NFPW

Time to Renew NFPW Membership

Why should you renew your membership in NFPW?

For most of our members, they don’t even ask themselves that question because they have experienced the benefits.

But if you’re asking yourself that question, ask yourself another one first: Am I doing what I can to benefit from membership? In other words, are you networking? Asking for guidance? Did you attend the conference in Chicago? Or are you planning to go to the national conference in Iowa and Nebraska in 2011?

I just finished talking with my VP about NFPW and was sharing with her all the benefits that I’ve received. Early in my career, I volunteered to help with activities through my state affiliate. It was my first exposure to event planning. I would go on to host state conferences and a national conference. I also put on major awards banquets and graduation programs when I worked for a police department. The event planning skills I developed through Virginia Press Women and National Federation of Press Women allowed me to be successful professionally.

In my current job, I needed to secure venues in locations throughout the country. Thanks to Mary Jane Skala (who is now in Arizona) and her connections, my organization was able to hold an event at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Ann Lockhart of Colorado connected me with the Denver Press Club.

During the national conference in Idaho I met Laura Hermann of the Potomac Communications Group. Her presentation on the digital world was informative and helped steer me as I considered Web and social media strategies. Laura is now a member of NFPW, too.

The awards I’ve received validate the work that I’m doing but they also just make me feel good.

My point is that none of the above would have happened if I had not reached out to members, attended conferences or entered the contests.

Membership is reasonably priced, so I don’t mind paying. Yes, I pay for it, not my employer. It’s a few less lattes a year, but it’s a strong investment in my career.

Still need some more reasons? The NFPW website lists the top 10 reasons why you should renew your membership or join NFPW. There also is a video on the home page in which past presidents talk about why they are members. Check it out.

Giving Thanks

I like that there is a holiday that asks me to reflect and give thanks. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stuff and forgot all the blessings that we have. Even the mundane of life if good.

My mum and I write (yes, I said write as in handwritten letters, although sometimes she types on a typewriter — remember those? — and I type on the computer) every week. My life isn’t that exciting. So we write about the day-to-day stuff, and it connects us. One of the blessings in my life is opening my mailbox and seeing her letter waiting to be savored.

This year I’m blessed because I’ve had a coach at work, who is helping me grow as a leader and further my coaching skills. We speak monthly by phone as he is in New York. He’s helped me to grow professionally and personally. I’m his pro bono case this year — I like that! When he offered, it sent a further message that he believed in me.

My blog is a challenge and a blessing. Sometimes I struggle about what to write. Other days, I have options. No matter what, though, I’m writing again on a regular basis and that feels good. The next step is the novel, and this blog writing is prepping me for that.

I love to travel and explore and both my job and my role as president of NPFW give me plenty of opportunities for that. This year alone, I’ve been to Thailand; Albuquerque, NM; Chicago; Idaho Falls, ID, with a few personal trips thrown in. Travel forces you to see what you’re made of. Just getting through the airport is a challenge. When the trip is over, I’m blessed with new memories and adventures.

And, of course, NFPW is one of the greatest blessings. I still chuckle at my naivete about the organization. Many years ago, I wondered why members kept coming back year after year to conference. I mean, how many conferences do you need to attend? The answer — all of them!

Each conference offers great professional development. But equally important I can reconnect with all the wonderful individuals I met at the last one. Each year, I find I have more friends. I enjoy hearing what they’ve been doing and how they are balancing the challenges of life. I want to know about the highs and lows. And if that’s not enough each conference offers tours — more travel!

Another blessing is social media. Yes, I did say that. Because you know all the friends I’ve made and continue to make in NFPW… well, it’s no longer enough to wait until the next conference to connect. So now, through social media, we can update each other through Facebook and other platforms. I love my move reviews from Ann in Denver, hearing how Sandi is faring with her book in Ohio and wondering when the next crazy weather is going to strike in Kansas thanks to Allison.

The amazing thing is that having started this list I could go on and on. Turns out it’s good to stop and count one’s blessings.

What are you thankful for this season?

NFPW Member Publishes ‘The Christmas Pumpkin’

Editor’s Note: This is one in an occasional series profiling NFPW authors.

Inspiration can come in the smallest packages.

For Debbie Reece, inspiration came from her son Matthew’s green pumpkin picking and his school class’s wish to have pumpkins for Christmas.  She asked herself, “What would you do with a green pumpkin for Christmas?”

The story continued to evolve, and Debbie decided she would try publishing it. After researching with various vanity presses – all of which wanted at least $20,000 of her money to publish the book she was at a loss. She also feared sending off her book to traditional publishing houses, not because she feared rejection, but because she didn’t want to have to change the book.

In time she met with a local illustrator and the two signed an agreement. She started her own business and self published the book. On June 15, 2009, “The Christmas Pumpkin” finished printing – all 1,500 copies.

She spent the summer selling books by setting up book signing and author visits. She launched a website, developed a marketing plan and just “worked hard.” The book placed third in the NFPW contest this year. She’s been interviewed in numerous newspapers and appeared on Disney Radio in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area to promote the book. She’s even returned to her elementary school to read the book, of which she has sold more than 3,000 copies.

One of the best parts of having a published children’s book is reading it to classes. “I get to go to schools and read to children daily,” says Debbie. “I listen to their ideas and enjoy their expressions as they listen and interact with me during the story.”

Debbie is at work on her next two, both of which are humorous views of life with a toddler and a young child.

Debbie and son Matthew sign copies of "The Christmas Pumpkin."

Another plus is that Debbie often takes her son Matthew with her. “He loves it when people ask him to sign the book,” she says.

‘Pay to Play’ Author Shares Her Story

“If you are over 50 and someone offers you something that seems impossible, you should do it.”

That’s what Elizabeth Brackett, a correspondent and substitute host for WTTW 11’s nightly public affairs program “Chicago Tonight,” said she did when offered the opportunity to write a book.

Shortly after the FBI arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich at his home in Chicago on charges of attempting to sell President Barack Obama’s soon-to-be vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder, Brackett had a book contract from a local publisher.

She took six weeks to write the book, recycling old reporter’s notes and assigning new research. The result is “Pay to Play,” which traces the background of corruption in Illinois and the mindset of Blagojevich.

Having spent 30 years as a journalist in Chicago, Brackett said she still had difficulty writing the book. “I was writing like a journalist,” she told an audience during a keynote session of the 2010 NFPW Conference in Chicago. “That didn’t make for good copy.”

She took a month off from her job to write and research, which included reviewing all of the courtroom notes.  She was at the trial every day. In the end the jury was hung on 23 of the 24 counts. Blagojevich was found guilty of one count – lying to the FBI.

When asked what she thought about the case and trial, she said, “I think I can’t decide ‘Is this more than politics as usual?’ ”

“Did they [Blagojevich and his brother] take it to a criminal level?” she asked. “It’s still a question I have a hard time answering.”

Your Resume in Six Words

Lynn Hazan of Lynn Hazan & Associates challenged NFPW members to tell their story in six words.

She was following the Hemingway Challenge of writing a complete story in just six words.  Hemingway’s story…

                For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn.

It’s all there.

So can you tell your career neatly in six words? Most participants who shared their attempts did not delve deep enough, Lynn noted. Their words could apply to anyone in the room.

“Go deeper. What makes you special?” Lynn asked. “Why should I hire you?”

She noted the assignment is tough to do, but “that’s what makes it meaningful.”

“How do you market yourself and create demand for yourself?” Lynn asked.

She challenged each audience member to continue working on their story and then turn it into a 30- or 60-second elevator pitch.

The exercise also paves the way for development of a Unique Positioning Statement, which Lynn recommended using for the summary statement on a resume.

“On a resume you don’t have to write in full sentences,” Lynn said. “You do have to entice them to read more.”

To learn more about communications stepping stones, check out Lynn’s slideshow on the topic.

What’s your story?