May 2, 2012

A tourist in your own backyard

Since the last recession, tourism organizations and destinations have been talking about the value of instate tourism. And why not? It makes sense.

The best customers are your existing customers or are those who already believe in the product. Living in New Mexico means we like it here. Frederick Weller (who played the character Marshall Mann on the USA Network program In Plain Sight, filmed in Albuquerque) told the ABQ Journal that Albuquerque is “like a little decoder ring or spy ring of funkiness. Once you decode it, there’s a lot offered.”

As a part of the 2012 Garrity Perception Survey we “decoded” the perceptions of New Mexico residents about events, festivals, SpacePort America and where they like traveling in New Mexico.

March 27, 2012

My enemy’s friend is my…

There is a saying in international diplomacy that “my enemy’s enemy is my friend.”  Lately, one local media outlet has turned … Read More “My enemy’s friend is my…”

March 15, 2012

Building Blocks and a Ball

The recent “Building Effective Community Outreach” roundtable at the PRSA Western District Conference provided some great insight from various communication professionals.

One of the things I promised, as a moderator, was to forward some helpful links pertaining to community outreach and corporate social responsibility.

Start Something That Matters – this is the link for the book written by founder of TOMS shoes Blake Mycoskie. I’ve given this book to some friends in the business as a new way to look at CSR. One of the recipients even took an idea from the book to send one of the most unique “thank you’s” I’ve ever received.

CorpsGiving – this is an organization that helps to organize “both large-scale volunteer programs and large-scale branded events.” Think of them as an event planner for charities that want to do something big but lack the people power to get it done.

RockCorps – is a unique approach that uses music to inspire people to volunteer. They do have a clever mission “Got 2 Give 2 Get”. They have their own volunteer database and work with organizations of various sizes.

Of course, if you are looking for a masters or Ph. D. approach to CSR, there is a great event at the end of the month sponsored by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship. They will have their annual conference in Phoenix from March 25-27, 2012.

Special thanks to Tiffany Payne with Comcast for providing insight on these and other organizations that provide a great service to those in the CSR arena.

March 2, 2012

Resume with a Twist

The recession brings out the best and worst in people. This has manifested itself in many different things, including how … Read More “Resume with a Twist”

February 25, 2012

Go Barefoot?

We’ve all heard the sad tale of how the “shoemaker’s children go barefoot” and can all relate, to a degree, … Read More “Go Barefoot?”

December 28, 2009

Ode to Nonprofit Mail

During these difficult economic times, Nonprofits would be well served to check their approaches to see if it is providing the needed connection with their target audiences. Also, check your databases for accuracy. I’ve been included on prep school and university mailing lists who claim I am an alumnus from their “distinguished” institution.

July 30, 2009

Boatloads of …

Wednesday was a big day for Yahoo!. They were able to tame the financial beast of Microsoft with a partnership that originally started as a takeover attempt by the software giant.