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PIC Newsletter - December 2015
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Happy New Year from your PIC executive. Hope you enjoy the latest edition of The Buzz!
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A message from PIC chair Sharon Aschaiek
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 Whether or not we buy the hype, ideas of self-improvement tend to creep into our thinking this time of year. And that's a good thing, because it's important for entrepreneurs to take stock at least once a year of what's working, what's not working, and what we'd like to change in our businesses.
What would you like to achieve in 2016? To get the resolution ball rolling, here are my plans:
I'd like to increase my expertise on higher education marketing and communications, so I can provide better services to universities and colleges. I want to update my website more regularly, expand my client base, and partner with other communicators more often on larger projects. As well, I'd like to be more active, in a strategic way, on social media. Finally, since our professional and personal lives affect each other, I'd like to do more yoga and meditation, to help me be more present, grounded and productive in my work life.
Here's what other PIC executive members would like to achieve in 2016:
"I plan to protect my prime morning time for writing, and spend less of it wading through emails. I will still open my email first thing, but just scan through it without feeling that I have to review, respond and delete. I'll save that for a dedicated time later in the day. I also want to collaborate more with some of our wonderful PIC colleagues, and keep diversifying my client base." -- Sue Horner
"I'm going to focus on speaking; developing and delivering workshops, both for clients and for the public; producing podcasts for clients and for my own audience; and creating passive-income-producing products like e-books. And I'll continue to teach digital strategy and social media at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies." -- Donna Papacosta
"My partner and I are working to fine-tune our ideal clients and determine effective ways to reach them. Once we get greater clarity on our target, we'll assess our current marketing strategy and collateral in light of our intended audience, making adjustments as needed." -- Jacqui d'Eon
"My main goal is to look at my business from a big-picture point of view, and identify the steps to get my business to where I want it. The first step will be to prepare my five-year business plan with goals, deliverables and measurables clearly defined. I'll use the SMART method to identify and manage my tasks, breaking down my to-do list as S - Specific (or Significant); M - Measurable (or Meaningful); A - Attainable (or Action-Oriented); R - Relevant (or Rewarding) and T - Time-bound (or Trackable)." -- Sohini Bhattacharya
"My goals include deepening existing client relationships, marketing Fresh Communications more, expanding my network through memberships and affiliations, and finding new ways to manage the ever-challenging issue of cash flow. I don't expect to wrestle that last goal to the ground, but to help, I just bought myself Cash Flow for Freelancers, written by a freelancer frustrated with financial advice geared to those with a steady paycheque." -- Heather West
I wish you all a new year full of exciting opportunities and big successes.
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Newsletter archives
| Find back issues of The Buzz here.
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We want your talents!
| Interested in writing, editing or contributing ideas for PIC's The Buzz or IABC/Toronto's Communicator? We'd love your help. Let us know!
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PIC 2015-2016 Executive
| Contact any of us with questions, comments and ideas for speakers or topics:
Chair: Sharon AschaiekCommunications: Sue Horner
Membership & Events:
Sohini Bhattacharya
Programming: Susan Nakhle and
Social Media: Jacqui d'Eon |
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Jan. 5: Tips, tricks and tools to boost your productivity
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Would you like to increase your productivity and find more leisure time as you grow your indie business in the new year? Join us on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 as Jane Langille shares essential tips, tricks and tools to boost your productivity based on the latest neuroscience.
Learn about the two biggest problems hindering your productivity. Find out why multitasking doesn't work. And discover useful strategies, tricks and tools for making your freelance business more productive, including:
- brain extenders -- David Allen's Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
- offloading, downloading, contracting out
- handling interruptions
- email tips and tricks
- leveraging tech tools
- healthy habits to keep you at the top of your game.
Jane is an award-winning independent communicator and PIC member who provides writing and editing services for a variety of healthcare companies, hospitals, organizations and publications in Canada and the U.S. Jane is a member of IABC, Association of Health Care Journalists, and American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Listen to a sneak preview of the talk in this conversation between Jane and Donna Papacosta.
Registration fees*: IABC members: $16 ($18.08 with HST) Non-members: $26 ($29.38 with HST) *Please register and pay for this event in advance. Sorry, we can't accept payment at the door. Remember, to keep costs down, we no longer have refreshments at PIC meetings. To give you time to grab a bite before the meeting, registration and informal networking start at 6:30 p.m., and the panel discussion begins at 7:00 p.m.
Register now
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Other upcoming events
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(1)
Monday, January 11, 2016
Productivity Tools for Beginners
Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, Room R318, 750 Spadina Ave., Toronto
Want to learn more about productivity and can't make our January 5 session? Our friends at the Toronto chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) are presenting Productivity Tools for Freelancers on January 11. The seminar will highlight the latest software, mobile apps, services and more to help you manage your time, home office, finances, and client projects.
Learn more and register.
(2)
Thursday, February 4, 6:30 p.m. onward
PIC social
Watch for more information soon.
(3)
Friday, February 12, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Social Media 101 Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Avenue, 4th floor, Toronto Are you tired of trying to figure out social media on your own? Would you like to get your burning questions about the WHY and HOW of social media answered? Come to this workshop led by PIC member and prolific blogger, podcaster and Twitterer Donna Papacosta. Earlybird pricing applies if you register by January 31, and PIC members receive a 15% discount with code iabc2016. Learn more and register.
(4)
Friday, February 19, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A Deep Dive into Twitter
Centre for Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Avenue, 4th floor, Toronto
In this intensive workshop led by Donna Papacosta, you will learn to use Twitter to follow news, to connect with influencers, to uncover business opportunities or to spread your non-profit organization's message. Earlybird pricing applies if you register by January 31, and PIC members receive a 15% discount with code iabc2016.Learn more and register. Note: If you hear of a communication-related course, workshop or other event we should share with PIC members, please let Sue Horner know. Thanks!
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Dec. 3: Seen at the last PIC social
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 Thanks to everyone who came out to the Bedford Academy on December 3! A merry crowd of PIC members and friends enjoyed tasty appetizers on PIC, while sharing successes and challenges and toasting the season. Shown here are past PIC chairs Donna Papacosta (left) and Barb Sawyers.
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What does the moon landing have in common with goal-setting?
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By Sohini Bhattacharya
When Neil Armstrong took "one small step" on the moon, I wasn't around to experience the impact of his immortal words on his generation. Having grown up several decades after that momentous day, I could experience his sense of achievement when I watched the event on the tele and heard his message to the world, but I couldn't yet relate to it.
That changed when I signed up for a strategic goal-setting workshop led by workshop facilitator Edge3.
I was among a motley crew of new and seasoned business owners from different walks of life and professions, with one thing in common: We were there to learn how to set our business goals for 2016. Here are the key takeaways participants shared after the workshop:
- Have a clear vision of your goal by writing it down on paper.
- Answer these questions to flesh the goal out:
- Why is the goal important to me?
- What is the time frame within which I will make it happen?
- Who is going to hold me accountable?
- How can I immediately take the first step towards my goal?
- Identify your external and internal barriers and power sources.
- Pinpoint your strengths and what they helped you accomplish throughout the year.
- Remember to have a concrete plan to celebrate your successes, as pointed out by Meaghan Hutchings, The Mortgage Coach. "While I had already identified several business goals prior to the workshop, I hadn't thought about my personal goals or quality of life," she said. "It became clear to me that I had not celebrated my accomplishments in 2015...something I will be mindful of in 2016."
- Long-term goals are great, but they tend to get in the way of smaller, more achievable successes that provide the fuel to keep moving forward. "I've always tended to focus on long-term goals, but that can in itself be a barrier to focusing on shorter term goals," said Brent Kobayashi, Kobayashi Online. "The change will result in a more secure future for my family."
So what does the moon landing have to do with strategic goal-setting? Small steps lead to big things. It all starts with taking time out, being honest with yourself, analyzing your needs vs. your wants, and writing it down on paper.
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Welcome new members
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Patti Lane
International journalist / writer / editor
Toronto
416-489-2880 x113
I deliver company stories in ways that grab the attention, spark the imagination and evoke the emotions of audiences around the world to energize staff, entice prospects and increase sales. I have been creating video, presentations and digital media experiences since before video could be played on a computer. I focused my passion for storytelling to produce high-end, finely crafted video that stands out from the crowd and captivates a target audience.
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Get your LinkedIn profile link on the PIC member list
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You may not have a website to include in your profile in the PIC directory on the IABC/Toronto website, but you do have a LinkedIn profile, don't you? Send the link to PIC's Director of Membership & Events, Sohini Bhattacharya. Sohini keeps a running list that she shares with IABC/Toronto every quarter.
Not on the list yet? What are you waiting for! As a member of PIC, you can promote yourself at no charge in the directory. Simply send Sohini your name, company name, location, email address, telephone, website, blog and a brief description of your business (up to 35 words).
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Be sure to join PIC's LinkedIn group
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Speaking of LinkedIn, we're working hard to make our LinkedIn group -- IABC Toronto Professional Independent Communicators -- the place for PIC members to get information about upcoming PIC events and share useful information about building and managing a small communications business. If you want to be in the know, join the Linked In group and set your notifications to at least weekly to keep up with the latest developments. We'll post PIC events to the group, and members are welcome to post articles or ask questions that will help other members grow and manage their businesses. Jacqui d'Eon moderates the group and is our 2015-2016 Social Media Director.
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PIC Personalities
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Meet Linda Ambos
by Linda Ambos and Heather West
Linda Ambos has a love for concise writing that helps achieve understanding. She helps a range of private and public sector clients with speeches, media materials and articles -- anything that puts pen to paper (or strokes on a keyboard). Find her on LinkedIn , email her at lindaambos@rogers.com or call 647-438-9554.
When did you launch your independent business?
I hung out my shingle in 1997 for a couple of years after discovering the power of using communications to shift people's thinking and behaviour when I helped launch Ontario's blue box programs at the Ministry of the Environment.
I returned to public service for about 10 years, working in communications at the Ministry of Transportation and Cabinet Office. I opened my own shop again in 2008.
What's your background?
I've worked on both sides of the media fence. I reported for Novae Res Urbis, a niche e-newsletter that covers local politics and planning and development issues, and often step into a media relations role when doing volunteer work. In corporate communications, I've worked in issues management and strategic communications shops.
Working at Cabinet Office inspired me to pursue my Masters in Public Administration and study the role of government in society. Queen's University's professional program was very satisfying in that way and it allowed me to keep working full time. I was also able to explore my interest in media and public policy.
I think communications and policy go hand in hand because if you can't explain the benefit of a policy to the public and stakeholders, it isn't legitimate. Any organization is best served when communications planning is part of policy development from the start. I see that kind of outreach and integration within the organization as part of the communicator's job.
What type of work are you doing these days?
I'm often a pinch hitter. For example, a management consultant hired me cold to help with a big pharmaceutical client of theirs. Given my experience, I was able to go in alone and seamlessly represent their brand with absolute professionalism. I was flattered they took that risk with me and was glad to deliver.
I've done some government relations work for a lobby group, and some project management for a provincial agency. Freelancing has also allowed me to be a part of some edgy tech startups and a niche e-newsletter.
What do you enjoy most about being an indie?
The freedom and the variety. For me, the real joy in communications is the same whether working for myself or in a huge organization: I enjoy helping people understand one another. Helping an organization speak and be heard in an effective voice is the fundamental challenge.
I believe there is a way to say anything. It's great to be able to pursue my passion in fuzzy slippers and sweats while working in camera.
What don't you like about being an indie?
The isolation. To me, it's the flip side of the freedom. I miss the power of group problem solving and the value of having different minds at the table. Now I have to reach out for that. I believe I have something to learn from everyone.
What advice would you give someone new to independent life?
Allow yourself to try it out. Do what you need to do to stay organized and focused. Keep your sense of humour. Short discussions with yourself are ok. Network, of course, and enjoy flying solo.
How long have you been a PIC member?
I first joined IABC as a student in Ryerson's PR program in 1997. I joined PIC last spring.
What value do you get from your PIC membership?
Practical tips, information sharing and inspiration. I benefit by learning from other people's shared approaches and solutions. I believe a group is always greater than the sum of its parts.
We count more than 160 members in PIC, offering a range of talent from coaching and media relations to video production and writing. Do you know everyone? Our PIC Personalities feature introduces new members and randomly profiles existing members. Let Sue Horner know if you'd like to be profiled and she'll be in touch to set it up! You can find previous PIC Personalities in The Buzz archives and on IABC/Toronto's CommVersations blog.
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PIC wants YOU...to be a mentor or mentee
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Some of us are new at the communications game, while others have been on the playing field for a while. Wouldn't it be great to get the newbies and the veterans together for some mentorship? That's what we thought when we kickstarted PIC's informal mentorship initiative last year. Essentially, we're helping connect seasoned communicators who want to share their expertise with up-and-comers who could benefit from that knowledge and experience. We do the matchmaking; the rest -- when, where and how often to connect, what to discuss, etc. -- is up to you. If you fit either category and want to participate, let us know. Email PIC chair Sharon Aschaiek at sharon@cocoamedia.ca.
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Can you offer an internship? Humber College would like to chat
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Humber College has launched Professional Writing & Communications , a two-semester post-graduate certificate program that teaches the core skills needed to work in communications in a variety of sectors. As part of the program, students complete a 12-week internship to gain workplace experience and build their professional network. The college is looking for employers to provide mentorship, performance feedback, work space and pay (encouraged, not mandatory).
The college is looking for organizations that can offer a communications internship from May 9 to July 30, 2016. Internship postings would be required by February 2016, and student interviews would take place in March 2016.
Students will be able to contribute to an organization's communications efforts through social media writing; research; blog writing and publishing; editing; copywriting; proofreading; media writing; project management and more.
To learn more about bringing an intern on board, contact Bianca Sorbera, student placement advisor, at 416-675-5000 ext. 73601.
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PIC is a special interest group of IABC/Toronto. PIC's mission is to support independent IABC/Toronto communicators through professional development, networking and marketing. The Buzz is PIC's e-newsletter, intended to inform independent communicators about our activities, share professional development tips from past meetings and keep us aware of what's going on. Connect with us on the web at pictoronto.com.
As the largest chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, IABC/Toronto provides access to products, services, activities and networking opportunities in Toronto and around the world. IABC helps people and organizations achieve excellence in corporate communications, public relations, employee communication, marketing communication, public affairs and other forms of communication. For more information, visit the IABC website.
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Director, Communications - PIC
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