Here are a few more tips on Facebook Etiquette based on the lessons I learned from my "citizenship" in FB country.
1. Acknowledge and respect feelings. When a friend posts a "feeling" in his or her "shout", don't argue. Feelings like "sad today" or "cranky" or simply "happy" are all valid. Friends post them because they either want sympathy or are simply eager to share joy. When friends post a negative feeling, it is often a cry for help. So, I put in a simple comment like "hoping things get better" or "am just here for you". I will not say "you should be happy" or "the day is too beautiful to waste on useless moping." I will NOT ask "why". I will leave it to my friend explain if he or she feels like doing so.
2. "Agree with my politics, or keep off my profile." Sometimes, friends post a political view or opinion. When they do so, it could be a knee-jerk response to a political situation or personality. It is hardly a dissertation based on a political philosophy. Such a post is more often than not just waiting for affirmation. Definitely, it's not looking for a long-drawn discussion. If I can't agree or say something enlightening without putting my friend on the spot, I will stop myself from commenting on the post.
3. Humor is welcome; insults, not. Occasionally, I put in a wisecrack on a friend's post. For example, one friend posted Kiyosaki's quote, "The lack of money is the root of all evil". I commented, "for corrupt people, evil is the root of all money". My friend recognized the humor, thanked me with a smiley. On another occasion, I posted in one site my recollection of an accident involving a prominent citizen of our town. I said he died in a helicopter crash. One person posted a reply saying "you are wrong; it was a small plane". Insulting. He made me look like an ignoramus . He could be correct, but he placed me in an embarassing situation. I stayed away from the profile, thereafter.
At the end of the day, these tips on FB etiquette are nothing new. They are the very same principles we applied when friendships were still mostly a face-to-face interaction. They made for lasting and enriching friendships then. They can still do the same in the Facebook era.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
My Facebook Etiquette
I learned some etiquette during the time that I have been part of Facebook.
Let me share a few:
1. Affirm. Everytime there is a chance to "like" and to post a positive comment, do so. Most of us are in FB because our membership here is a source of affirmation. So, I have learned to be generous with praise and all-out in my support for the ideas and views of others.
2. Disagree without bashing. When I do not share the view of one person who has posted a comment, I simply put my two-cents worth without referring to the previous post with which I disagree. I do not have to say "I disagree with so-and-so". I just go ahead and put what I have to say. An FB profile is not a blog. It is really more of a feel-good virtual watering hole. People don't view our profiles looking for a debate. They wiill go to a blog site to have that kind of fun.
3. Share your thoughts. I discovered that Facebook habitues value the thoughts, insights and experience of their friends, in addition to the pictures posted. Generosity is part of the FB culture. So, I just go ahead and let my musings, insights, lessons and experience benefit my Facebook friends.
At the end of the day, Facebook presence is all about "civility". Yes, this is part of the rowdy internet world. But Facebook could be the last bastion of politeness in the wired world.
Let me share a few:
1. Affirm. Everytime there is a chance to "like" and to post a positive comment, do so. Most of us are in FB because our membership here is a source of affirmation. So, I have learned to be generous with praise and all-out in my support for the ideas and views of others.
2. Disagree without bashing. When I do not share the view of one person who has posted a comment, I simply put my two-cents worth without referring to the previous post with which I disagree. I do not have to say "I disagree with so-and-so". I just go ahead and put what I have to say. An FB profile is not a blog. It is really more of a feel-good virtual watering hole. People don't view our profiles looking for a debate. They wiill go to a blog site to have that kind of fun.
3. Share your thoughts. I discovered that Facebook habitues value the thoughts, insights and experience of their friends, in addition to the pictures posted. Generosity is part of the FB culture. So, I just go ahead and let my musings, insights, lessons and experience benefit my Facebook friends.
At the end of the day, Facebook presence is all about "civility". Yes, this is part of the rowdy internet world. But Facebook could be the last bastion of politeness in the wired world.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Where I Invested: Part 1
Lately, friends have been asking me : where did you/do you put your money?
As if I have tons of them.
But I guess, it is when you do not have cash overflowing from your vault that one has to make sure he invests wisely.
I believe I have.
I made three good investments:
First, professional training.
Second, real property.
Third, friends.
Now, about my investments on professional training.
From 1996 to 1999, I was vice president of a major telecommunications company. I enjoyed good pay. Result: I had big savings.
Where did my savings go? I could have kept them in time deposits at the miserably low rates that stable banks offered. So, I decided to put them to better use: international training.
With my savings, I faithfully attended the annual conferences and workshops conducted in the United States by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) of which I was one of a handful of Filipino members.
PRSA expanded my understanding of public relations management, crisis communications, speech writing, building and managing brands, protecting corporate and personal reputation, handling political campaigns.
In 2004, I made money from a political campaign project. So, I made a major investment in another international training: I went to New York to be mentored by syndicated US TV host TJ Walker on managing media appearances.
Did the investments on international training pay off?
Of course. I must have spent over a million pesos on these training. But I have already recovered them.
How?
Here's how.
The international training did the following for me:
1.Raised my professional abilities to world-class standards
2. Gave me oozing confidence to deal with international organizations and personalities
3.Widened my understanding of my profession and of the needs of people
Did I get my money back? Was there a clear return on investments (ROI)?
Of course.
As a result of what the training has done for me, I attracted choice international and local clients. Among them were two giant American firms with operations in the Philippines, and three British firms . Add to that many more companies from the Philippines top 500 corporations, major government agencies and the many workshops I have conducted.
What is the ROI rate? Maybe, 1,000 percent? I can't say for sure. But I am certain the money has come back to my wallet a thousand-fold or even more.
Add to that the many people and companies whose goodwill I have won and who keep referring me to other potential clients.
Yes, training has been one good investment for me.
Today, I am sharing the blessing with my countrymen. Through my workshops, they benefit from the same world-class standards minus the world-class costs in dollars.
This way, my friends can keep more of their money in the bank and draw only enough for the workshop fee. But they get the same benefit. Probably, even more.
Next blog: how I invested in real property.
As if I have tons of them.
But I guess, it is when you do not have cash overflowing from your vault that one has to make sure he invests wisely.
I believe I have.
I made three good investments:
First, professional training.
Second, real property.
Third, friends.
Now, about my investments on professional training.
From 1996 to 1999, I was vice president of a major telecommunications company. I enjoyed good pay. Result: I had big savings.
Where did my savings go? I could have kept them in time deposits at the miserably low rates that stable banks offered. So, I decided to put them to better use: international training.
With my savings, I faithfully attended the annual conferences and workshops conducted in the United States by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) of which I was one of a handful of Filipino members.
PRSA expanded my understanding of public relations management, crisis communications, speech writing, building and managing brands, protecting corporate and personal reputation, handling political campaigns.
In 2004, I made money from a political campaign project. So, I made a major investment in another international training: I went to New York to be mentored by syndicated US TV host TJ Walker on managing media appearances.
Did the investments on international training pay off?
Of course. I must have spent over a million pesos on these training. But I have already recovered them.
How?
Here's how.
The international training did the following for me:
1.Raised my professional abilities to world-class standards
2. Gave me oozing confidence to deal with international organizations and personalities
3.Widened my understanding of my profession and of the needs of people
Did I get my money back? Was there a clear return on investments (ROI)?
Of course.
As a result of what the training has done for me, I attracted choice international and local clients. Among them were two giant American firms with operations in the Philippines, and three British firms . Add to that many more companies from the Philippines top 500 corporations, major government agencies and the many workshops I have conducted.
What is the ROI rate? Maybe, 1,000 percent? I can't say for sure. But I am certain the money has come back to my wallet a thousand-fold or even more.
Add to that the many people and companies whose goodwill I have won and who keep referring me to other potential clients.
Yes, training has been one good investment for me.
Today, I am sharing the blessing with my countrymen. Through my workshops, they benefit from the same world-class standards minus the world-class costs in dollars.
This way, my friends can keep more of their money in the bank and draw only enough for the workshop fee. But they get the same benefit. Probably, even more.
Next blog: how I invested in real property.
People Speaking With Power
I received a good number of email as a result of the blog I posted yesterday titled “Speak with Power”.
Some asked me for proof that the “Speak with Power” workshop and my “SpeakRight” formula works.
So, let me share what some of those whom I had the privilege of coaching and mentoring on public speaking and oral presentation say.
Dr. Felix Trongco, Department of Education (DepEd) director for Alternative Learning Systems, texted the following message to me just a few days after he completed this workshop I conducted in Cagayan de Oro. He said:
“"At the 11th hour today, I was asked to represent my absent chief in a meeting w/ DedEd NCR top brass and present concerns/issues in 3 minutes. God! 3 x 3 is very powerful, delivered with ease, confidence and credibility".
“Three by three” is part of the “SpeakRight” formula my students learn under my mentorship and coaching.
Early this year, I received a similar message via email from the Cagayan Valley Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Mrs. Mila Rimando. She wrote:
“In the afternoon, right after the seminar, I was asked to speak before members of the press from Manila who were visiting Tuguegarao. I was not told that I was to speak to the group, but I did so with flying color, thanks to what I have learned from you. Now, I have no more fear of speaking before publics even if given only little time to prepare.”
Ambassador Alexander Yano, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff who was later named envoy to Brunei, had invited me to conduct workshops for Army Officers nationwide. He had this observation after I completed the rounds:
““Archie has helped many of our senior officers in the AFP conquer their fear of public speaking and facing the media. This has resulted in a better image both for our officers and the AFP as a whole.”
From the private sector, popular stock market analyst Astro del Castillo (also president of First Grade Holdings), made the following comment after gracing many of my mentoring and coaching activities:
“Mr. Inlong works wonders with the speaking abilities of his students. They have become not just confident speakers but powerful communicators.”
Meanwhile, a dedicated and hardworking principal from Iloilo province, Miss May Baustista, posted this message for me in FaceBook after taking part in the workshop. She said:
““ I am proud to say that ‘I am not afraid anymore’. Thanks, Archie, for the encouragement.”
“I am not afraid anymore!” is what most participants shout on Day 2 of the workshop. Usually, the jubilant shout is blurted out after discovering that the “SpeakRight” formula works for them, too.
Finally, may I share what a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) says about the workshop, the skills and the processes I share with my students. Lawyer Jovy Salazar is an Undersecretary in the Department of Justice today and this is what he says:
“I believe that Mr. Inlong is one of the leading mentors in public speaking in the country today. His techniques and processes may be simple, but definitely world-class. Take it from one who has used his methods in international forums.”
Undersecretary Salazar made an important point. The techniques and processes I share are very, very simple. I shun the complicated. What is complex does not work in today’s world. And these simple techniques and processes are applauded even in the global setting.
I have shared these learning and experience I have acquired over the past three decades with members of the Cabinet, Ambassadors, Chiefs of Staff and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, business and political leaders, local government executives and some of our Legislators. I believe they have found what I have shared very useful.
Several government and business organizations have also benefitted from this workshop which I have done mostly in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication. These include the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Education, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Health, United Laboratories, Monsanto, the Cagayan Valley Association of Regional Directors, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Bases Conversion Development Authority, the League of Cities of the Philippines and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
The Board of Directors of my company has decided that the workshop should no longer be exclusive to a select group of personalities.
As a result of the decision, we are planning a series of public seminars. Hopefully, we can help many ordinary people Speak with Power and thus improve their careers, their service to God and people, and their lives in general.
Some asked me for proof that the “Speak with Power” workshop and my “SpeakRight” formula works.
So, let me share what some of those whom I had the privilege of coaching and mentoring on public speaking and oral presentation say.
Dr. Felix Trongco, Department of Education (DepEd) director for Alternative Learning Systems, texted the following message to me just a few days after he completed this workshop I conducted in Cagayan de Oro. He said:
“"At the 11th hour today, I was asked to represent my absent chief in a meeting w/ DedEd NCR top brass and present concerns/issues in 3 minutes. God! 3 x 3 is very powerful, delivered with ease, confidence and credibility".
“Three by three” is part of the “SpeakRight” formula my students learn under my mentorship and coaching.
Early this year, I received a similar message via email from the Cagayan Valley Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Mrs. Mila Rimando. She wrote:
“In the afternoon, right after the seminar, I was asked to speak before members of the press from Manila who were visiting Tuguegarao. I was not told that I was to speak to the group, but I did so with flying color, thanks to what I have learned from you. Now, I have no more fear of speaking before publics even if given only little time to prepare.”
Ambassador Alexander Yano, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff who was later named envoy to Brunei, had invited me to conduct workshops for Army Officers nationwide. He had this observation after I completed the rounds:
““Archie has helped many of our senior officers in the AFP conquer their fear of public speaking and facing the media. This has resulted in a better image both for our officers and the AFP as a whole.”
From the private sector, popular stock market analyst Astro del Castillo (also president of First Grade Holdings), made the following comment after gracing many of my mentoring and coaching activities:
“Mr. Inlong works wonders with the speaking abilities of his students. They have become not just confident speakers but powerful communicators.”
Meanwhile, a dedicated and hardworking principal from Iloilo province, Miss May Baustista, posted this message for me in FaceBook after taking part in the workshop. She said:
““ I am proud to say that ‘I am not afraid anymore’. Thanks, Archie, for the encouragement.”
“I am not afraid anymore!” is what most participants shout on Day 2 of the workshop. Usually, the jubilant shout is blurted out after discovering that the “SpeakRight” formula works for them, too.
Finally, may I share what a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) says about the workshop, the skills and the processes I share with my students. Lawyer Jovy Salazar is an Undersecretary in the Department of Justice today and this is what he says:
“I believe that Mr. Inlong is one of the leading mentors in public speaking in the country today. His techniques and processes may be simple, but definitely world-class. Take it from one who has used his methods in international forums.”
Undersecretary Salazar made an important point. The techniques and processes I share are very, very simple. I shun the complicated. What is complex does not work in today’s world. And these simple techniques and processes are applauded even in the global setting.
I have shared these learning and experience I have acquired over the past three decades with members of the Cabinet, Ambassadors, Chiefs of Staff and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, business and political leaders, local government executives and some of our Legislators. I believe they have found what I have shared very useful.
Several government and business organizations have also benefitted from this workshop which I have done mostly in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication. These include the National Economic Development Authority, the Department of Education, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Health, United Laboratories, Monsanto, the Cagayan Valley Association of Regional Directors, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Bases Conversion Development Authority, the League of Cities of the Philippines and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines.
The Board of Directors of my company has decided that the workshop should no longer be exclusive to a select group of personalities.
As a result of the decision, we are planning a series of public seminars. Hopefully, we can help many ordinary people Speak with Power and thus improve their careers, their service to God and people, and their lives in general.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
SPEAK WITH POWER!
When we speak before audiences, we need more than just confidence.
We need to be able to speak with power. With impact.
There are confident speakers; but confidence is not an assurance that their speech or presentation would hit the mark. We need to be more than just confident. We need to be able to speak with power.
Come to think of it. our professional careers are enhanced by our ability to get the audience to see things from our perspective - and to affect the decisions they make. That’s how we win business. That’s how we impress our organizations, our bosses and our clients. That’s what sets us apart.
After all, when we speak, we do not just convey information. We inspire. We persuade. We move people.
I have compiled all the products of 34 years of education, experience and exchange with other experts on public speaking into one workshop called "Speak with Power".
Through this two-day High-impact Oral Presentation and Public Speaking workshop, I transform individuals into persons who can “speak with power before any audience, about any topic, anytime, anywhere”.
That’s not just a promise. That is a direct quote from my participants.
By the way, you will experience the transformation in a fun, fun way. That’s the way it always is with my workshops.
What will you learn from this workshop?
1. The 5 skills necessary for high-impact oral communication;
2. My 6-step Oral Presentation process; and
3. The three “Cs” that make for powerful public speaking.
The Five Skills of a high-impact communicator
I will re-introduce you to the skills that really matter in public speaking. It might surprise you to know that three of those skills do not have anything to do with the actual delivery. It is what we do before we go up the stage that account for much of the power in public speaking.
One of the five skills deal with managing difficult questions and difficult audiences. The key word is “manage”, not “answer”. Let me share my proven techniques with you so that you emerge out of difficult public speaking situations with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
The High-impact Oral Presentation Process
I developed a six-step oral presentation process that has worked for me both in my business-related and public service engagements.
The process follows the natural rhythm of human interaction. It therefore assures me that I do not only convey, but also connect to my audiences.
The process is easy to understand, apply and remember. It also assures you that no matter what happens in the course of your presentation or speech, you can always get back on track.
I will also share with you my secret “SpeakRight” formula that has wowed my workshop participants. This is the secret to their ability to speak with power before any audience, on any topic, anytime, anywhere – even with only a moment’s notice.
You will marvel at yourself when you get to apply this formula during the workshop.
The Three “Cs” of powerful Public Speaking
I define public speaking as “using the power of your physical presence to convey facts and ideas to achieve a specific purpose”. The “power of your physical presence” is based on the three “Cs” which the workshop helps you attain.
The three “Cs” add up to a fourth “C” – Credibility.
At the end of the day, the proof of the power of our speech lies there – that after hearing us, our audience believed us.
This workshop is for you if you are:
- leaders of business, political or public service organizations
- executives on the rise
- Young professionals who wants to get ahead in the race
- Sales or marketing groups who want to further enhance performance
- Advocates of social and political change
- Government employees and public servants who want to do their service mission well
- Preachers and lay leaders who want more power in the delivery of the Good News
- Lawyers who want to win in the court of public opinion
- Individuals who want to attain tap their human communication potentials to the fullest
Ask me about this workshop:
Email: archie_inlong@yahoo.com
Cell: 09088642647
Landline: 753-11-96
We need to be able to speak with power. With impact.
There are confident speakers; but confidence is not an assurance that their speech or presentation would hit the mark. We need to be more than just confident. We need to be able to speak with power.
Come to think of it. our professional careers are enhanced by our ability to get the audience to see things from our perspective - and to affect the decisions they make. That’s how we win business. That’s how we impress our organizations, our bosses and our clients. That’s what sets us apart.
After all, when we speak, we do not just convey information. We inspire. We persuade. We move people.
I have compiled all the products of 34 years of education, experience and exchange with other experts on public speaking into one workshop called "Speak with Power".
Through this two-day High-impact Oral Presentation and Public Speaking workshop, I transform individuals into persons who can “speak with power before any audience, about any topic, anytime, anywhere”.
That’s not just a promise. That is a direct quote from my participants.
By the way, you will experience the transformation in a fun, fun way. That’s the way it always is with my workshops.
What will you learn from this workshop?
1. The 5 skills necessary for high-impact oral communication;
2. My 6-step Oral Presentation process; and
3. The three “Cs” that make for powerful public speaking.
The Five Skills of a high-impact communicator
I will re-introduce you to the skills that really matter in public speaking. It might surprise you to know that three of those skills do not have anything to do with the actual delivery. It is what we do before we go up the stage that account for much of the power in public speaking.
One of the five skills deal with managing difficult questions and difficult audiences. The key word is “manage”, not “answer”. Let me share my proven techniques with you so that you emerge out of difficult public speaking situations with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
The High-impact Oral Presentation Process
I developed a six-step oral presentation process that has worked for me both in my business-related and public service engagements.
The process follows the natural rhythm of human interaction. It therefore assures me that I do not only convey, but also connect to my audiences.
The process is easy to understand, apply and remember. It also assures you that no matter what happens in the course of your presentation or speech, you can always get back on track.
I will also share with you my secret “SpeakRight” formula that has wowed my workshop participants. This is the secret to their ability to speak with power before any audience, on any topic, anytime, anywhere – even with only a moment’s notice.
You will marvel at yourself when you get to apply this formula during the workshop.
The Three “Cs” of powerful Public Speaking
I define public speaking as “using the power of your physical presence to convey facts and ideas to achieve a specific purpose”. The “power of your physical presence” is based on the three “Cs” which the workshop helps you attain.
The three “Cs” add up to a fourth “C” – Credibility.
At the end of the day, the proof of the power of our speech lies there – that after hearing us, our audience believed us.
This workshop is for you if you are:
- leaders of business, political or public service organizations
- executives on the rise
- Young professionals who wants to get ahead in the race
- Sales or marketing groups who want to further enhance performance
- Advocates of social and political change
- Government employees and public servants who want to do their service mission well
- Preachers and lay leaders who want more power in the delivery of the Good News
- Lawyers who want to win in the court of public opinion
- Individuals who want to attain tap their human communication potentials to the fullest
Ask me about this workshop:
Email: archie_inlong@yahoo.com
Cell: 09088642647
Landline: 753-11-96
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Developing YOUR Brand: The FIRST steps
As I wrote in an earlier blog, our "Brand" is the sum of the images and feelings that our Name and Presence evoke in others. Our "Brand" can be an "accidental" brand or a "deliberate" brand.
I suggest we work on the latter. And why not? Why should we leave it to others to define to the world who we are and what we stand for?
Here are the three (3) steps in a Personal/Professional Brand-building process which I developed for myself and for my friends.
Step 1: Decide - what are the three (3) most important characteristics you want the world to ascribe to you? These are called your BRAND ATTRIBUTES.
Step 2: Plan - what tools and activities would you use so the world can experience these ATTRIBUTES and remember and associate them with you? These are the major elements of your BRANDING STRATEGY.
Step 3: Calendar - when do you intend to do use these tools and implement the activities in your Branding strategy? This is your BRANDING PROGRAM.
Let me share first how I did my Step 1.
Discovering our potential BRAND ATTRIBUTES can actually be fun and could lead to making our ties with friends, families and associates even stronger. I began by asking them casually and informally what "VALUE" I add to their lives. "VALUE" represents the positive changes and improvements they experience because of my presence in their lives.
Here were some of the answers (among the many) to the question, what "VALUE" do I add to their lives :
1. They learn new skills, new approaches, new ways of doing things
2. They learn to like themselves, overcome fear and poor self-esteem
3. They experience the loyalty of a friend
After reflecting for some time on the feedback they gave me, I made a decision to focus on three areas that I believe are the strongest positive attributes that the world associate with me:
One, COACH
Two, COUNSELLOR
Three, COMRADE
Those are the three (3) major, primary BRAND ATTRIBUTES which I decided the world should know and remember me by. They represent the three best ways by which I can "add value" to the lives of others and help them in their own journeys.
On Tuesday, July 13, I will share with you the tools and activities I am using so my three BRAND ATTRIBUTES are known, experienced and remembered by the world.
I suggest we work on the latter. And why not? Why should we leave it to others to define to the world who we are and what we stand for?
Here are the three (3) steps in a Personal/Professional Brand-building process which I developed for myself and for my friends.
Step 1: Decide - what are the three (3) most important characteristics you want the world to ascribe to you? These are called your BRAND ATTRIBUTES.
Step 2: Plan - what tools and activities would you use so the world can experience these ATTRIBUTES and remember and associate them with you? These are the major elements of your BRANDING STRATEGY.
Step 3: Calendar - when do you intend to do use these tools and implement the activities in your Branding strategy? This is your BRANDING PROGRAM.
Let me share first how I did my Step 1.
Discovering our potential BRAND ATTRIBUTES can actually be fun and could lead to making our ties with friends, families and associates even stronger. I began by asking them casually and informally what "VALUE" I add to their lives. "VALUE" represents the positive changes and improvements they experience because of my presence in their lives.
Here were some of the answers (among the many) to the question, what "VALUE" do I add to their lives :
1. They learn new skills, new approaches, new ways of doing things
2. They learn to like themselves, overcome fear and poor self-esteem
3. They experience the loyalty of a friend
After reflecting for some time on the feedback they gave me, I made a decision to focus on three areas that I believe are the strongest positive attributes that the world associate with me:
One, COACH
Two, COUNSELLOR
Three, COMRADE
Those are the three (3) major, primary BRAND ATTRIBUTES which I decided the world should know and remember me by. They represent the three best ways by which I can "add value" to the lives of others and help them in their own journeys.
On Tuesday, July 13, I will share with you the tools and activities I am using so my three BRAND ATTRIBUTES are known, experienced and remembered by the world.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
We all have a "brand"
Not only companies and products have "brands". We all do.
"Brand" is not just a name and logo. It is what image immediately comes to people's mind or the emotion that they feel when they come across the name and the logo. Or come across OUR name and picture.
People buy products or patronize a company not just because of the logo and name, but because of the image and the emotion associated with them. Same goes for all of us: we are hired, consulted, promoted because of the image and emotion associated with our face and name.
Most of us have "accidental" brands. Some have a "delibate" brand - meaning, something they decided on, invested in and painstakingly built. They did not leave to chance how they want others to see and feel aboout them.
Most of us rely on our "accidental" brand - images and emotions ascribed to us by those who observe and follow our lives and careers. Some of us can be "lucky" and end up with positive "accidental" brands. Most, however, end up with a brand that do not mirror their real person. It is tragic when good people in government end up with the negative brands simply because they did not handle their interaction with the public through media well.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro faces that risk today: a good man in government with a negative brand. Decades before him, a similar fate befell another good man in government - President Cory's transportation secretary, Reinerio Reyes.
However, there are "positively branded" people in the President Noynoy Aquino government.
One stands out: Transportation Secretary Jose "Ping" de Jesus.
In the industry and circles where he moves, Secretary Ping is known as a man of sterling credibility and integrity who "fast tracks" major infrastructure projects in a manner that is devoid of controversy and anomaly.
Building that brand began in 1990 after Luzon was struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that devasted large parts of Northern Luzon. President Cory tapped Secretary Ping to head the Task Forec to bring Northern Luzon back on its feet with a whopping P10 billion fund for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
As the task began, rumors started to spread through media that there were instances of gross misuse of the funds and of ghost projects. Some columnists planted insinuations that Secretary Ping could be involved in the anomaly. Unfair treatment for a man whose sole mission was to serve his President and countrymen well.
But Secretary Ping had a clear understanding of his role and mission and knew that the troubling insinuations could impact negatively on the reconstruction program. Therefore, though shy and self-effacing by nature, he decided to assume a high-profile role. He decided on what the "brand" of the Task Force would be - the watchdog of the P10 billion fund. As head, he would make sure that every centavo would go to the intended legal purpose.
Secretary Ping spent a great deal of time personally inspecting projects, listening to affected families, and updating the public through media on how the funds are being used. More important, he tapped the help of media to air warnings agains those who would misuse or abuse the funds. He also exposed ghost and substandard projects oftentimes incurring the ire of corrupt local government officials and contractors.
But Secretary Ping had Media on his side. Nope, he did not have good techniques on how to "handle media". He was not "savvy". He merely kept himself available, spoke to the people through media with candor and sincerity, and, most important, he never displayed anger or rudeness in their presence.
He finished the job with no PR crisis. No controversy. Just a new and refreshing "Ping de Jesus" brand.
The brand provided more than sufficient reason for him to eventually become Public Works Secretary under President Cory and Presiden Ramos. He moved on to pilot PLDT's zero-backlog program and to give the country one of its finest expressways - the North Luzon Tollways.
President Noynoy made a wise choice in tapping the "Ping de Jesus" brand for the Transportation and Communications Department. That brand will add much value to the goodwill of the Noynoy Presidency.
The "Ping de Jesus" brand is not accidental. It was painstakingly built and nurtured. I should know.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
"Media Handling" a Fallacy
We laud the move by President Noynoy Aquino to have the members of his official family go through a workshop on “Handling Media”. This is a clear signal that the new Chief Executive values the role that media will play in his administration. The benefits of this workshop should be visible within the next few weeks as his administration steps up its bid to establish a clear agenda and identity.
Given that our esteemed colleague, Carol Esposo-Espiritu is conducting the “Media Handling” workshop, President Noynoy should rest assured that his cabinet officials will be learning from a master of the craft.
We hope, however, that the Cabinet would view the Espiritu workshop from a better perspective.
They should not expect her to “teach” them how to “handle” media. That much-abused PR term “handling media” is a major fallacy.
Media cannot and must not be “handled”.
Media has its distinct and important role. It has its own way of doing things and going about its job. No one can dictate or control the culture of media and the behaviour of journalists. It is better for all of us to leave them alone to do their job.
At best, Cabinet members should only expect to learn one important thing: how to handle themselves during interviews and other interaction with media.
The lesson begins with a good appreciation of the reason why Cabinet members face media. “Media” means “bridge”. Media is the valuable link that connects the Noynoy Aquino presidency to the people he is sworn to serve.
It will be good for our Cabinet members to keep in mind two very important things when they face media.
First, that they are the alter ego of President Noynoy.
Second, that during media interviews, they are not really just talking to a reporter or an anchor person – they are actually speaking to the Filipino people watching television news in the comfort of their living rooms or listening to radio news updates while driving along Metro Manila’s clogged thoroughfares.
How they behave and conduct themselves during those interviews do not affect the reporter or anchor person. It affects the viewing and listening publics.
For example, that condescending and angry blast made by Education Secretary-designate Armin Luistro regarding media’s “uselessness” in the debate on sex education was felt more by us than by the pack of journalists to whom the remark was thrown. Listeners and viewers must have recalled the feeling of being scolded by a strict principal or schoolmarm when they heard that now-famous Luistro tirade.
We hope Espiritu would advice Luistro that President Noynoy may have been collateral damage in that unfortunate exchange with media. Luistro definitely planted a negative first impression. If that kind of exchange is repeated in the future, the impression is reinforced and becomes “image”. Unless our experience of him through media radically changes soon, the “image” can become “reputation”. And unless he watches it, the “reputation” can become a negative Luistro “brand”.
And that negative Luistro “brand” could take its toll on President Noynoy himself.
Here’s a piece of valuable advice I often give to government and private sector personalities whom I have been privileged to bring through media interview rehearsals. I always underscore that during media interviews on public affairs and news programs, a government official or business executive “can say what he or she feels, but cannot dramatize that feeling”.
It was perfectly alright for Luistro to say that he is “disappointed” with the role that media has so far played on an issue besieging his turf. Said in a civil and professional manner, we could have all understood and shared what he felt.
But that angry and condescending manner in which the remark was hurled at media hit us all. And now, we have a negative impression of him. He could have handled himself better if he knew he was not just speaking to media but to all of us.
Does the principle of “saying how one feels but not dramatizing it work”? I believe so.
One of the best persons I have worked with on practice for media interviews was a former Armed Forces chief of staff who later became part of the diplomatic corps.
He was an firm adherent to the principle. In so doing, he gave the AFP a fresh, new face. For once, we saw a battled-tested general who spoke to us through media interviews without the arrogance and the fierce commanding voice we associate with men in uniform.
Under his watch, the public approval rating for the AFP moved up from the negative zone to a positive 10. That was a first-time feat.
Our cabinet members can surely learn a lot from him.
Given that our esteemed colleague, Carol Esposo-Espiritu is conducting the “Media Handling” workshop, President Noynoy should rest assured that his cabinet officials will be learning from a master of the craft.
We hope, however, that the Cabinet would view the Espiritu workshop from a better perspective.
They should not expect her to “teach” them how to “handle” media. That much-abused PR term “handling media” is a major fallacy.
Media cannot and must not be “handled”.
Media has its distinct and important role. It has its own way of doing things and going about its job. No one can dictate or control the culture of media and the behaviour of journalists. It is better for all of us to leave them alone to do their job.
At best, Cabinet members should only expect to learn one important thing: how to handle themselves during interviews and other interaction with media.
The lesson begins with a good appreciation of the reason why Cabinet members face media. “Media” means “bridge”. Media is the valuable link that connects the Noynoy Aquino presidency to the people he is sworn to serve.
It will be good for our Cabinet members to keep in mind two very important things when they face media.
First, that they are the alter ego of President Noynoy.
Second, that during media interviews, they are not really just talking to a reporter or an anchor person – they are actually speaking to the Filipino people watching television news in the comfort of their living rooms or listening to radio news updates while driving along Metro Manila’s clogged thoroughfares.
How they behave and conduct themselves during those interviews do not affect the reporter or anchor person. It affects the viewing and listening publics.
For example, that condescending and angry blast made by Education Secretary-designate Armin Luistro regarding media’s “uselessness” in the debate on sex education was felt more by us than by the pack of journalists to whom the remark was thrown. Listeners and viewers must have recalled the feeling of being scolded by a strict principal or schoolmarm when they heard that now-famous Luistro tirade.
We hope Espiritu would advice Luistro that President Noynoy may have been collateral damage in that unfortunate exchange with media. Luistro definitely planted a negative first impression. If that kind of exchange is repeated in the future, the impression is reinforced and becomes “image”. Unless our experience of him through media radically changes soon, the “image” can become “reputation”. And unless he watches it, the “reputation” can become a negative Luistro “brand”.
And that negative Luistro “brand” could take its toll on President Noynoy himself.
Here’s a piece of valuable advice I often give to government and private sector personalities whom I have been privileged to bring through media interview rehearsals. I always underscore that during media interviews on public affairs and news programs, a government official or business executive “can say what he or she feels, but cannot dramatize that feeling”.
It was perfectly alright for Luistro to say that he is “disappointed” with the role that media has so far played on an issue besieging his turf. Said in a civil and professional manner, we could have all understood and shared what he felt.
But that angry and condescending manner in which the remark was hurled at media hit us all. And now, we have a negative impression of him. He could have handled himself better if he knew he was not just speaking to media but to all of us.
Does the principle of “saying how one feels but not dramatizing it work”? I believe so.
One of the best persons I have worked with on practice for media interviews was a former Armed Forces chief of staff who later became part of the diplomatic corps.
He was an firm adherent to the principle. In so doing, he gave the AFP a fresh, new face. For once, we saw a battled-tested general who spoke to us through media interviews without the arrogance and the fierce commanding voice we associate with men in uniform.
Under his watch, the public approval rating for the AFP moved up from the negative zone to a positive 10. That was a first-time feat.
Our cabinet members can surely learn a lot from him.
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