Managing Your Reputation

Our "Managing Your Reputation: Media & Communications Workshop for Nonprofits" this month engaged more than 30 community organizations in thinking about:

• how they communicate with employees in their organizations
• how they communicate with the public through the media
• practical ways to use social media tool

I don't know about you, but I can always use reminders on basic principles for giving interviews to the media. Teresa Morrow, Bremer's Senior VP, Corporate Communications and workshop presenter, reviewed some good ones. "Be prepared with talking points for your project or issue," she said. Another one is "remember that the media or reporter is not your audience; they're simply a platform to reach your audience. You are in control of what you share and how you respond to questions."

I also liked the list on what's newsworthy.Turns out they're things that impact the lives of readers. Things like "pocketbook" issues, human interest stories, safety, health, community building. Makes perfect sense. How often do we check our work to make sure we craft our messages to align with the interests and realities of those with whom we want to connect?

Lois Schmidt, NRS, Willmar
(Pictured above (L-R): Teresa Morrow visits with Jean Raatz, executive director, Rice Health Foundation)