Posted by John Verrico
We all know that government
budgets to go to conferences are practically non-existent nowadays. So
communicators at all levels of government are working to find alternative ways
of meeting with stakeholders, usually turning to online virtual solutions. But,
as one communicator said in response to a survey earlier this year – “You can’t
fax a handshake!”
There really is nothing like
in-person, face-to-face interaction. And, let’s face it, we can’t reach every
audience online. There still is a real need to get out there and meet people –
especially in our local communities.
in-person, face-to-face interaction. And, let’s face it, we can’t reach every
audience online. There still is a real need to get out there and meet people –
especially in our local communities.
As government entities, we serve
the people in our communities and are part of the neighborhood, so we should be
good neighbors and get to know people and have them get to know us.
the people in our communities and are part of the neighborhood, so we should be
good neighbors and get to know people and have them get to know us.
There are all sorts of
opportunities to meet the folks we serve, such as getting a booth at local fairs
or festivals, holding or participating in town hall meetings, and conducting
open house events at our facility. These are great chances to explain complex
programs, show off some of our agency’s accomplishments, or get people signed
up for our services.
opportunities to meet the folks we serve, such as getting a booth at local fairs
or festivals, holding or participating in town hall meetings, and conducting
open house events at our facility. These are great chances to explain complex
programs, show off some of our agency’s accomplishments, or get people signed
up for our services.
Many factors impact our success
in these venues. We need to consider our targeted messaging strategy, our
booth, who staffs it, and whatever we give away. There is also a subtle science
behind how we position ourselves and our display elements.
in these venues. We need to consider our targeted messaging strategy, our
booth, who staffs it, and whatever we give away. There is also a subtle science
behind how we position ourselves and our display elements.
On Wednesday, September 18, I’llbe leading a webinar about this topic and discuss some tips from real-world
experience on how to make the most of our local community relations efforts. Details and registration information are on
the National Association of Government Communicators website www.nagconline.org.
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