It’s Monday, it’s raining outside, and the economic forecast hasn’t really brightened since Friday, but that doesn’t give us a free pass to curl up on the couch and retreat from the world.  On the contrary, now is the time to seek motivation where we can find it — it’s the time to discover our strengths and pursue our passions. How else can we ensure a brighter tomorrow?

Here are three approaches that can inspire a more positive, productive mindset:

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Stimulating your brain power and looking for ways to improve are surefire keys to start moving in a positive direction.  You will have an opportunity to know something that others may not, enhancing your expertise in a particular area.  Here’s an example: I recently entered an award-winning PR project into a statewide competition. It did not win, and the judges’ report indicated that even though it achieved stellar results for the client, it was rejected for being in pdf format instead of html. Yes I was disappointed, and no, I did not understand why the format disqualified the project, but I can’t let it deter me. Instead, I am going to learn why html is preferred over pdf.  And if it turns out that the change will benefit the client, I will do it immediately…all part of the quest for continuous improvement (thank you, Dr. Deming!).

TAP INTO YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM

When your self image can use a little boost, doesn’t it make sense to be around the people who make you feel good about yourself?  Family, friends, a favorite client…a few words reminding you of something great you accomplished can erase that negative vibe or uncomfortable situation at work. Last week, I let a colleague who is having personal issues know that I am available to her if she needs a sounding board — she was so grateful for those few kind words. Sometimes we just need to know there’s someone on our side.

SEEK OUT YOUR GURUS

Inspiration comes from many places, and you may be surprised at what voices can trigger a turnaround in your attitude.  Attending a professional conference may provide you with new ideas and a burst of motivation that can get you right back on track.  A vigorous personal training session or an encounter with your yoga instructor can elevate your mood.  

Even an extraordinary book or an invigorating speech may reignite the spark you were afraid went out.  The key is to be open to the possibilities and to listen for the words that might improve your outlook.

So here’s to a brighter tomorrow….contact me if I can help!

Today is Day 1 of my personal training program at Fitness Together Fort Myers and so far, I see many parallels between their personalized, one-on-one attention and an effective public relations plan that focuses on achieving client’s goals and objectives.

As of today, I am a client of my client, LouAnn Good, owner of the private training studio on Gladiolus in Fort Myers where the theme is, “One Client. One Trainer. One Goal.” This is really exciting for me as it is the beginning of a five-month journey leading up to the Philadelphia 1/2 Marathon on September 19, and then the NYC Marathon on November 7.  My husband Steve and I want to make sure we get there in a safe healthy way (we haven’t run a marathon in several years!), so we enlisted the help of LouAnn and personal trainer Jamie Swagler to help us. I already know that this was a very wise decision! I will be punctuating my regular blog posts with weekly updates on our progress (with some real pics, not just representative), and the benefits of a sound mind AND a sound body.

Here’s how it went today: our first session included a customized fitness evaluation where we were measured, tested and evaluated as to our level of fitness — not sure what the results are yet! LouAnn will enter the data into her specialized software program along with all our stats. In the PR world, this would be the research phase of the plan. This will generate a complete report that will specifically evaluate my body — where it is now, and where it needs to be over the next several months. LouAnn and I are setting goals and objectives that will lead to the strategic component of this “campaign”  – another similarity to the PR business.

So far, this is a unique experience. I have gone to gyms before where the atmosphere is very impersonal, usually with a staff member giving you a tour of the facility, a worksheet to figure out your reps, and a generic description of what you should do.  Then all of a sudden you’re alone with the equipment.  This is especially frustrating for me — being mechanically challenged, I would spend more time figuring out how to use each machine than actually using it.  And do I really want a room full of people watching me do this?

At Fitness Together LouAnn and Jamie are working with us in a private studio setting and showing us exactly what to do — correctly.  I really like their approach and we can all learn from it — no two clients are the same, and we have to plan differently for each based on individual needs and goals.

That’s why even though this is more of a physical process, I can’t help comparing it to the work we do every day in public relations and marketing — both include Research and incorporate Goal-Oriented Strategies.  Plus, very clear Measurement procedures are in place — and what’s more important than positive results?

And so the journey begins….I am excited about our first real training session next week, bringing us one step closer to our goals!  Stay tuned…in the meantime, check out www.ftfortmyers.com or www.pkecreative.com to learn more about us.

Those of us in the field of public relations are trained from early on about the importance of creating a thorough, specific crisis communication plan. In most cases we file it away, secure in the fact that it’s there if we need it.  For me, that was yesterday. The beauty of a well thought out crisis communication plan? It actually works.

Leaving out names to protect the innocent, no sooner had I completed a crisis plan for a new client than a crisis occurred: a key employee walked off the job without notice. She was the only full time person licensed to manage one of the major functions of this organization and without a replacement, the regulatory agencies warned they would shut down the business within the next two days. To complicate matters, this same employee called the media about the impending shut down and two TV stations got right on it.  We had five hours to get control of the situation until the 6 p.m. news. What to do? Refer to our newly minted, trusty crisis plan, of course.

Within two hours, we appointed a spokesperson, drafted a statement for the media, coached the client, contacted the media with a response and set a time with the reporters for an update. The result? While the news stories ran as scheduled, the facts were presented fairly and the points we made in the statement were mentioned right up front.  The positive, timely communication with the media allowed the story to be reported accurately with little drama and minimal impact.

Here were the lessons learned:

1. By planning calmly and rationally in advance, we were prepared for the worst.

2. We had an immediate plan to put into action – no time was wasted.

3. Because we were so calm and organized, the client was too – and that made a huge difference in the outcome.

I highly recommend preparing a thorough crisis communication plan for your client’s or organization’s peace of mind – and yours as well! To learn more, visit my website.

I’ve written before about the exciting, interesting people I meet on a daily basis — one of my favorite aspects of my career in public relations. A great example is my friend and client Randy “RJ” Vann, a Southwest Florida business man and an avid horseman.  So what do a drive for solar technology and a passion Paso Fino horses have in common?  RJ shows us…After more than 34 years building a successful full service air conditioning and plumbing company in Fort Myers, FL, RJ Vann Mechanical Corp., Randy recently launched a new division of his firm, Solar Tech Energy Systems.

Harnessing his staff’s expertise with all things A/C and plumbing, the new division incorporates photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight to electricity, solar hot water, high efficiency air conditioning and customized solar packages that qualify for federal and state rebates. Randy’s team has been trained and has enthusiastically embraced the firm’s new vision, “Technology today for a greener tomorrow.” This is a bold adventure during challenging economic times but they are already gaining momentum.

Solar Tech is just one way Randy displays his sense of adventure.  When he’s not working at RJ Vann Mechanical, he nurtures his other passion, Paso Fino horses on his ranch, Corner Creek Ranch.

These beautiful creatures are known for their gentle disposition, intelligence, stamina, companionship and are excellent for both trail and show.  After a life threatening illness in 1994, Randy decided to go back and do something he truly enjoys — riding, breeding and showing horses — he became infatuated with the Paso Fino breed and the rest is history.

In doing what he loves, RJ is doing great things. In business, he is caring for the environment and exploring new territory — with his horses, he is fulfilling his passion and a sense of adventure.

I find his outlook and his approach very inspiring — Randy has taken hold of the reins….and the sun.

Also called Halotherapy (halos means salt in Greek), this natural treatment which is well-known and documented in Europe, takes place in a dry, sterile environment that recreates a natural microclimate identical to ancient salt caves and salt mines.  People who have turned to this natural solution have reported positive results. Very popular in Europe, Andrea says there are only three salt caves in the U.S. at this time.

Located on busy US 41 in North Naples, FL, once inside visitors enter a “cave” — a soothing, quiet environment created by Andrea, her sister and her husband.  Before opening, they imported and installed 20 tons of Himalayan dry rock salt. (Keep in mind this is very different from table salt which is nothing more than sodium chloride with additives.)

With our area’s only salt generator, the aerosolized microparticles are released, penetrating deep into the lungs, fighting pollutants and destroying bacteria.  The results?

People who undergo salt therapy have experienced improvement in ailments such as:

Asthma

Bronchitis

Pneumonia

Sinusitis

Hay Fever

Arthritis

Allergies

Smoker’s Cough

Stress & Exhaustion

Psoriasis and Eczema

The whole ambience and experience can make you feel better and breathe easier as soon as you walk in.  Special salt lamps and gemstone jewelry adorn the comfortable waiting area, and meeting Andrea is a special experience in itself.  She has in-depth knowledge of Halotherapy and is committed to helping others find natural alternatives to return to good health. Her concern is sincere and I am eager to know her better.

I am excited to get started on sharing more and writing about news and results from the Salt Cave, a very unique and fascinating holistic approach.

Check back for updates as we move forward or for more information on PR Solutions, visit me at www.pkecreative.com

So 2010 is fast approaching and instead of listing resolutions, it seems like a good time to reflect on the past year and to decide how to build on those lessons learned.

I have always been an admirer of Edward Deming whose philosophies of Total Quality Management and continuous improvement have been “role models” for my own business.

So here are three lessons I learned during 2009 that will help me next year as I continue to grow my business and grow professionally.

1. It’s all in the Attitude…
Yes, the economy is challenging, and we face negative news reports every day, but I am so fortunate to associate with fantastically optimistic, enthusiastic  people: my clients, my students, fellow Chamber members and professional peers. Their energy is incredibly motivating and I believe a self-fulfilling prophecy — these are the bright-eyed, forward thinking people who will continue to succeed.

2. It’s all about Service….

The word may be overused, but the act of service is not used enough.  Polite phone manners, returning phone calls in a timely manner, a pleasant office demeanor, fulfilling promises, staying within budget, paying attention to detail, correcting errors, being accountable and following a project through from beginning to end just scratch the surface of what great client service is all about.  I have always been proud of the great client service my firm provides, but I plan to focus on that even more as a top priority.

As for community service, even though time is short and it might not pay in dollars, the rewards are great, and helping others adds such a meaningful dimension. I have watched others around me give and do so much — they are my inspiration for 2010!

3. Lifelong learning is the key…

Continuing to learn new skills, reading as much as possible, being open to new ideas — all of these have helped me tremendously.  In 2009 alone, I achieved a new certification (Certified Public Relations Professional, CPRP), attended about 20 workshops on social media, and was trained in several areas of new technology.  I also read at least 150 books, fiction and non-fiction, that added to my ongoing education. The result?  All of this has kept me incredibly motivated, excited by my career and its potential, and most important, able to help my clients by being as knowledgeable as possible in the areas that matter to them.  I learned that there is so much more to learn, and I am looking forward to my never ending education.

Have I only learned three lessons this year? No, there were many more, but these were important to share.  Most of all, I am grateful for those who teach me, keeping me motivated and inspired: family, clients, students, peers and community leaders  – thank you!

Looking forward to your feedback !

Working with my friend and client Barb Garfold of Lahaina Island Accommodations (www.beachtime.us) has helped me focus on the “art of public relations.”  With the debut of a permanent display of works by renowned fine art photographer Alan S. Maltz (www.alanmaltz.com) she is incorporating 5 important ways that public relations can help her business.First, the vacation home rental company now has an alliance with a well-known artist.  Maltz’s work is featured at the Carter Center and Presidential Library in Atlanta, American Airlines Arena and Carnival Cruise Lines in Miami, and other high profile locations.  Residents and visitors to Fort Myers Beach now have an opportunity to see his works at Lahaina Island Accommodations.

Second, they are adding a natural tie in with the artist’s work and Florida’s natural beauty — visitors can experience nature as well as appreciate the artwork whose imagery captures the beauty, tranquility and diversity of Southwest Florida.

Third, Lahaina is using many levels of communication tactics to get the word out: from traditional news releases to online distribution, social media and blogging — they are creating a “buzz” about the new exhibit, Alan’s new book and the upcoming event launching the new collection.

Fourth, a special reception will bring existing owners, colleagues and friends together on December 3 to view the artwork and be among the first to see Alan’s fourth book, Visions of Beauty — Fort Myers, Sanibel & Beyond.  The artist will even be available to sign the books!

Fifth, and probably most important, Barb, Paul and the team at Lahaina Island Accommodations are creating and reinforcing their community relationships through the beauty of art.  They are creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that people want to be a part of — yes, this is the “art” of public relations.

For more about Lahaina Island Accommodations and the great work they are doing, you can check my portfolio at www.pkecreative.com.