Full Circle Communications

March 2016
Julia Wilbur:
Two Dates, Two (Different, but Related) Topics


I will give 2 presentations on my Julia Wilbur findings this month.

Hope you can make one or both:

March 19, 4 p.m.
Surratt House, Clinton, MD

Through the Eyes (and Pen) of Julia Wilbur

March 22, 7 pm
Barrett Library, Old Town Alexandria

Harriet Jacobs and Julia Wilbur: Friends and Allies in Civil War Alexandria
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ease in writing?
"Ease in writing" comes from a poem by Alexander Pope, the British poet:
 
True ease in writing comes from art, not chance, 
As those move easiest who have learn'd to dance. 
 
Note he (and I) didn't say "easy writing." But just as dance lessons can help get you around the floor more gracefully, the goal for this newsletter is to share a tip or two to improve your writing.

Recipient of Constant Contact All Star Awards!
Six Questions for Writing Success

Not sure how to start your next writing project? Launch it by thinking through these questions:   
1. Content
What is the main point you need to make?

2. Audience 
Who are your target readers?

3. Schedule 
When must the project be done, and how much time do you have to do it well?

4. Vehicles
What are the best ways to get your point across to your target readers (such as website, presentation, article, or blog)?

5. Collaboration
Who else needs to provide information and/or approval?

6. Results 
How will you measure success?

Jot down your answers (your understanding of the project), then consult with co-workers or clients. You may need to revise your answers--but better to find out at the start of the project than at the end!

Need a desk-side reminder? I have printed these questions on a small reference card. 

E-mail me and I would be happy to mail you a few.  
 
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Doing More with Less

Let's face it: We are all scrambling
these days, with too much to do, too few resources.
Sometimes it feels like it would actually be easier to squeeze blood from a turnip (sorry, had to use this great photo somehow...).

Here are a few ideas about the communications projects you
are trying to juggle:
  • Make your content work harder: Re-purpose the content you prepared for a print piece into online content, talking points for a presentation, or the topic of an op-ed or letter to the editor.
  • Share the costs: Partner with vendors, program collaborators, or others to lower your own costs and increase distribution through their networks. (Of course, the partnership must be appropriate to your organization's values.)
  • Justify, and maybe scrap or postpone: Take a hard look at whether the project will meet your objectives now. A tough call, especially if it's a project you had envisioned in your annual goals. But you may decide that it's best not to tackle it after all, so you have the resources for another, higher-priority item.
Full Circle Communications, LLC / Alexandria, VA / 703.212.0350