Do Believe the “Hype”: Broadcast Now on UStream--Tip #3

Continuing with our series on free social media tools, we move from on-the-go video capture and the Twitterverse to a hybrid of webcasts and live chat, UStream.tv.

For each one of the media tools we suggest, we have included our rating of the tool in terms of: 1) Ease of Use; 2) Interactivity v. Passive Engagement; and 3) Return on Investment.

Many non-profits operate over a large geographic space and often feel that they do not get those desired one-on-one interactions that could lead to growing the number of organizational constituents, or equally important, growing their donor base.

UStream.tv has a key piece of advice that non-profits should embrace: “Broadcast now.” UStream.tv is a live, interactive FREE broadcasting platform. Initially founded as a way for soldiers in Iraq to see and interact with their families, the platform has taken off, with over 17.4 million users a month and thousands of unique programs.

One non-profit I worked with used the technology to broadcast their summits to a larger audience. These broadcasts allowed young people from across the country to have their opinions heard and responded to, all from the comfort of their own homes. This is just one of many ways to use this powerful technology. UStream.tv could be used in a variety of contexts. It could be used to broadcast a membership meeting, to create an interactive town hall with chapters of your organization across the country, or for a monthly fireside chat with your Executive Director.

You do not need much to get going: a computer, a webcam, and an Internet connection. Your viewers can watch you present your programming and use the chat function of UStream.tv to interact with your team. Users can remain anonymous or they can create their own profiles over UStream.

When you create a profile, you are led through the steps of setting up your user profile for your organization. You can “dress up” your UStream page to reflect the branding of your organization as well as create channels for your separate programs if you decide to use it for more than one purpose.

Ratings:

Ease of Use

This is not the easiest of all tools to use. Although the set up process is fairly self-explanatory, it still requires one to connect the webcam or other camera properly, test out the sound, and make sure that the technical pieces are in working order. A few test-runs with UStream and some tinkering around should resolve most use issues.

Interactivity v. Passive Engagement

This tool is highly interactive. This gives your constituents a chance to not only see what your organization does and who they are, but it allows people to engage in conversations with you and get direct responses. It also allows the community of users who come on to watch your programming to chat with one another. Although a user could just sit back and watch the show, the tools are available to engage in the polling of your audience along with other fun tricks.

Return on Investment

This is worth your time if your organization has a need to connect your members or to expand your user base in the virtual space. It will take a little more human capital investment to learn the interface, but could be well worth it if you are able to convene your members in a meaningful online experience.

The Final Word

We advocate trying all these types of technologies at least once. Just like any tool, this may not suit every organization, but you will not know until you try. Since anyone can watch your broadcasts, it is also a way to attract new constituents to your organization.

Do Believe the "Hype": Tweeting v. Blasting -- Tip #2

Non-profit executives always have to be mindful of the bottom line. Budgets are tight these days, but the list of goals for the organization keep growing and the ideas keep coming. The name of the game is learning how to do more with less. If used wisely and creatively, social media tools can be a God-send for any non-profit staff.

Our second tool featured in this blog series, is like most social media, absolutely free. The only cost associated is the limited time you invest in putting 140 words together.

Twitter This and Twitter That

In the past few months, news reports have been filled chatter about Twitter. The newest social networking craze allows people, businesses, and organizations to post messages of 140 words or less online for the entire world to see. Recently, it seems Twitter has permeated every aspect of U.S. culture. Today, everyone tweets. Celebrities are tweeting, CEOs are tweeting, intellectuals are tweeting, and even members of Congress tweet incessantly.

If you are currently a tweeter, then you are probably familiar with the virtues of Twitter, and can likely imagine some of its' more practical applications. However, if the Twitterverse is new territory for you, you likely have a lot of questions. Above all, you are likely wondering how a site that limits you to 140 words or less could be useful. What could you possibly say in 140 words or less? Well, simply put, you can say a lot.

Why Tweet?

The beauty of Twitter is that it forces people to be as brief as possible. The user is only given enough room to communicate their message in a couple of sentences. This makes Twitter the perfect tool for getting out brief updates. Why write an entire email to communicate a thought as simple as a meeting reminder? Why not just tweet it out? This saves you both time and money.

Sites that send mass emails generally charge, limit the number of emails you are allowed to send, and have little formatting quirks that often take more time to fix then drafting the actual email. Tweeting gets simple thoughts out easily and in a matter of seconds. Instead of sending a meeting reminder with a fifth copy of the agenda, simply state:"Meeting Reminder: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 7:00pm at Statewide Office." No muss, no fuss.

Will My Tweets Fall on Deaf Ears?

Twitter is different from email because you are not sending messages to a person's inbox. While you can send direct messages to other Twitter users' profiles, you cannot send directed messages en mass. Rather, your message will be public for every Twitter user to see.

The best way to make sure your tweets are seen by the right people is to invite the constituents of your organization to follow you on Twitter. That way, your tweets will automatically show up on their profile. Even inviting people to follow you on Twitter is easy. Simply put a link to Twitter (www.twitter.com) on your homepage with the title: "Follow Us!" People will know what to do from there.

Ratings:

Ease of Use

Twitter is one of the easiest social media tools to use. It's as easy as 1,2,3..

1. Start by creating a profile. The information asked for to make up this profile is minimal and it only takes a few minutes.

2.Next you simply type a short message in the window at the top of your profile.

3. Click "Update." Your tweet is then instantly sent.

Interactivity v. Passive Engagement

Twitter's interactivity rating is moderate. Your followers can respond to your tweets through direct messaging, but they too are limited to using 140 characters. The beauty of Twitter is that it is an economical tool. It's easy on your bank account and your time. It's a great way to disseminate bits of information quickly and cheaply, but not the best forum for engaging in complex dialogue. Always remember that Twitter is a specialized communications tool. It is most effective when used judiciously.

Return on Investment

Accessing and utilizing Twitter is free and easy. The site is free and the time commitment is low. Additionally, there is the potential to reach thousands of people. If used wisely, the return you get from Twitter can be very high.

The Final Word

Try it out. Our firm tweets and we love it. With zero financial commitment and a low time commitment, there are few reasons not to try it.

Do Believe the "Hype": Free and Low Cost Media Tools to Get Exposure --Tip #1

Margo and I are focusing our blogging for the next month on strategies to help non-profits survive, and even flourish, during this time when everyone is preaching doom and gloom regarding the global economic outlook.

Everyone is looking for a bargain these days, and the best bargain is that which is free. This week, we are going to introduce several free and low cost social media tools that we have advised our clients to use. For each one of the media tools we suggest, we will include our rating of the tool in terms of: 1) Ease of Use; 2) Interactivity v. Passive Engagement; and 3) Return on Investment.

Our first in this series is the only tool that has a cost, besides human capital and time associated with it.

What is Flip? The Flip Video Camera

Flip Video Camcorders are small, handheld video cameras, equipped with a USB connection, that allow the user to tape up to sixty minutes of video footage. Flip Cams have been used for a variety of projects, including PBS' Video Your Vote campaign during the 2008 election.

Anatomy of a Flip Cam

A power button is located on the side of the camera. Everything you need to operate the camera is on the back console. An easy to identify arrow button lets you play recorded video. A button with a little trash can lets you get rid of those unsuccessful video attempts. Arrow keys on both sides of the red record button lets you advance through previously recorded videos.

In the middle of the back console lies the record button, which is large and red. The plus sign lets you zoom in; the minus sign lets you zoom out.

Once you are finished recording, you can release the USB arm from the side of the camera and connect it into the USB port on your computer, whether PC or Mac.

Ratings:

Ease of Use

Everything you need for the Flip Cam comes in the box you purchase the Flip Cam in. Uploading footage to a computer is simple (the USB port pops right out of the side of the camera), and you do not have to worry about losing cables for the camera. The Flip Cam is just like a regular video camera in that it can be connected to a tripod for still video projects.

The most important measure of ease of use is the ability of a variety of educational and age demographics to use the tool. This tool can be used with all age demographics, even by organizations that work primarily with those 65 and older. The tool simply needs to be powered on, by pressing one button, and there is a large red button on the back of the camera that must be pressed to record. The same button is pressed to stop recording like most cameras. From both a visual and tactile perspective, something that organizations must be aware of depending on their constituents or membership, it is non-exclusive.

Interactivity v. Passive Engagement

The tool is highly interactive for the user. It gives everyone a turn at being a videographer, a producer, or a citizen journalist. Since it is so easy to take the video clips off the camera, users can immediately see their projects come to life online or they can be watched together after a day of "production."

This tool is less interactive for the online viewer. While video is more likely to be engaging for some people versus just a written message, there are limited ways one can interact back with a video, unless you build a program or a project, for example, that includes a video-to-video response component. Another suggestion would be having online users make suggestions for future videos or provide the creative concepts for your video clips.

This is not a Read Write web tool, but could be used in conjunction with those types of online tools.

Return on Investment

For $129, your organization now has a way to create rich media content for a variety of different purposes. Your quarterly fundraising ask could now be accompanied by a video clip of the people your organization serves. Your fundraising "Thank Yous" could be several of your organization's beneficiaries stating how the donations have impacted their lives.

This also enhances your use of other platforms, like YouTube. By using YouTube with the Flip Cam, you can spread the message about your organization in an easily digestible manner. Additionally, you can easily update your video clips, embedding them within your website or blog. At Gagnier Margossian, we have advised several clients to incorporate video press releases within their outreach strategy.

The Final Word

Buy this tool. Our firm owns two, the Flip Ultra and a Mino HD Flip Cam. It fits in pockets or purses and allows us to collect great footage on the go.

Americana: The Salvation Army's Red Kettle

Found this piece this morning on the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign and its' success in 2008.


http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=246300041

"The amount raised represents a 10 percent year-over-year increase in donations to the campaign — the largest one-year jump since 1997. The boost was due in part to an increase in corporate partnerships and the use of tech-based fundraising approaches, including cashless red kettles that allowed donors to pay by credit or debit card and a text-messaging service that enabled cell phone users to contribute via their phone bills. In general, Internet giving grew by 28 percent last year, reaching a total of $10 million."

Take note that Internet donations grew by 28%. It would interesting to discover whether donors were: 1) repeat donors, in contrast to the Target Analytics study covered in the New York Times earlier this week; and 2) whether these donors went online after seeing the iconic red kettle somewhere, the physical interaction serving as the impetus for the online donation.

Another interesting point was that 26% percent of the campaign's donations were received in front of big-box discount retailers.

On Mergers and Acquisitions...Of Non-Profits

Right before an afternoon phone call, I pondered what the final post in our series this week on financial capacity and non-profits would be. Margo and I covered the problems, innovative ways to fundraise, and sustainable revenue sources within our blogs this week. Yet, once I was on my call, my former boss, a non-profit CEO, brought up what will be a growing trend in non-profits: consolidation.

Non-profits organizations that have a powerful impact and have been successful in the past can face the same fate as the host of for-profit organizations who are currently experiencing financial trouble. They may realize that staff needs to be cut, programs need to be scaled, or ultimately, that it is no longer possible to operate.

The old adage, "Strength in numbers," is applicable now more than ever. Instead of shutting your doors, these strategists advise that you consider two options: a merger or an acquisition. While navigating these legally may already seem to be an insurmountable obstacle (plug for Margo, Esq.), what may seem even worse is the perceived stigma that an organization feels comes along with such a decision.

Reality check. There are savvy ways to merge or be acquired. You could become a special project of a foundation. In youth politics, for example, you could join with a few other youth voter orgs. You could form a strategic, cross-issue alliance, like technology and humanity. You could even become the charitable arm of a for-profit. None of the above will cause you to lose face or admit defeat. They are smart moves.

What got us into this financial mess? No way am I going to answer that. That would take expertise I do not possess and would cause you to click away from the page. But part of the issue was ego, companies or individuals not admitting that certain financial decisions were not within their means.

Means are limited across the board, for everyone, and it is better to save some of the valuable work you perform and protect your organizational consumers (your "shareholders") than to feel that you are protecting your "street cred" or your "rep." Those things can be managed and much better preserved when you make strategic moves.

Consolidate now, and you could be the new powerhouse later. Youth voter orgs, who I know have been particularly affected in the post-2008 election era, 2010 and 2012 are around the corner. Join forces, you have the Millennials behind you.

Punchline: Don't give up.

Services

Lots of non-profits solicit donations and grants as their primary revenue source. However, in today's tight economy, those revenue streams are starting to dry up. It is now time to think outside of the traditional fundraising box. Those non-profits that are going to survive the current slump are going to be those that are going to be creative about how they sustain themselves financially. One alternative financial strategy is to start offering services needed by the core demographic of people you serve at a reasonable price to cover operating costs. With state agencies having to pull back on the amount of services they can offer the public, non-profits have the opportunity to fill in some of the holes.

For example, there is currently a freeze on all travel funds for state employees. This means that field agents for some of these state agencies that used to provide essential continuing education opportunities for professionals such as social workers cannot provide these professional development opportunities this year. A nonprofit with a focus on social services advocacy and a knowledgeable staff can develop a partnership with their state's Department of Social Services to step in and provide the trainings needed in the field.

Partnerships

A partnership with a state agency in this case is essential. You will want to make sure that you and the regulatory entity that your audience will have to ultimately report to are on the same page in terms of interpreting regulations and requirements. You will also want to be able to offer professional development certificates or credits to your attendees. These certificates are a big draw, and you must get approval to offer them.

The Nuts and Bolts

Providing these services might seem a little daunting and expensive. Don't worry, with a well organized staff or team of dedicated volunteers, it is much easier then you think. Trainings for instance can be put together relatively quickly and at low cost.

For a training, you will need a topic, a presentation, a facility, and lunch. If you are lucky to have experts in your particular field on staff or as organizational members, picking a topic and putting together a presentation will be fairly easy. If you do not have these human resources at your disposal, you will need more lead time to do research or you can solicit experts in the field to present for your organization. You would be surprised how many people would be willing to give up a few hours to support a cause they are passionate about.

The next challenge is finding a facility. This is an area you can save on overhead cost if you are savvy and persistent. There are plenty of venues in your community that are willing to donate space to non-profits such as libraries and county offices. It might take a few calls, but chances are you will be able to find an inexpensive if not free venue in your area that will host about 100 people.

Next, set up the catering. It sounds like the last thing you would want to think about, but people are much more willing to pay for a workshop if lunch is being provided. Find somewhere inexpensive and reliable. You don't have to provide a three course meal. A simple boxed lunch and sodas will do. Your attendees will just want to feel taken care of and a little bit of lunch does just that.

Finally, set a price point. Remember, you will want to set the price a little higher than what it takes to put on the actual event since you will be paying for other operating costs with the money earned. However, be prudent when setting your price point. Remember, that as a non-profit, your mission is to serve the community. You will therefore want to make your services accessible to as many people as possible. Make sure your price point is reasonable.

Trainings are just one example of a service that organizations can offer in order to raise revenue. Consider how your organization serves your community and see if there are any service gaps you can meet. You might be surprised at the opportunities that present themselves.

Back to Basics

It’s true that running a modern non-profit organization is no small feat. Being an executive at a non-profit that is growing and thriving is complex and requires some real business savvy. Long gone are the days that an organization can fully fund itself through bake sales and crab feeds. Any organization that wants to be viable and make a real impact will need a sound revenue raising strategy. Whether it is providing a service for your constituency, bringing in grant money, attracting corporate donations, or a combination of the three, every non-profit will need a complex fiscal strategy to cover its daily operating costs.

However, in these difficult economic times, organizations need to get a little creative when trying to fundraise for specific projects. If need to raise just a few thousand dollars, using traditional fundraising methods maybe a good strategy. Time tested methods such as drawings, auctions, and special events are both fun and profitable.

Special Events

Special events such as gala dinners, conferences, crab feeds, and cocktail parties can be profitable if you keep your overhead low. It’s impossible to run these events completely for free, but getting food or entertainment either donated or at cost. People are always looking for ways to have a good time, supporting a good cause is often just a bonus.

An organization can easily attract corporate sponsors for a conference by making exhibit space available. If your conference is going to attract a vendor’s core market demographic, that vendor will gladly pay for the opportunity to reach out to their customer base on a one-on-one basis.

Drawings and Auctions

Drawings and auctions are another great way to fundraise small amounts to supplement your primary revenue stream. Drawings held at events of 100 people or more can be rather profitable for an organization. One large prize amidst an array of prizes of more modest value can be enough to attract hundreds of ticket purchases.

A couple of tricks to keep in mind for drawings, keep the ticket prices low but offer to sell them in bundles. For example, sell 1 ticket for $1.00, 7 tickets for $5.00, and 15 tickets for $10.00. Well priced bundles make the tickets more attractive. More tickets means more chances to win after all! Additionally, hold the drawings throughout your event. Seeing other people win will prompt someone to buy tickets of their own. Ticket sales can remain steady until the end of your event if you keep the momentum going with hourly drawings.

Auctions are also a great way to raise a few thousand dollars in one night. Auctions are most effective when held during an event that was either free or had a nominal entrance fee. A person who did not have to spend much at the door will spend more freely at the auction table.

Soliciting prizes for your auction is easy. First, take stock of all the entertainment venues and popular stores in your area. Next, simply write a letter asking those establishments for donations. You would be pleasantly surprised at the response you get. Especially in tough economic times, retailers are willing to give donations of products and services for things like auctions because it is excellent publicity for them.

A couple of tips for putting together an auction:

(1) Set your sites on hotel stays, wine tours, tickets for sporting events, wine baskets, and museum tickets. These items are the most attractive and draw high dollar bids.

(2) Bundle donations together donations to make more valuable prize packages. Be creative. Put together tickets for attractions in the same area for theme weekends. The more a prize package looks like a vacation or a complimentary night on the town, the more attractive it is.

Good Luck!

Remember, every organization needs a sustainable fundraising strategy that consists of bringing in large dollar amounts through either grants or corporate donations. However, giving your revenue stream a little boost can be fun, relatively easy, and profitable. Whatever you do, just be creative!

Why Passing the "Collection Plate" Won't Work Online

Growing up in the Lutheran church, every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., I would engage in the weekly ritual of attending church services. After well-rehearsed invocations, mechanical pomp and circumstance, and the quick bit of fellowship, the collection plate would be passed along to members of the congregation, each member one-by-one placing their weekly tithe in the collection plate.

Why give? Some argue it is out of obligation. Others may advance that it boils down to simple sociological principles, perhaps something akin to peer pressure and being part of the norm. Yet, the non-cynical view may be that people feel a connection with the church, with a higher power, and with one another, and they give to the church since they personally feel its impact on their lives. They physically interact with and experience its offerings.

You cannot pass the collection plate online. An NY Times article from today discusses the failure of online donors to return and donate again.

Asking for small dollar donations online can be powerful for a one-time ask. For political associations, it is powerful for the last minute push on legislation or the last few critical weeks in a campaign. For humanitarian organizations, it may be most powerful after a catastrophic event or widespread media coverage of the plight of a particular people. Online donations are often centered around fighting something, winning something, or solving something. They are not centered around principles of fellowship.

If people get pumped up enough about something, they give, but a fundraising structure based solely on online donations will ultimately fail to be sustainable for the same reason that churches do not remotely provide services and then ask their members to the support the church. Online fundraising is like a pastor sending out a letter to members of the congregation without the congregation ever being able to experience the church, the youth group, the fellowship, or other social and spiritual events that members of a congregation share together. It's human nature to want to connect with people, and despite the pervasive nature of technology in our lives, people still like to be with one another. Don't be shocked.

The collection plate theory works in a variety of contexts. Whether it's the bar night hosted by a youth-oriented non-profit organization, the community art show, the Wednesday evening presentation on education policy, or something as simple as a organization's membership meeting, these provide the tangible experiences that people seek. In the moment, in the experience, people are more likely to give.

Direct mail works. Online fundraising works. No one can deny the success of some major charitable and political organizations in utilizing these tactics. But, for a smaller organization, with a limited budget, going back to basics, passing the "collection plate," could prove to be a more profitable strategy.

The collection plate is visceral. Accept no virtual substitutes.

A New Take on Investment "Portfolios"

A bad economy could take its toll on an alternative kind of currency and a different type of capital: civic currency and social capital. Although overnight we are seeing major financial institutions, law firms, and other business leaders close their doors and board up their windows, the philanthropic sector is also suffering.

Where did the money come from to fund non-profits and philanthropy generally? It was dependent on the investment portfolios of foundations and individual donors, whose coffers were contingent on the economy continuing its upward trajectory. In the wake of the current state of global economics, it is no surprise that philanthropic and cultural giants like the J. Paul Getty Trust are slashing their budgets nearly 25% for the coming fiscal year, in what is being deemed an emergency response to investment losses.

As a public affairs strategist, it is normally prudent to avoid rendering investment advice. Yet, two key pieces of advice, one borrowed from the 2008 election cycle, and the other borrowed from a reigning scholar on "capital," could help point the philanthropic community back towards a long-term investment strategy that is not contingent on a bullish market.

For Philanthropists and Philanthropic Organizations Generally

Philanthropic organizations need to refocus themselves on patrons. While it would be foolish to suggest that they should fail to cultivate their large dollar donors, many organizations, primarily museums or art galleries, should focus on small dollar patrons by demonstrating their value to the community. More often than not, when I asked people why they donated to Barack Obama, even if it was just $10-20, they told me it was because they thought their money would make a difference, that they were buying into something that would affect them positively. It is much easier for a local museum to directly tie its utility to a local community than a candidate running for nationwide office. Museums, particularly,have become these esoteric marble buildings that you may visit once while in grade school. By investing in schools, senior citizen centers, and other demographics who are open to their offerings, they are likely to yield more donations and recruit more members.

Additionally, diversifying outreach to different populations also opens up these types of institutions to investors who might not ordinarily donate to such a place, but from seeing its impact on a community, decide to open their checkbook.

It is the responsibility of trustees to maintain a diverse portfolio. In a time of crisis, this mandate must also include the need to be flexible and creative with investment strategies. Re-investing in individual patrons and community members could prove to be more sustainable, and have the effect of not only enhancing the financial security of the philanthropic institution, but build social and cultural capital for the communities they target.

For Non-Profits


Non-Profits need not be afraid in this time of uncertainty to invest in the one thing that makes them successful: their staff. While we watch many of our bank accounts become drained and our country's wealth seems to have virtually disappeared, no time is better than now to address what is a growing problem for non-profits: the public sector brain drain.

Investments must come on two fronts: financially and personally. From a financial perspective, non-profits should focus on having a small, talented staff capacity. To recruit the best and the brightest, especially with the looming specter of student loans that most people face, non-profits should focus on less staff, better pay, and measurable results. This does not just breed financial security for members of the staff, but also creates a dynamic that facilitates personal investment in members of the staff.

At non-profits, when the staff feels more secure and not like they are continually working just to secure their jobs, they are more free to be creative, think strategically, and build the types of working relationships with their fellow staff members that are necessary to achieve "success." Accountability increases, personal investment increases, leading to deliverables that are more likely to lead to donations to sustain the organization.

There has been too much investment in the idea of "sacrifice" in the non-profit world versus the idea of commitment. The non-profit mentality is to give...and give...and give...with no questioning of the organization or its real success, but a blind adherence to sacrifice to the greater cause. As an information hound, I have not seen studies supporting productivity in environments such as these, where there is no reciprocity from the organization to the staff.

Non-profit organizations are mini-networks and networks that institutionalize reciprocity, which is a part of creating social capital, enable "innovation, mutual learning, and productivity growth." If non-profits wish to be innovative, to keep fresh, and remain funded, investing in people and how they interact organizationally is key.

California's Lack of Transparency

Today, the Sacramento Bee reported that California falls behind other states in posting important government information online. Initially, this likely comes as a surprise to most since the state is home to tech leaders. However, given the amount of mismanagement the public has seen in recent years, this does not come as that much of a surprise.

Those state agencies that offer the least amount of the information online claim the size of the state and lack of resources as the problem. Yet, a reallocation of resources would likely solve some of these issues. Resources cannot be reallocated properly if adequate government transparency does not exist. A viscous cycle starts to emerge here.

California is currently facing many challenges. It is imperative to prioritize those challenges so they can be solved in a sane manner. Transparency is key to this prioritization process.

You can see the rest of the Sacramento Bee article here.

A Life Online is a Public Life

San Jose State professor of business, Randall Stross, writes about what many of us have known for quite some time: that a life led online is a public life. Some of us comfort ourselves with the fact that our privacy settings on our Facebook profiles, that most heavily used social networking site, only allows our "friends" to see the information we post. But with the definition of an online friend becoming looser and looser, even the tightest privacy setting doesn't really make anything private anymore. See Professor Stross' take on how private our online lives really are at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/business/08digi.html?_r=1&ref=technology.

The Next California Election Cycle: Bring It On!

The Sacramento Bee gives all of us eager little politicos a sneak peek at what's in store for us in the 2010 gubernatorial race. It looks like Feinstein will have a pretty healthy lead if she throws her hat in, but it's still early and Whitman will likely be a formidable opponent for any of the Democrats. Whatever happens, this next election season will certainly be a wild and woolly one. I can't wait!

http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/1673204.html

GM Works Communications for Women: Worldwide Change Agents Web Event

International Women’s Day may be an event over a century old, but this year’s celebration has a 21st century twist—the use of social media and a live interactive webcast that will unite women across the globe in dialogue.

In partnership with UStream.tv, the premiere online live streaming platform, MediaGuns, Inc. will broadcast, “Women: Worldwide Change Agents,” featuring interviews and conversations with women leaders in Washington, D.C. and across the globe. The broadcast will focus on the unique position of women to effect change, featuring dynamic women from both the private and public sectors.

The show will be broadcast Friday, March 6, 2009, from 2:30-5:30 P.M. EST from restaurant, bookstore, fair trade market and gathering place, Busboys and Poets , located at 2021 14th St., Washington, D.C. Online viewers can access the webcast at http://www.mediaguns.com or at UStream.tv at http://www.ustream.tv/mediaguns.

MediaGuns, Inc., will also be sponsoring the Women's Issues Films, honoring women filmmakers, at the DC Independent Film Festival at the Phoenix Theaters in Union Station on Sunday, March 8, beginning at 12 P.M. EST.

Taking the Sting Out of Crisis Communications

Our recent Media Seminar featured information on working cooperatively with the media during a crisis. We covered elements of a crisis and well as tips on choosing a media spokesperson for your organization.

In addition, we took a look at questions the media will ask, media rights and tips on going in front of the cameras. Other audiences that an organization must communicate were highlighted as well since communication during a crisis is vital.

Tips included making talking points, showing compassion for victims and sticking to the facts. Although this particular seminar was geared to public schools, the information applies to all organizations.

We're Back!

For two little strategists, we have have wholly ignored our blog for the last month or so...but for good cause!

Gagnier Margossian just came off an exciting inauguration project, LINK-live, which provided interactive coverage and interviews on-the-ground in DC for the inauguration. With over 30,000 viewers, our team, comprised of Media Guns and Out to Lunch Productions as well as our firm, was able to tap into what will be the next wave of interactivity to merge on and offline events.

Stay tuned...we have much to comment on, especially with the current budget crisis.