Last Call for Leaders – Yeah, That’s You!

Did you know that today is a big day? No, it’s not the only first of August and the official start to the end of summer (which I know is a little depressing - but at least football season is around the corner).

It's also the second to final day for submitting nominations for the 2014 SCPRSA Board, committee chairs and committee members. A day for stepping up to enhance your leadership skills, share those skills with others and contribute to an organization that only wants to support your future success and growth.

As the president of SCPRSA, I’ve been honored and excited about what we’ve done so far this year as a chapter, and I've grown professionally as well. Recently, I’ve also been having great conversations with practitioners just like you who are volunteering for a committee or taking the plunge to join our Board.

But we still need you.

Our Chapter has leadership positions large and small, for every interest, time commitment and skill set - and all are important.

Been wanting to enhance your budgeting or sales and marketing skills? Want to help shape what our PRSSA scholarships will look like for years to come? Need more event planning experience while simultaneously networking and working with dynamic speakers statewide, regionally and nationally?

We offer all that and more, combined into something that your boss will be impressed by, your LinkedIn profile will love and that will provide lasting experiences.

I urge you to take the next step with your membership and join us in getting further involved through a leadership position. Nominate yourself or a colleague today. 

Erin S. Watson, APR @easmithwatson

A little surprise & delight: Making your customers feel special goes a long way.

Digiday posted a blog recently about brands that have surprised their fans or followers. It was all about companies that are tracking their social media fans and taking advantage of opportunities to thank them – through unexpected means. The gestures weren’t over-the-top or expensive (Milano cookies, a custom iPhone cover, and shelter from the cold were three of the examples). But they were thoughtful and targeted, yet completely unexpected and appreciated.

I shared this post with fellow coworkers and was quickly reminded that a “surprise and delight” moment lasts far beyond the initial touch point. They shared occasions that were, in some cases, a year or more ago, yet still considered it special and – perhaps the best benefit to a brand – are loyalists to this day.

One received a free pair of running shoes from Mizuno and was signed up to be a shoe tester.

Another got free Jimmy Johns (it’s the little things, right?).

Another’s cousin got an entire case of chocolate-flavored Chobani yogurt.

Of course, there are plenty of people who try to take advantage of this, and will after they see this post. Who wouldn’t want free Milano cookies, after all?

The point I want to make, though, is that every brand, every company really, can take advantage of the benefits of ‘surprise and delight.’

For example...give banking customers a roll of quarters just because – who doesn’t need quarters for parking? Give hospital visitors flowers too, instead of only the patients. Offer a free month (with no strings attached) of a new service before anyone else can try. Mail out umbrellas before a big forecast of rain in a customer’s area. If you know someone is going on vacation, call ahead and book something extra – a bike rental, a complimentary bottle of wine, whatever.

All it takes is a little creativity, planning and desire. But I bet people remember it and talk about it, including through social media channels, long after that day.

http://www.digiday.com/brands/5-brands-that-surprised-their-social-media-fans/

Erin Watson is VP of Marketing & Communications at Kaleidoscope Youth & Family Marketing, and the current president of SCPRSA. Connect with her at @easmithwatson.