The 13th hole on our PR course is a short par 3, no real trouble, you just have to execute all that you have learned in a smooth, rhythmic motion. Swing confidently and you will be successful in landing your ball on the green and having a real chance at birdie. It’s a very important hole because, although it is a short one, performing well allows you to get a good score and get ahead of the game.
Isn’t December just like that? Short, but requiring confidence and smooth, rhythmic execution? Both in my professional work as a corporate communicator in the retail arena and in my personal life trying to squeeze all the pre-holiday activity into the first three weeks of the month, December is very short, when you consider it to be just those pre-holiday weeks. So, it really is a time for me to take all that I have learned and focus on execution.
In my retail world, the communication required by my team and me are critical to make the biggest month of the year successful. We just need to “do” and rely on the expectation that all we have learned will guide us to create and conduct effective communication plans and help drive customers into the store, to the catalogue and onto our shopping website.
Personally, it’s about taking the few free moments I have from my busy work life and efficiently working my way through the list of presents I’ve selected to buy, the get-togethers I’ve chosen to host and the house I’ve elected to decorate for the holidays.
I hope that the varied professional development and educational opportunities provided by CPRS Toronto for both students and new and experienced practitioners over 2012 have allowed you to perform to the high level you expect of yourself in whatever communication and public relations activity you have set yourself.
We have much more in store come the new year. Be sure to check out CPRSToronto.com for the latest opportunities to learn and develop, including two national webinars, a networking lunch with Terry Fallis, author of The Best Laid Plans, The High Road and Up and Down on January 15, and an update with Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, Chair, Global Alliance for Public Relations & Communication Management on February 26.
I am pleased to announce that Ian Ross, APR was elected to the Board of Directors as chair of sponsorship in November, following Laurie Smith’s decision to step down. I am grateful to Laurie for the time and dedication she provided to the board during her time as sponsorship chair and ACE chair before that. Ian has broad CPRS Board experience, having served in various positions in the past, including sponsorships as well as president. I am excited to have him in this very special portfolio and look forward to his contribution moving forward.
ACE Awards time is here again! Be sure to get your submissions in for recognition at the April 24 gala. If you are able to take advantage of the early bird deadline of Wednesday, January 9, so much the better! There’s no time like the present.
Have a great holiday season and I wish you and your families health and success as we head into 2013!
Vincent Power, APR