What counts more for you in developing effective government relations: the level of contacts one has or the basis of understanding one has for the political process? Over the years of working with associations in advancing their cause before government, one of the common threads

Change Management is a hot topic for many non-profits and associations. Navigating through this challenging environment however requires good communication strategy based on understanding your stakeholders. In what is now officially our 200th post (we’re quite proud!), I decided that more needed to be expanded

With my involvement in the Canadian Society of Association Executives Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter, I’ve had the privilege of sitting on a number of committees including the chapter’s events committee. Year after year, one of the hottest topics remains change management in associations. Obviously, anytime one brings

In my many efforts to give back to the industry that has served me so well, one of the areas I give back to is my local chapter of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) – Ottawa/Gatineau chapter. After some negotiating and coaching, I’m

As mentioned two weeks ago, I was invited to speak before MARCOM, one of Canada’s leading marketing communications forums for the Public and Non-Profit sector. In my chat, I made the point that organizations need to stop thinking of social as a “bolt-on” strategy. One

One of the challenges non-profits and associations come across when considering either a government relations or public relations campaign is identifying the parametres around which it will operate. For example, what will the budget be? What will be the measures of success? What challenges will

How to do we maximize our marketing opportunities for more revenue for our organization? When it comes to sponsorship and the fundraising that results from it, good PR strategy cannot be ignored. In fact, potential sponsors expect you to have a solid communications strategy! I

Back in June of 2007, I recorded this podcast interview with Lisa Crowe of Itancan on the essential value Public Relations and Communications Strategies play in assuring non-profits are financed and why/how sponsors are attracted to supporting organizations. Given the responses I have been receiving

Last week (May 18), I spoke before the Young Communications Professionals Group – Ottawa. This group gathers largely as a means to share stories and gain advice from experienced individuals in the field of public affairs. Naturally, I was very honored to be invited to

Big news! I’m pleased to announce that I will be one of the featured speakers at MARCOM 2010 happening June 10-11 ( I will be moderating a session on the 10th on “Integrating Social Media into your Public Relations”) at the Hilton Lac-Leamy in Gatineau,