How to Communicate a Clear Message: An Ad by KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines just released a new video showcasing a social experiment they conducted. What if someone was in your personal space? Would you feel uncomfortable? Of course you would. This simple and easy to understand video explains that KLM knows what it's like to feel uncomfortable with someone in that protected space. The real message - we listen, we get you and we have a new program on European Business Class flights. Personally, I was sold with the new perk of an empty seat next to me. Now that's priceless. 

Yes, this video summarizes a new program. But it's with simplicity of human behavior and a soothing pace that makes this perfectly toned ad a winner. But this is just an ad, right? Well I of course think about how to apply this to employees of an organization. What if we set a soothing tone, listened more intently and said we get you to our employees? It would be one step closer to engaging our colleagues - honest and simple. Now watch for yourself.  

   

Toronto and the accidental tourist

Toronto welcomed me with welcoming customs agents and rainy skies. (Three out of seven days had rain.) I was in Toronto for a business trip, but the city didn't seem to know that. Instead, it beckoned me to see it's culture, taste it's food and enjoy it's sights. Not wanting to be rude, I of course politely obliged. Lucky for me, I had planned extra days of play time in the city to take in what I could. Here's my recap of the interesting, funny, clever and unusual that I found - shared through notes and pictures.

Memories

1. The metro is very easy to figure out and use. But weekly passes only start on Monday. Not good when you arrive Wednesday. Also, the bus can be a real adventure when multiple strollers are involved - not mine. 
2. The CN Tower is a must for the view. The simulated 4D "log ride" in the basement is not.
3. Lee restaurant is delicious. Go with the Chef's choice, surprise meal option. I still think about it. 
4. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is old meets new. Clever and nice. If you want something totally different, try the Shoe Museum just down the street. 
5. I heart Queens West and Kings West neighborhoods. 

A Few Photo Memories

Items not found here at home

captions for photos

1. If on fire, run and exit this way!
2. Big white bugs are native to Toronto.
3. Designated waiting area for emergency assistance, near the trash can at a metro stop. Nice.
4. Not crossing, but X marks the spot!
5. Who doesn't want bling from Brenda Silver?

   

The 2010 IABC World Conference Wrap Up

I've been home from the 2010 IABC World Conference for a week. Yet my mind is still swirling from the amazing people I met, the unconference session, and the powerful engagement from my fellow speakers and attendees. As I've been pondering the nuggets of wisdom I gathered and while I stare at the stack of business cards I need to follow up with, I have tried to mentally document my communication adventure. I present to you, my mental list of bullet points - things that made me smile, the challenges and the, file under somebody may care.


What made me smile

• People! 1,400 communicators sharing, learning, networking and partying down like no others. With the different events, planned and not planned by IABC, there were plenty of opportunities to create new relationships. I even made a few friends out of this experience. Dear new friends - Please expect me coming to visit your country soon!
• Keynote speakers - I was moved and inspired. I especially enjoyed Craig Kielburger and Guy Kawasaki. Great job IABC with finding these innovation leaders.
• Location - Toronto was a great city to explore and navigate. The hotel space worked for the sessions, but not for internet access.
• Social media - I was very happy to see an increase in social media use from IABC. There was an official blog, Twitter feed, and a hashtag.
• Organization - All of the events, sessions and more felt very organized and smooth. Not having to overly think about locations or the logistics was a nice stress reliever. 
• Unconference - How can I not give a shout out to my co-facilitators, Jeremy Schultz, Linda Johannesson, and Bryan Person. I had a great time assisting in the creation and delivery of the new event for IABC. Not only was I pleased that IABC welcomed us, but they helped with great effort to make sure we would be successful. During the unconference, the attendees were very engaged, supportive and provided important feedback. Another unconference next year?!    

Challenges

• Wifi - Ugh! For us that do not live in Canada, wifi was ever so important. Data feeds on our mobile devices turn into highway robbery when traveling out of our home country. No wifi limited our real-time interaction, updating non attendees on the conference news, and created a lot of frustration. I'm really hoping for free hotel wifi coverage in San Diego for 2011!
• Internal communication and social media - Where were the social media sessions for internal communicators? I especially didn't see anything on the docket for advanced knowledge, next steps, and best practices for us internal folks. I already know what social media is and am using it. But now what? This area felt like a real gap.
• More case studies, less vendors - I'd love to see more of the real stories from communication leaders. I want to know how and what they have done to resolve the communication concern. A session from Wm. Amurgis regarding his new intranet was exactly what I we needed to hear. Hearing from a speaker in a session that wants me to sign up to his website for a free evaluation is not real help. It's just frustrating.
• Social media - Let's make next year the banner year for social media integration. Ask for attendees and volunteers to get involved. This shouldn't just be in addition to the basics. Its time to just make it a norm.

File under, somebody may care

• Help me make better decisions - The session descriptions need extra detail. I'd love to see a skill level assigned to each session, i.e. beginner, intermediate, advanced. This will help attendees gauge expectations and get the right people in the right session.
• Mobile conference guides - I'd like to see apps for the iPhone, Blackberry and Android that include general conference and session information. Less paper equals more money in the bank.

In all, IABC was worth my time and money. I am pleased in the efforts everyone made to create a powerful learning space and a space to let down my hair and shake my groove thing (thanks for the dance Heather!). Now it's time to start planning for 2011 in San Diego!

Next up, pictures, memories and the unusual from my trip to Toronto.

Communicators invade Canada!

Over 1400 communicators are headed toward the great Maple Leaf this weekend. It’s time for the annual IABC World Conference where communicators gather to share, collaborate, create and enjoy a fun city.

With so many great minds and opportunities, what am I expecting? Here’s my list of top “to dos”.

• Share and learn in a three hour unconference focusing on emerging technologies, trends and the future of communication. (shameless plug for a session I am co-facilitating)
• Develop new relationships that will inspire me and allow me to help others.
• Discover the next big communication thing – social media 2.5?
• Plant the seeds for greater interaction between IABC chapters.
• Reconnect with IABC folks met at past conferences.
• Dive into Toronto culture and enjoy great food and sights. A few things on my cultural list.
• Try Lee on Kings Street for a delicious meal!
• Harry Potter fans will enjoy a special exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre. $5.00 audio tour is a must. Great gift shop too.
• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for great architecture and all things cultural.
• Hop on the metro to compare the difference between other subway systems. It’s also a great way to get to know the city.
• The CN Tower of course. Views galore.
• Shopping throughout the different districts.
• Check out the IABC Reception after-party, O Canada Party. I hear it could be crazy fun.
• Start the conversations for next year’s conference.
• Swap my international souvenir at The International Souvenir Swap (TISS) Tweetup 5-6PM on Jun 7.
• Have a blast in all that I do and all that I connect with!

What’s on your agenda? How will you make the most of your time at the IABC World Conference and in Toronto?

a little tour

Here's a little video tour I made last week of my room in the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco. I should of captured some video of the common areas, but I just wasn't think about it then.

peanuts

I was just inspired by my recent flight....about an hour ago. I now sit on a bus riding north on the 101 Freeway. Lucky me, the bus has wifi. Who knew? So lucky.

So, as I ride my air chariot to Oakland, the lovely flight attendant offers me two packages of peanuts. And I thought, really? We're still doing peanuts. Hmm, how about raisins, pretzels, or chexmix? When did this tradition start? Before the public realized that many people are allergic?

Let's review some important information to shed a light on this unusual, yet common treat.

the gang
a real story
funk the peanuts
the history
people are dumb