The PRofessional: This Week in Sarasota

May 5, 2010

May 21 Workshop Focuses on the Essential PR Tool of Writing

Brush Up On Your Writing! Register Now for the CWC-FPRA May 21 Event.

Bringing Your Brand to Life, Virtually, Virally and Vibrantly

Time: 8am - noon.

Place: Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

Cost: $40 for CWC-FPRA members, $50 for non-members. Breakfast included. Register on the website here or e mail rsvp@cwcfpra.com.

CWC-FPRA’s spring professional development seminar on Friday, May 21, is an adventure in writing for today’s world. From story branding strategy to industry writing experts to a writing practice session, this workshop offers you the full package. You'll leave with inspiration as well as practical techniques, tools, tips, polish and panache! See below for fuller details on our special keynote speaker Brian Weiner, media panel participants and writing exercise leaders. Register Now!

May Keynote Speaker

Brian Weiner

Brian Weiner, President of the One-to-One Group, will tell how to develop a successful story brand strategy and make it work for your organization. Brian has been in the communications industry since 1990, beginning as the President and Chief Operating Officer of The KMS Companies in Woburn Massachusetts. His writing has inspired successful campaigns throughout the Eastern U.S.

After the Keynote: Media Experts Panel Discussion

Next pick the brains of our media experts, in a panel moderated by Diane McFarlin, Publisher of the Herald-Tribune Media Group. Panelists include Biz 941 Editor Susan Burns; Twitter and social media pro for Sarasota Memorial Hospital Shawn Halls, Web Writer Sue Boothby Garabrant, and talented news, feature and PR writer Ruth Lando of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, whose experience ranges from news and magazine writing to annual reports.

After the Panel: Hands On Writing Exercise

Develop the authentic voice that is key to successful story branding with writing pros Gail Condrick and Susan Blake. Gail comes to Sarasota after a 25 year career in government communications in Fairfax, Va., and currently is a writer, teacher, soul coach and Black Belt Nia practitioner. Susan has extensive experience in higher education as a communications professional with expertise in integrated marketing, media relations, and advertising. She also teaches nature-inspired writing classes called Words and Wonders© in Sarasota.

Got Writer’s Block?

Julie Platt, APR

Your head keeps hitting the block over and over, resulting in headaches, frustration and no starting point. Yep, we’ve all had it at some point. Writer’s Block. Well, there is help for those who suffer from the blank page, blank screen or blinking curser.Here are some resources that may be helpful in overcoming the overwhelming lack of creativity, loss of words or panic over a deadline.

Read the complete article by Julie Platt, APR at cwcfprablog.typepad.com

Writer's Resource: Full Frontal PR

Elise Lipoff

The book, Full Frontal PR, is like a pocket-sized arsenal of PR tips, tools and examples. It is great for breaking up mental road blocks and is full of ideas to help the PR professional build a better and longer lasting media buzz. The book is excellent for professionals of all levels, with excellent step-by-step guidance on PR campaigns as well as best practices and cost-effective measures to build a stronger bottom line. Recommended by Elise Lipoff.

Have your found a book or online resource that helped you with your writing for public relations? Send your recommendation to suzanne@aspirepr.biz. We'll keep posting your writing tips and resources throughout May.

CWC Supports Mothers Helping Mothers During May

Please Bring Donations for Mothers Helping Mothers to Our May 21st Event.

When you’re out shopping for Mom this week in advance of Mother’s Day, please take a moment to consider another mom in need. CWC FPRA is collecting goods for Mothers Helping Mothers, a local, completely volunteer run non-profit that helps mothers and young children. While all donations are appreciated, some items most needed are:

Socks. Underwear. Boys’ Clothing & Maternity Wear. Diapers. Formula. Toddler Clothing. Toys. Books.

Financial contributions are also accepted; checks can be made out to MOTHERS HELPING MOTHERS, INC. We will be collecting all of the donations at our May 21 Professional Development Seminar, hosted at the Community Foundation. If you are not able to attend, please contact Mischa Kirby (mkirby@sarasota-ymca.org or 941-951-2916 x1078) to coordinate pick up.Thank you for helping area mothers.