IABC First Coast – Jacksonville, Florida Communications Professionals

Jan Korb was the guest speaker for our first chapter meeting of the year. The professional development monthly meeting was held Wednesday January 13, 2010 and covered creating a marketing plan for success. Prior to her presentation, we sat down and asked Jan a few questions:

IABC-FC: What is the most exciting aspect of your career in communications?

JK: Without a doubt, keeping up with technology is the most exciting (if not a little daunting) part of this field, for me. I have been in this industry for 20 years, and I've never seen it move so fast! New tools are invented every day. I wonder if other industries are like that too?

IABC-FC: How would you recommend communications professionals keep their skills sharp?

JK: Continuing education is imperative. While the process of developing communication plans remains the same, the tactics available to implement a plan are changing rapidly. It's one thing to hear a presentation or read a blog about new tools, but there is no substitute to actually using/testing them yourself. I think it's imperative for us, as communicators, to test as many as we can so we know what is hype and what is actually valuable.

IABC-FC: What is the top takeaway you hope attendees leave with?

My presentation is all about process. IABC members are very savvy, but I hope that by sharing my own process for strategic planning that maybe attendees will find at least a little piece that they aren't currently using, but that can assist them in the future. I think a solid process is especially useful for working with internal or external clients that "don't get" marketing.

IABC-FC: Thanks Jan for taking time with us here on our blog, and during your presentation!

JK: Thank you!

Welcome to our chapter blog.  What are we going to do here? Current IABC First Coast chapter members are invited to comment, ask questions and share resources.