It’s time to prepare for the 2011 Gold Quill Awards. Enter this global competition to receive the highest level of professional acknowledgment within business communication. Choose from 27 categories to get recognized for your stellar communication work. The awards are open to IABC members and non-members.

The Student Gold Quill Awards competition recognizes excellence in communication at the undergraduate and graduate school level. Full- or part-time students should consider entering their original work. Entering is a great way to help start a portfolio and the experience gained from entering an international competition looks great on a résumé. Encourage students in the Tulsa area to enter and/or promote IABC’s Student Gold Quill Awards.

Early bird deadline: Jan. 28, 2011
Final deadline: Feb. 4, 2011

Visit the Gold Quill Awards website for details.

The IABC Fellow Award is a professional career award, although the designation is by no means limited to communicators nearing the end of their careers. The Fellow designation acknowledges outstanding leadership, contribution to the profession and service to IABC. All IABC members are invited to nominate another member for the IABC Fellow Award.

Nominations must be received by Jan. 7, 2011. Visit the Fellow Award website for further information and the nomination form.

Each month, IABC/Tulsa features one of its members in the “Meet A Member” section of the newsletter. In this issue, we learn more about Phillip Harris, who returned home to Tulsa recently after calling the Dallas-Fort Worth area home for the last 10 years.

IABC/Tulsa: Welcome back to Green Country, Phillip. So, why did you decide to move back to Oklahoma after all of these years?
Phillip: My wife and I are from here and our families live here. When we left Tulsa in 2000, we were newlyweds without children. Now that we have two daughters, we were all ready to be closer to our families. I was excited to get an offer from Williams.

IABC/Tulsa: Isn’t this your second tour of duty at Williams? What’s it like to go back to work for the same employer after 10 years?
Phillip: The business culture feels similar to what I remember and there are still quite a few familiar and friendly faces around here. But, it was a little surreal walking into the BOK Tower for the interview and for my first day. It was just familiar enough, though, that it sort of felt like home.

IABC/Tulsa: So how long have you been a member of IABC?
Phillip: I’ve been an IABC member for 12 years – including two years with IABC/Tulsa. From 1999 to 2000, I served IABC/Tulsa as vice president of special projects. I was responsible for the 2000 Bronze Quill Awards, “A View to a Quill.”

IABC/Tulsa: What is the best IABC meeting/seminar/conference you have ever attended?
Phillip: I’ve attended several great regional and international conferences, but the 2000 IABC District 5 conference in Tulsa, ranks pretty high on my list. Not only did I get a lot out of it as an attendee, I also gained valuable experience as part of the conference planning committee.

IABC/Tulsa: Over the years, how has IABC helped with your professional development?
Phillip: Early on in my career, IABC presented many opportunities to grow outside of my immediate job. Participating on the IABC/Tulsa board is one example. Other examples include the outstanding regional and international conferences and workshops as well as occasional webinars.

IABC/Tulsa: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Phillip: I’m content hanging out with my wife and daughters; and I love watching college football and basketball.

IABC/Tulsa: What’s your favorite restaurant?
Phillip: Hard Eight Barbecue in Coppell, Texas. I can smell the mesquite wood burning now.

IABC/Tulsa: How about your favorite vacation spot?
Phillip: The warm, emerald Gulf waters of Northwest Florida – from Pensacola to Panama City Beach. Give me a lounge chair in the sugar white sand and a cooler full of ice cold Newcastle Brown Ale and I’m good.

IABC/Tulsa: The future of the field of communications…
Phillip: … will continue to evolve as blogging, social media, wireless devices, handheld video cameras and the immediacy of the Internet allow the masses to communicate ‘round the clock in a constantly connected world.

IABC/Tulsa: What advice would you give to communications professionals who are just entering the workforce?
Phillip: Get involved with IABC and network as much as you can. You’ll gain valuable experience and you never know when you might need to call on your fellow members for their advice or help.

Connect with your fellow IABC members in more ways than ever before. We’ve established a presence on the most popular social media platforms available. We invite you to join and connect with us through these groups.

Facebook
More than 3,000 people have joined IABC International’s Facebook page, and our local page is growing as well. Just search under “IABC Tulsa” and you will see our page. Become a fan and get the latest IABC news and connect with current and prospective members.

Twitter
Do you Tweet? Twitter is one of the hottest tools in social media. You can now follow IABC/Tulsa and get instant updates on the chapter news and other communication related items. Follow IABC/Tulsa on Twitter – @IABCTulsa.

Wednesday, Dec. 15
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
D’Novo Lean Gourmet
5982 South Yale Avenue

We’ve spent so much time lately on social networking, it’s easy to forget that the original social networks were face-to-face meetings. Even in this online age, you can’t overestimate the importance of making a good impression in business settings.

Jana Christian, a leading expert in the etiquette and protocol industry, brings an engaging approach on ways we can network more effectively by polishing up our business manners. She captures the essence of protocol and etiquette issues in today’s business situations.�

For over 20 years, Jana has been the trainer of choice for banks, airlines, manufacturing, universities, political figures and many others. She is the founder of The Etiquette School of Oklahoma, and etiquette consulting and training firm.

Jana’s credentials include certification from the prestigious American School of Protocol and the American Business Institute. She is actively involved in ABETA (American Business Trainers Association), Toastmasters International and she is a certified judge for the Miss America pageant organization. Her background includes modeling, pageants and stage performance.

Visit the IABC/Tulsa online registration system to reserve your spot.

We’ll see you there!

by Steve Higgins, IABC/Tulsa President

I hope many of you were able to take part in this year’s Bronze Quill event at the Tulsa Press Club downtown.

Thanks to event co-chairs Tom Droege and Stephanie Cole, this fun evening gave us a chance to recognize the finest of Tulsa’s professional communications work while enjoying some tasty barbecue and refreshments.

This year’s event also marks the continuation of a great partnership we’ve been creating with the Tulsa Press Club.

For the past two years, the Tulsa chapters of IABC and PRSA have joined with the Press Club to present OkieSMart: The Art of Social Media. This collaborative effort has been a major hit both years and I fully expect it to return in 2011.

As part of the Atlas Life building’s transition to the Marriott Courtyard hotel, the Press Club unveiled a fabulous renovation this summer, which was a big selling point in our decision to stage the Bronze Quills there.

Now, the Tulsa Press Club is making a special offer to IABC/Tulsa members. Through Nov. 30, IABC/Tulsa members who join the Press Club will have their joining fee waived.

I’ve been a member for years, and can vouch for the quality of its programs. Also, it’s just a comfortable, convenient meeting spot for social or business occasions.

Each month, IABC/Tulsa features one of its members in the “Meet A Member” section of the newsletter. In this issue, we learn more about Robin McCasland, who is the featured speaker for our November luncheon. While Robin is not an IABC/Tulsa member, but she’s well-known among the IABC International crowd, where she’s just finished a term as the chair of the IABC Research Foundation. We’re excited to have this native Texan travel north of the Red River to speak to Oklahoma’s finest communications professionals.

IABC/Tulsa: You’ve had quite an “IABC career.” How long have you been a member?
Robin: It’s been nearly 19 years – hard to believe.

IABC/Tulsa: What leadership roles have you held during that time?
Robin: I just finished a term as chair of the IABC Research Foundation. I served a consecutive term on the IABC executive board. A few years ago, I was a member of the Southern Region board. And, I was president of the Dallas chapter in 2001 and the Fort Worth chapter in 1994-95.

IABC/Tulsa: You’ve probably attended some great conferences and seminars?
Robin: Yes, I have. So many, in fact, that it’s hard to name my favorite. If I have to single out one, though, it would have to be the first international conference I attended in Chicago in 1993. I can’t even tell you who the speakers were, but I remember that I got “bit” with the passion for IABC and it motivated me to do so much more with my career.

IABC/Tulsa: How has IABC played a part in your professional development?
Robin: Some of the best jobs I’ve had came about because an IABC buddy recommended me, or recommended that I apply. Recently, I’ve met new clients because of IABC speaking opportunities. The leadership development roles have been phenomenal. I’ve met so many wonderful IABC colleagues around the world. I met some of my closest friends through IABC – people with whom I will be connected for the rest of my life.

The important thing to remember is that you get of IABC what you put into it. Having a membership isn’t enough. It’s when you volunteer; take on leadership roles, etc., that you can demonstrate your skills and experience. Eventually, those volunteer leadership roles pay off with job and client opportunities.

IABC/Tulsa: You’ve just started your own business, right?
Robin: That’s right – Brain Biscuits Strategic Communication. I love having my own practice. I work primarily on the things I love…strategy, employer branding, employee engagement, event planning…and some writing. I love working with a variety of different companies, and I’m happy when THEY’RE happy because the strategies we implement work like they should. I love the freedom of setting my own schedule. And…I admit…I sometimes like working in my robe and bunny slippers!

IABC/Tulsa: When you’re not working or serving IABC, what do you like to do?
Robin: I can’t just sit still or choose just one thing to do for fun! I am a shopaholic, and Dallas is a great place for shopping. I love gardening; digging in the dirt is my personal time with nature and God. I also enjoy creative pursuits – painting, playing piano, interior design.

IABC/Tulsa: Rumor has it that you’re a huge college football fan?
Robin: I love, love, love college football season! I am a graduate of UT Austin (don’t hiss, OU and OSU grads…you know I love ya!). I attend most Texas home games and bowl games.

IABC/Tulsa: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Robin: So far, it is Maui. On one day during our vacation, I was standing high on a hill in the middle of a pineapple field, I think! My hubby and I looked around…wind in our faces…sun going down…Pacific waves crashing on the rocks below us…and I realized how small we are…how insignificant…and how magnificent it was to stand there at that moment. It was as if a huge weight came off my shoulders. The universe is so much bigger than we are. Life is good…and we’re not responsible for taking on EVERYTHING that comes our way in life.

With that said, I have wanted to see Australia for years. I’m hoping to get there in the next year or two!

IABC/Tulsa: Favorite movie?
Robin: “The Natural,” starring Robert Redford. I’m not even a big baseball fan! However, this movie features so much symbolism…good triumphing over evil. Doing the right thing. Karma. Making a stellar comeback against all odds. Reconnecting with lost love and family you didn’t even know you had. And besides, Redford was easy on the blinkers.

IABC/Tulsa: Favorite restaurant? 
Robin: I don’t have one! There are so many great places in this country. I like local mom-and-pop dives as much as five-star palaces. However, being a native Austinite, I have to call out three places that I love to visit when I’m in Austin: Iron Works BBQ, Guero’s Taco Bar and The Frisco.

IABC/Tulsa: The future of the field of communications…
Robin: …is evolving at light speed and in fascinating ways. With the advent of social media, we’re seeing the lines blur among internal and external communication, PR, marketing and other specialties. I believe personally that the most successful communicators will know how to balance social media and other communication tools artfully. The most successful communicators won’t necessarily activate all the “bells and whistles” just because they’re available. They’ll know instinctively which tools to use based on their company or client cultures and industry expectations.

IABC/Tulsa: What advice would you give to new communications professionals? 
Robin: Regardless of the communication changes we’ve experienced through social media, you still have to know how to write complete sentences! You should understand proper grammar and punctuation. You still have to present yourself professionally. I may sound old-school, but you should understand that the way you demonstrate your knowledge – and the way you appear to others – may determine whether you get a great job or sign a new client. You may not care about some aspects of traditional communication, but many times the future boss – or the person making the decisions – DOES care. In those instances, it’s about their perceptions, not yours. We humans are judgmental folks, aren’t we? First impressions still matter.

When: Thursday, Nov. 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Nathan Harmon Photography Studio, 1573 E 19th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Phone: 918-269-6284

It’s time to grab some business cards and join IABC/Tulsa for a Happy Hour Thursday, Nov. 11 at Nathan Harmon’s Photography Studio, 1573 E. 19th Street, Tulsa. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. Register now, spread the word and bring your friends.

There’s no fee to attend, though guests must RVSP through IABC/Tulsa’s registration system. Drinks will be provided. Come and enjoy!

Informed, engaged employees are the foundation of an organization’s recovery following an economic downturn. But if employees aren’t feeling the love they will look elsewhere – because even in tough times, top performers are in demand.

Most people want to help their employers succeed, and they’re more likely to do that when they feel that they are valued, and they are proud to be affiliated with an admired organization.

Let’s face it:

• Very few people will readily admit they’re affiliated with an employer or client that receives negative media attention.
• Employees who understand the business challenges clearly, and believe they can help meet those challenges personally, are going to help the company succeed.
• Employees tend to be motivated highly when they internalize consistent, ongoing messages about how their work makes a difference, regardless of their jobs.

Robin McCasland will visit Tulsa in November to discus effective communication strategies to help keep employees motivated, focused, and most of all – retained. Robin is immediate past chair of the IABC Research Foundation and also a former member of the IABC Executive Board. She has more than 25 years of experience in strategic employee and human resources communication, with an emphasis on change, talent management and organizational development. Just this year, Robin launched her own company, Brain Biscuits Strategic Communication.

If you want to hear and see examples of companies that are maximizing social media tools – subtly blending internal and external communication – to reinforce a great work culture and a positive reputation, register now.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 17
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: D’Novo Lean Gourmet, 5982 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa

by Steve Higgins, IABC/Tulsa President

Did you know there’s a great, big IABC world out there?

It’s true. Beyond our local chapter here in Tulsa, the IABC network extends across 80 countries and includes approximately 15,000 business communication professionals.

While we don’t have the specific statistics, it goes without saying that a percentage of these members are individuals who call themselves “freelancers” – or those who work in a consulting role to provide public relations, writing, design, photography and other services to help an organization manage communications and achieve its goals. Freelancers benefit from an IABC membership because the network allows them access to a wide social network, and potential clients.

Since we value the freelancers who are members of the IABC/Tulsa chapter, we are planning to offer a new membership benefit just for them. In the next few months, we’ll be adding a section to our chapter website – http://tulsa.iabc.com/ – that will serve as a freelancer database. All IABC/Tulsa members who offer freelance services will be allowed to advertise their business on the site.

The even better news is that all of our members and non-members can also benefit from this new effort. Looking for a freelancer? Soon you’ll be able to visit the freelancer directory at http://tulsa.iabc.com/!

Interested in being listed on the site once we get the new section up and running? Send us an e-mail at iabctulsa@gmail.com.