8th October, 2007 Vol 1, Issue 2 - A bi-monthly e-newsletter for IABC T&T Members From the President: Bringing a Brand to Life I have a new approach to handling disagreements.  I am not talking about the kind of arguments that you can walk away from easily and go out for coffee the next day with your friend.  I am talking about the ones that are divisive, that can split friendships apart, cause you to misjudge someone upon first meeting them or stop talking to your significant other for a few days. The reason for my new found attitude can be owed all to IABC's tagline, "Be Heard."      I confess though when IABC's new brand identifier was first unveiled at the Leadership Institute in San Diego my first impression, as I sat in the audience, was that it lacked power, that it was more of a whine, a plead almost, rather than an ethos of an international association representing more than 14,000 communicators from around the globe. I left San Diego feeling disappointed.      Three days later when I was back in Trinidad, my husband and I were having a terrible argument about a home purchase. He sat on his side of the fence with his firmly held opinion. I sat way across on other side with mine. And then it hit me, "Was I really listening to him? Was I giving him the chance to be heard?"      IABC's new tagline suddenly became relevant. I backed down and listened, I mean really listened, to his point of view. The fact that my husband also sensed a change in my attitude automatically meant that he too was able to let go of his rigid opinion. We were able to see eye-to eye.      I am sharing this story with you because our inability to allow others to be heard and to engage in deep listening is one of our biggest communications dilemmas and IABC has created a brand identifier that helps to bridge the gap. Be Heard has become a truly meaningful symbol how communicators inspire, develop and empower themselves and their organisations to create channels, experiences and platforms so their messages and voices can be expressed. More importantly, it has become a meaningful tool I can use in my personal life. And isn't that the most important thing that can be said of a brand? Best Judette Coward-Puglisi Founder & President 2007-2008 IABC T&T declared a Chapter Congratulations! We did it! IABC T&T was declared a Chapter on September 29th at International Executive Board (IEB) Conference in the US.      There is a reason why the news is so special. New chapters like IABC T&T are given 24 months to grow their membership, strengthen their finances and get their professional programmes on a steady ground. In the interim they are designated Development Chapters. For the past 14 months however, IABC T&T has scored top marks in all categories. Here is the exciting, congratulatory email from Gretchen Hoover, Director Chapter Relations, IABC:      "I'm happy to inform you that the International Executive Board voted to change IABC's developmental chapter policy to allow the IEB to consider granting full-chapter status to exceptional chapters before they have completed the mandatory two year developmental period. After that they voted to grant full-chapter status to IABC/Trinidad and Tobago. Congratulations! You and your board really deserve it. Your chapter has done an amazing job of recruiting members and providing them with value in such a short period of time. I've never seen a chapter come as far as Trinidad and Tobago has so quickly."     Hats off to all of us and onward to the International Chapter of the Year Awards in 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. Communications Cafe Leaders' Recognition IABC T&T Gets a Facelift Quick Links IABC T&T Chapter Website IABC International IABC Accreditation Sweat the big stuff IABC T&T extends a huge thank you the 48 members (and non-members) who attended September's "No Sweat Speaking." We appreciate you! If you weren't there, we missed you. Workshop presenter and toastmaster Garth Thomas had an experiential approach to teaching participants how to overcome their fears of public speaking.  From your feedback we know his tactics worked. We've posted some of our favourite session photos on the website. Oh! If by chance you are wondering about the guy in red? Let's just say, you ought to have been there. Leaders' Recognition What does it take to make IABC the fastest growing association for business communicators and marketing professionals in Trinidad and Tobago?      We'll sum it up in one word. Volunteers.     This month we recognise Karel Stephen and Oneika Bushell of the Professional Development Committee for working tirelessly to ensure that September's No Sweat Speaking event was a super success. Thank-you Oneika and Karel! (See pictures at the top of Communications Café).      To find out more about our committees and how you can become more involved, email VP of Membership Giselle La Ronde-West at membership@iabctt.com. IABC T&T Gone Wild We're delirious. Happy. Wild with joy. IABC T&T has crossed it's 60 member mark.      In honour of September being Membership Month VP of Membership Giselle La Ronde West went-a-calling. Her first stop (along with IABC T&T President Judette Coward-Puglisi) was to meet with the management team of Ample Advertising, her second stop was at the Oval, where she ensured that  our on-line registration desk was a knock out. The result? This month we extend a warm IABC T&T welcome to: Lisa Marie Achee of the Association of Caribbean States, Tracey Anne Gill of COTT, Stacey Edwards of UWI's Seismic Research Unit, Keisha Ottley of RBTT and 5 members of Ample Advertising: Astra Da Costa, Valerie Charles, Josiane Khan, Lisa Villanueva and Nicole Matthew Pantin.      Of course we are delighted when our 'old' members decide that we add the content credibility and connections to help then excel in their careers. It's great having you back: Nadine Johnson, Pat Christopher and Jason Baptiste of the Tourism Development Company.  New Benefit of Membership IABC has become a member of Club Quarters, a group of private business hotels for the exclusive use of guest and employees of member companies. Club Quarters hotels are located in New York City, Boston, London, Chicago, Washington D.C, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Houston.      Club Quarters are located in downtown business districts. Features include fee high speed Internet access, fitness centers, restaurants and bars. Weekend rates are generally less than US. $100.00 per night but because rooms fill up quickly, anyone who wishes to make a reservation should do so far in advance as possible. Use the password IABC when booking.      For more information go to Club Quarters (log-in required)  IABC T&T on Facebook Be there or be square! IABC T&T is on Facebook and you only have to dabble in it once to see not only how highly addictive it is and what an essential communication tool it can be.  You've all been   sent "pokes" so log on to: http://www.facebook.com enter the    IABC Trinidad and Tobago and get your profiles going.  IABC T&T Gets a facelift Yes, that's a new icon next to the IABC T&T logo. We wanted to make sure in the landscape of sameness that all IABC global Chapters have, the IABC T&T brand stood out from the rest of the pack. The colour is of course in our pantone, the pan reflects our creativity; sun speaks to our vibrancy; the upward curved rainbow elements symbolises diversity and the waves depict the island and the flow of people and culture.      Thank you Maria Mohmmed, VP of Social Media for your leadership on this project. Get your ABCs Accreditation is an IABC professional development program. It offers communicators a way of demonstrating their ability to think and plan strategically and to successfully manage those skills essential to effective organizational communication, which could include internal communications, media relations, crisis communications and external relations. Are you ready to become an ABC? Find out here.