cooperation with AWC to carry out its education and charitable goals.”

Asweapproachthefoundation’sannualmeetingthisOctober,wefindour-selvesinneedofcandidatestofillseveralboardslotsthataresettoexpireand therefore are soliciting nominations from the AWC membership at large.

Candidates for the foundation board positions should: •Haveexperiencewithnonprofitorotherorganizationalboards

•BeactivemembersandhaveworkingknowledgeofAWC •HaveAWCleadershipexperienceatthechapterand/ornationallevel.

In addition, fundraising knowledge, skills and accomplishments would be a big plus.

Members of the AWC Matrix Foundation Board generally serve three-year terms unless they are selected tofillexistingunexpiredvacancies.

The success of the AWC Matrix Foundation is directly tied to the level of commitment of the members of itsboardofdirectors.Thefollowinglistdefinestheroleofboardmembersinactivelypromotingthemis-sion of the foundation.

•Attendandparticipateinthein-personmeetingattheAWCNationalConference. •Participateinperiodicteleconferencemeetingsduringtheyear. •Helpsetprioritiesforfoundationsupportandprovideinputintotheplanningprocesses. •Takeanactiveroleinimplementingactionsrelatedtoachievingthosestrategicplans. •PromotetheAWCMatrixFoundationmissionbyactivelyparticipatinginitsprogramsandinitiatives. •Counsel,plan,andactivelyparticipateinfundraisingefforts. •Adviseonissuesrelatingtomanagementofthefoundation’sfunds. •Participateinoneormoreofthestandingoradhoccommitteesofthefoundation. •MakeanannualfinancialcontributiontotheAWCMatrixFoundation.

Ifyou,oranotherAWCmember,feellikeagoodfitforthesequalifications,letusknowrightaway.Please send an e-mail and a copy of your resume to AWC Matrix Foundation Chair Marcia Drucker or via the Contact Us page on the AWC Matrix Foundation website: http://www.matrixfoundation.us.

AWC Matrix Foundation seeks board nominations

Maybe it’s time you

thought about joining the AWC Matrix

Foundation Board of Directors.

9

R

Welcome New Members July-August 2010

The Association for Women in Communications is a professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era.

AWC Mission Statement

Editor: Betsy Schroeder – e-mail: bschroeder@womcom.org Designer: Wendy Morlan – e-mail: wendy.morlan@redlogic.com Photography credit: Maggie J. Szymanek, Uncommon Photography, www.uncommonphotography.com, 703-618-6362

Communiqué is published by the Association for Women in Communications. Send ideas, photos, and Hats Off information to bschroeder@womcom.org. All past issues of Communiqué are archived on www.womcom.org in the Members Only section.

AWC contacts at National Headquarters AWC Executive Director – Pam Valenzuela, CAE, e-mail: info@womcom.org Membership Manager – Dan Mondloch, e-mail: members@womcom.org Clarion Awards & Communications Manager – Betsy Schroeder, e-mail: bschroeder@womcom.org

3337 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314Ph: 703-370-7436 Fax: 703-342-4311

Website: www.womcom.org

Austin TXBrittany E WilsonChristian Sundance McGee GoffEmlea L ChanslorJennie TrowerLynn FreehillMrs.KamilleMcIverGirtonMrs.KarenF.AroianMs. Christina VaraMs. Dawn SimonichMs.KimPichanickMs. Rachel BrownlowPatricia L DiBenedetto

Bloomington/Normal ILKristenMHillMolly CasteelMs. Beverly M. Edgerton

Detroit MIMrs. Sandra Sue Dalka-Prysby

New MexicoDeana Frye

Northern New JerseyBarbaraKeefeRosensteinCaryn Michele Starr-GatesFabiana MichelMs. Nicole Esposito

Oklahoma City OKEden ManningKendraJoLynneThomsonLaura Addie Poff

Seattle WAAbbey Jo Corzine

South FloridaMs. Jennifer HamptonSpringfield ILShelley Simon

Topeka KSLeah Anne SewellRegina Marie BuddenSuzann M. Biggs

Washington DCCorinne Nicole BerryMrs. Maria L RomeroMs. Dana Rayl WestMs. Sarah Cook-Raymond

At LargeMonica PalkovicMs. Carmen J NashMs. Nicole PurmalMs. Susan E LindseySheena WilliamsStephanie Young

Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion of the Association for Women in Communications.

The AWC National Headquarters is managed by ASCENT Management, LLC, an association management company.

The Association for Women in Communications

10