A Whole New World

You cannot listen to the news without hearing about China! With friends living in Beijing and Hong Kong, we took the opportunity to see China this fall. Our opportunity to stay with ex-pats, but also to stay with a Chinese family in Beijing gave us a sense of this country. An incredible modernization is underway with more large buildings and cranes than I have ever seen. The emergence of the middle class, building boom, a feeling of bustle and purpose... all qualities I can imagine must have been here in the United States following World War II.

From the ancient to the modern, we got a chance to see it first hand with our children. A whole new world stage that they will need to be comfortable on.... An eye opener and game changer for all of us!

Blessing of Bus Budget Cuts!

Our district, like so many, needed to find savings in the annual school budget this year. So this summer, they took a hard look at the bus routes and determined they could make some changes and cut several hundred thousand dollars from the operating budget. Patrons took it hard -- kids would have to walk farther to their stops, there would be fewer stops, schedules would change... change is always hard on people.

We all weighed in, and a few changes were made that helped ensure safety for our students. In our case, the middle school stop is still at the top of the subdivision, up a large hill and the elementary stop is around the corner rather than within shouting distance of our home.

But our middle schoolers gave it some thought, cased out the area and asked if they could purchase a lock and ride their bikes to and from the stop each day. We thought it was a great idea and got a few lock choices. (Nevermind that they lock up to a large bush!) This change started with them thinking about the situation, coming up with a creative solution, and now has given them extra exercise and an invigorating ride down the hill in the afternoon, which is beneficial in many ways. We walk our elementary student to and from the stop up and around the corner, and enjoy extra time to visit with her along with some of our neighbors.

Change usually offers an opportunity if you look at it that way... the blessing of bus budget cuts has provided us with additional exercise, chances for conversation and more resources that can be used in the classroom -- and everyone wins!

Global Impact Daily!

I am often reminded of what a global world we live in. Our suburban elementary school has more than 30 countries represented, many are even first generation Americans. We hosted an exchange student from Madrid this summer and had the benefit of learning from her.

A colleague of mine now lives in Beijing, China and is encouraging us to visit. And now our niece is off to Namibia, Africa for a semester abroad. I, too, studied in London for a semester.

I love learning from those who are having those experiences now... all made possible through technology-- our niece will blog http://caitlins-abroad.blogspot.com/, we'll stay connected to our student via Facebook, and I'll continue to learn from the various people all over the world who I follow on Twitter!

Seeing your city through new eyes!

An exchange student from Madrid, Spain has joined us in St. Louis this month. We've showed her the sites, our way of life and welcomed her at our dinner table and with our neighbors. The Arch has been a highlight, today was the Botanical Garden and Crown Candy Kitchen. Last weekend was Chicago. Often it does take a guest to pursue sightseeing with the proper vigor.

Although in our house, we try to do one new activity or site each month! It is always wonderful to see your city through new eyes!

Ladue Horton Watkins tops Newsweek list - St. Louis Business Journal

Ladue Horton Watkins tops Newsweek list - St. Louis Business Journal

Yurbuds Assembles Superteam to Attempt World Record Flash Mob

Three Cheers for Mr. Hadfield

Great teachers mold our kids forever! This teacher is a finalist for Regis and Kelly's Top Teacher Contest! Watch here for more details! He's in NYC this week!

Three Cheers for Mr. Hadfield:

Let us tell you about a teacher in St. Louis Missouri,

We think he’s the best, but we’ll let Regis and Kelly be the jury.

His name is Tom Hadfield, and he teaches third grade at Reed,

And this is why, as an educator, we all think he takes the lead...

He stands at the door each morning to greet his students with a smile,

And he writes them personal notes when they go the extra mile.

Each day he has students fill out a triage sheet, rating how they feel,

And then he has them back it up with reason, to ensure they keep it real.

If a child has special needs, Mr. Hadfield gives them tender loving care,

Believing everyone deserves an education that is equal and fair.

And if a child is struggling with a subject, he gives them extra attention,

Staying after school to tutor them until they improve their comprehension.

To assure that his students’ math facts get sharper and not spotty,

He gives them incentives to earn a “black belt,” just like in Karate.

But he’s careful not to let it turn into too much competition,

It’s just a way to master their facts in multiplication and addition.

He rents out a park at the beginning and end of each school year,

For a picnic with students and their parents, creating a family atmosphere.

Once a month, he hosts “brown bag lunches” for a student’s family member or friend,

To eat with them in the classroom, they are invited to attend.

During Writing Workshop, he makes story time fun,

By dressing up like a surgeon and dissecting each one.

Once, he set up pen pals for his students, which they thought was really cool,

Then he had a “Read-a-thon” to raise money to go meet them at their school!

If there is drama in his class, he gives up his planning time,

To assess the situation and help them “solve the crime.”

Mr. Hadfield’s website is creative, always updated and informative too,

It tells parents what to expect and what homework the kids need to do.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Hadfield serves on several leadership teams,

Never missing a Professional Development class or staff meeting, so it seems.

He’s been known to hold fundraisers for his school or local charity,

And in his “spare time,” he likes to travel, ski and camp, which gives his life clarity.

Tom Hadfield has made an impact in our lives and communities all around,

Though we know no one is perfect, he’s the closest we have found!

If we could bottle him up and sprinkle him everywhere we would,

Then students all over could benefit from his teachings for good!

But alas, that’s not possible, so we’re sharing Mr. Hadfield with you instead,

And we hope our creative way of sending him in a bottle will help us get ahead.

So please, Regis and Kelly, for your “Top Teacher Contest,”

Choose Mr. Hadfield, ‘cause he’s better than all the rest!

Nominated by:

The parents and students in Mr. Hadfield’s third-grade class

Reed Elementary: St. Louis, MO

Learning everywhere!

At every seminar I lead from the front of the room, I learn from everyone. Thought provoking questions come up and challenge me to think in a different way.

Last week I donated by time to provide an overview on social media to women of the St. Louis chapter of NCJW.

In addition to discussing a number of issues including people being overwhelmed, wanting to tune out and unplug, privacy, connecting with younger family members in different places, the conversation turned to this...

How many people have numerous passwords and accounts? What if something were to happen to you, how would your family know all the various business, personal accounts that you have? What about the social media accounts you have? It would be a good idea to have it all on one document! I hadn't given this too much thought, but it dawned on me that a recently deceased colleague's family might need to know these things, but probably doesn't.

It gave me pause, and I added it to my to-do list....

HR Recruiting Upside Down

I am preparing for a seminar with HR professionals from the St. Louis region this week - how to use digital tools particularly LinkedIn. I ran across this article and wanted to share it for its overall tips:

(From HR World: On-line recruiting tips you need to know) http://bit.ly/9mmb0C+

Recruitment has changed and those who are comfortable with the new tools can be well positioned to attract top talent as the economy turns around!

Performance Enhancing Drugs in College, but what about K-12?

Performance Enhancing Drugs - 60 Minutes did a piece about whether or not Using Adderall is Like Using Steroids?

Doing better in school through a drug that enables you to focus on your work? They take on the college setting, but how does that translate into the thousands of children who are on different medications in the Kindergarten - 12 grade timeframe with the primary purpose of enhancing focus and concentration.

Consider these questions:

• Would a child perform better on a standardized test or IQ test and therefore be admitted into a higher level program or gifted/enrichment program with the regular use of these types of medications.
• Is there an unfair advantage to these medications at this level?
• How easy is it for a teacher to recommend these medications be used to ensure compliance in the classroom?
• How does the acceptance of these medications impact the incidence of usage?

If we are going to hold our athletes to a higher standard for performance enhancing drugs, should we not hold ourselves to it as well?

Bunkers in Baghdad: Making a Difference One Golf Ball at a Time

Sports make a difference in so many ways! It is always a treat to learn of an organization that is making a huge difference with a simple idea! This week I'm fresh off a conversation with Joseph Hanna, Founder and President of Bunkers in Baghdad ("Bunkers") and what a difference he is making in the lives of our troops and veterans. Founded just a year and half ago, the organization provides donations of golf balls and clubs to military in the US and abroad. To date, they have provided equipment to soldiers and veterans in 9 countries and all 50 states. “We are approaching 1 million balls and 30,000 clubs distributed thanks to the help of sports teams, individuals and sponsors like Callaway,” said Hanna. Hanna has found a friend in professional sports, kicking off his efforts with the Chicago Blackhawks. Bunkers in Baghdad has been featured at various professional games, with funds raised in a raffle ticket effort shared between the team foundation and Bunkers. All proceeds go to pay for the expenses incurred from transporting the equipment overseas. Thanks to donations from individuals and sponsors, Bunkers was able to keep shipping to wounded warrior and veterans programs across the country. A few of the US Military Installations, Wounded Warrior Programs and VA Hospitals that have received donations include: John D. Dingell VA Medical Center - Wounded Warrior Program (Detroit, Michigan) VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System - Wounded Warrior Battalion (Ann Arbor, Michigan) Fort Sill Warrior Transition Unit (Fort Sill, Oklahoma) Manchester VA Medical Center (Manchester, New Hampshire) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Wounded Warrior Project (Tennessee) Dover Air Force Base Youth Program (Dover, Delaware) St. Louis VA Medical Center - Jefferson Barracks Division (St. Louis, Missouri) Fort Rucker U.S. Army Warrior Transition Command (Alabama) Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center Wounded Warrior Program (Saginaw, Michigan) Omaha VA Medical Center Wounded Warrior Program (Omaha, Nebraska) Indianapolis VA Medical Center Wounded Warrior Program (Indianapolis, Indiana) Ft. Polk US Army Wounded Warrior Program (Ft. Polk, Louisiana) Naval Air Station Brunswick MWRF (Brunswick, Maine) VA Pittsburgh Heath Care System Wounded Warrior Program (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Warrior Transition Command Boston VA Medical Center (Boston, Massachusetts) Fort McCoy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (Fort McCoy, Wisconsin) Wounded Warrior Program- VA Connecticut - Newington Campus (Newington, Connecticut) VA Medical and Regional Center (Fargo, North Dakota) Wounded Warrior Transition Unit (Vermont) Des Moines VA Medical Clinic- Wounded Warrior Program (Des Moines, Iowa) Wounded Warrior Transition Unit (Rhode Island) Bunkers In Baghdad seeks donations of cash and equipment, and is looking to form strategic alliances with sports teams and golf companies around the country. Contact Joseph Hanna at jhanna@goldbergsegalla.com or 716-566-5447 (also feel free to follow Bunkers on Twitter (bunkerstweets), join the LinkedIn Group or Facebook Page as well). For more information, please visit Bunker's website: http://www.bunkersinbaghdad.com/. (Also posted on The Real Athlete Blog.)

Politics - Be Informed! JUST VOTE!

Across the country, we will have elections tomorrow. As in any election season, there are candidates to review and issues to understand. It is easy to become an informed voter if you utilize various sources of information.

Understanding credible sources, asking questions, not assuming all facts are true are the hallmarks of learning in campaign season. I've dragged our family to meet the candidate sessions, poured over direct mail and pointed out information in our local newspaper. I've encouraged my neighbors to be informed and vote. I do hope that my fellow citizens will believe that our great country requires our active engagement, understanding various sides of issues, and most importantly voting our conscience!

It may not be a Presidential Election, but it is important... Just VOTE!

Changing the View - Using Social Media for Real Results

I always enjoy the opportunity to speak to college and graduate students. In particular, I challenge myself to get them to view the world in a slightly different way. This morning was one of those opportunities. The Brown School at Washington University invited me to speak to their course Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities course.

My part was to discuss the impact of technology and social media on the non-profit. While all were users of social media, most had not made the leap to understand the benefit of using in a work situation. We discussed the need for strategy, how real time knowledge can be gleaned from the internet in general and Twitter in particular, how real organizations are incorporating digital into the ways they engage their stakeholders, even showed some examples of funds raised using these tools.

Understanding of the tools requires a foundation of knowledge and a measurable objective. Helping today's graduate student understand how they make the transition from personal social media user to savvy employee who leverages social media is the challenge! I hope that my presentation helped to change their view of social media from incredibly personal to one of strategic opportunity!

The Death of the Pageview - ReadWriteStart

This article gives a good overview of measurement... engagement and behavior change are the key in a new digital age.

The Death of the Pageview - ReadWriteStart

Civics Lessons are Everywhere!

The world is a great civics classroom. Certainly the big elections provide wonderful ways to educate our children about the participatory role of citizens in our democracy, but so too do smaller elections that affect our communities.

This spring our school district has a bond issue to fund expansion plans for our district that sold off a lot of property in the late 70s and early 80s when the enrollment trends were decreasing. Instead of leasing the land and keeping it, they opted to sell to increase the reserves. For years, the district never had to go to the voters for more resources. But in the past few years, our district has had to go to the voters.

This spring:

• Our children have accompanied us to a Town Hall meeting in the building at Westminster Christian Academy which our district is seeking to purchase to use for our students. They watched the presentation, the well-worded, thoughtful question and the ones that seemed to ramble; they watched a decidedly skeptical population of mostly older citizens question the merits of a tax increase (albeit approximately $114 per year on a home valued at $500K) and they watched the public officials answer the questions.
• Our children have seen us put out a yard sign to support the proposition but take it down due to our subdivision indentures, and discuss at the dinner table some of the neighbors views.
• Our children have heard us discuss an email sent by me to encourage our neighbors to educate themselves on the ballot issue, and heard about some of the responses: positive and negative.
• Our children have gone to a Meet the Candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voter's to hear about the issues, and our 10 year old wrote a question that was asked of the 5 candidates for School Board - "Would you consider starting school after Labor Day?"

It has been a remarkably low key election, but one that they can understand and easily participate in... Civic Lessons are Everywhere, you just have to look!

Considerations for developing a social media policy: PRSA

PRSA has a thoughtful article on pointers to think about when developing a social media policy. In AHC seminars, we utilize a number of case studies, but thought this article was worth posting.

Considerations for developing a social media policy: PRSA

Trend Video - JESS3

My colleagues at JESS3 have put together a great summary of the stats related to internet and social media usage.

Check it out.

JESS3 / The State of The Internet from Jesse Thomas on Vimeo.

Why Entrepreneurs Need LinkedIn

As a small business owner, I often discuss the value that I find LinkedIn to have. I call it my souped up electronic rolodex. It can keep you top of mind with your network, provide you with great articles about how to do your job better, give you information to pass to clients... all in an efficient way.

And it a status update I post on Twitter would be of value to my LinkedIn contacts, I merely tag it #in and it automatically appears on LinkedIn.

Why Entrepreneurs Need LinkedIn

Posted using ShareThis

Introduction to PR with a Social Media Twist

Our inaugural Introduction to PR on-line course kicked off yesterday -- fundamentals of PR and communication will be our focus. However, I am requiring my students to participate in social media and refine their writing for the digital age.

The first assignment, signing up for Twitter... after checking out Ekaterina Walter's overview of Twitter (in one of my earlier blog posts).

College students are not necessarily using this particular medium, but are comfortable with Facebook. It will be interesting to watch as they connect to the communications world in this way.

One interesting opportunity we will have is that one of my students was at face-to-face kickoff but will be returning to Beijing, China tomorrow and will participate fully in the on-line course. We will be working with her on some other assignments in social media as Twitter and Facebook are blocked by the Chinese government. That made for some interesting discussion. I hope to plan a trip to Beijing so she may get some other opportunities to share information.

Helping the next generation understand PR and communications... and encouraging them to understand the latest tools for implementing strategies will make for an interesting semester!

St. Louis Business Journal Women's Conference remarks

Moved by Nostalgia (and Social Media)

How do you reach me... a small business owner in the 40-something category, who is a professional juggler - carefully balancing family, work, personal interests? (No, I'm not really a juggler, though one of my favorite clients has been

Circus Harmony!)

I don't tend to watch television news, I read the local paper on-line, I subscribe to the Business Journal and USA Today. I only watch Mad Men on demand and my only live shows tend to be American Idol and some sports; My Twitter feed tends to sprinkle me with breaking news (it's how I learned about Michael Jackson's untimely passing), Quaker quotes and industry-relevant materials all day long..

I'm a communications fundamentalist - I tell my clients and all who attend our series of seminars -- You must have an objective and strategies to reach your identified stakeholders. The rule of reaching someone 4-5 times before they change their behavior still applies... you just have a few more tools in your kit to accomplish this goal. And I am a good example of a shift in how you may be able to influence me and those like me.

Let me walk you through the way Pepsi influenced me to purchase their product....

• It started with reading about their decision to forgo the purchase of Super Bowl advertisements this year in favor of a more direct social media strategy. I read about it first on Twitter, I discussed on-line, in person.
• I discussed how this shift will be watched carefully and how I believe it has the ability to change the face of advertising on major sport properties, which has a huge potential economic effect. I watched and participated as dialogue unfolded.
• I helped a client directly reach clients through a targeted Facebook ad with much success and limited resources.
• I saw a Pepsi employee at a community event related to diversity and had a favorable impression.
• I remembered growing up in the 70s as part of the Pepsi Generation... I heard about the Throwback Pepsi can design and formulation (with real sugar!) It made my radar, first step.
• I am not a regular soda drinker and definitely not a purchaser, but low and behold I purchased a twelve-pack of Throwback Pepsi at Dierbergs. I shared with my children, discussed the nostalgia of my youth and recalled the days when real sugar was part of soda and we hadn't heard the phrase high fructose corn syrup, rediscovered a flavor (which is spot on to what I remember) ... all because I was reached in some new ways...TOUCHDOWN PEPSI!

Move me to change my behavior and buy your product ... appeal to my youth, reach me through social media channels, and make it fun for me to share with the new generation....

The Case for PR

An excellent case in 1/14/10 Economist for the increased importance of public relations.

Effective, strategic and cost effective communications solutions are becoming more relevant in the new digital age. According to the article, "We used to be the tail on the dog," says Richard Edelman, the head of Edelman, the world's biggest independent PR firm. But now, he continues, PR is "the organising principle" behind many business decisions.
I teach Introduction to PR at St. Louis Community College Forest Park this semester and this is required reading:
http://www.economist.com/businessfinance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15276746

In fact, PR firms with diversified services stand to increase their revenues. Here's to 2010 and beyond!

Kurt Warner Stars On and Off the Field: Tips for Athletes from his Foundation Head

As Arizona heads to New Orleans this weekend for the next round of NFL playoffs, I caught up with Marci Pritts, long-time Executive Director of Kurt Warner’s Foundation, First Things First (http://www.kurtwarner.org), to get her perspective on athlete philanthropy. Pritts, formerly head of the St. Louis Rams community relations department, was tapped by the Warners in 2001 to help facilitate their charitable efforts. Her efforts have helped to translate the vision the Warners have into reality, making a substantial impact on many lives.

Last year, USA Weekend named Kurt Warner USA Weekend’s 2009 Most Caring Athlete. There is no doubt that Warner and his wife, Brenda, have made substantial contributions in the communities where they have a connection. Indeed, Warner’s story helps to frame his philanthropic efforts.

Many have heard the story of Warner’s rise to greatness with the St. Louis Rams and a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV, but USA Weekend included the following that sets the stage for Warner’s philanthropic efforts: "Brenda's parents were killed, and I was struggling in football," Warner says of a dark time in 1996 that led to a spiritual renewal. "It seemed like everything was falling apart. So we simply put our lives in God's hands. That's when we felt comforted, not scared. Since then, we have sought to share ourselves and our faith and to touch other people's lives."

The Warners have stayed that course during their 12-year marriage. Through their First Things First Foundation, they oversee a staggering range of outreach efforts. They've raised more than $675,000 for victims of the 2008 Midwest floods. Their most recent annual winter coat drive in St. Louis, where Warner won a Super Bowl for the Rams in 2000, brought in 18,000 donated coats. They've shipped hundreds of care packages to troops overseas, a project close to Brenda's heart (she's a former Marine).

Pritts has helped to guide their efforts every step of the way and shares these points for athletes who are looking to start their own philanthropic efforts. She says these are the top points she would ask an athlete to consider:

• What are you passionate about? Is there anything in your history that made a big impact that you can focus your efforts on? She adds that the Kurt and Brenda's efforts focus on a variety of causes based upon their experiences, including assistance for single mothers and those in the military.

• If you want to start a foundation, how much money are you willing to donate yourself on an annual basis? It’s not enough to raise money to put in your foundation; a personal commitment is what makes the difference between success and failure. Putting your money where your mouth is helps you to leverage other resources. Also, it can be helpful to have a professional staff person to ensure that you maintain your focus on and off the field, but this often takes your own resources. The Warners have made a substantial contribution of time and money to further their efforts, and have plans to continue their efforts following Kurt’s playing career. (Don’t ask! He is not talking retirement this week, just staying focused on this week’s game, taking it one playoff game at a time as he always does. With a personal 9-3 playoff record, he is poised.)

• For those players who don’t have interest in charitable efforts (and you know who you are), think about your brand. The right community involvement can be a useful tool in marketing yourself, Pritts adds.

Pritts speaks from experience with the Warners, but these tips ring true for other athletes who are looking to involve themselves in charitable efforts. It’s a big commitment of time and resources, but has a big payoff in the lives you change and the brand you build for yourself and your family.

How Social Media Agency Service Has Shifted in 2009

Leslie Bradshaw of NMS offers some key trends on how agencies have shifted this year, and what is to come. Strategy will be key moving forward, but an agency that can teach you to fish will be key to success!

How Social Media Agency Service Has Shifted in 2009

View more presentations from Leslie Bradshaw.

What is Twitter and How to Use It

Ekaterina Walter of Intel and I had a chance to serve on a panel at Integrated Marketing Summit St. Louis in December. Her Twitter overview that follows is basic, to the point, and catalogues some of the many uses and tools for this communications tool.
For those in my St. Louis Community College Introduction to Public Relations this is a helpful backgrounder and required reading for our Spring 2010 semester on-line class.

What is Twitter and How to Use It

View more presentations from Ekaterina Walter.