Seminars


Download the complete brochure

SEMINAR OVERVIEW

The Ohio Marketing Network meeting is devoted to exploring how to successfully manage all aspects of media relations, and how it can be beneficial to your credit union. The meeting is packed with information and networking.

Update on Ohio Credit Union League Initiatives
Controlling Interviews & On-Camera Practice
Developing Successful Messages
Building Media Relationships
Experience Dealing with a Crisis
Creating Compelling News Releases
Open Forum and Questions

Schedule
9:00-9:30 a.m. Registration
9:30 a.m.-Noon Educational Session
Noon-1:00 p.m. Lunch and Cracker Barrel
1:00-3:30 p.m. Educational Session

TOPICS & OBJECTIVES

Developing Successful Messages

Explaining what is a credit union succinctly and simply without losing your audiences’ attention is daunting and difficult. But how can the important fundamentals of credit unions be condensed into simple and compelling statements? In a hands-on workshop, attendees will be led through the process of brainstorming and refining key messages for credit unions. Not only will you walk away with concise and powerful statements about credit unions that are certain to capture your audiences’ attention, but you’ll learn the process for doing this with your credit union’s unique message and values.

Controlling Interviews & On-Camera Practice

When talking to members of the media, you want to make sure your message is heard. True public relations pros, such as political figures and special interest representatives, are masters of using interviews as opportunities to share the information they want heard, rather than simply answering questions posed by reporters. Learn tips and tricks for steering an interviewer and ensuring that your message becomes the reporter’s focus. After an introduction to the methods and techniques for controlling interviews and conversations, several attendees will put what they’ve learned into practice -- on-camera. Each on-camera interview will be reviewed for successes and opportunities. Afterward, the same participants will conduct another on-camera interview to put the advice to work. Everyone will walk away with a clearer insight into how to ensure that their messages are heard.

Building Media Relationships

Every day, reporters receive press releases and phone calls from dozens of organizations and individuals. How can your credit union’s media relations efforts cut through the clutter and catch their attention? Learn the keys to building a successful and mutually beneficial relationship with members of the local media so they pay attention when you have something to share.

Experience Dealing with a Crisis

What is your credit union’s process for dealing with the media when a crisis, such as a robbery, has occurred? Get first-hand experience in dealing with the media during a major crisis during this simulation. Presented with a crisis scenario, everyone will work in groups to determine how to handle the situation, what information to share with the media, and how to handle long-term public relations effects. Afterward, the entire group will participate in a de-briefing to analyze how the crisis was handled and how to improve.

Creating Compelling News Releases

Brush up on the basics of creating and sending successful news releases. Due to today’s technology, there are certain things you must remember in order for your news release to even be read. Make sure you aren’t inadvertently sabotaging your news release with these quick tips.

INSTRUCTORS
Linda Siefkas
Linda has more than 25 years’ experience helping clients enhance their reputations, increase sales, shape public policy, respond to crises, and improve customer and employee relationships. She previously served as senior vice president for business advocacy for the Columbus Chamber.

Linda's work has won numerous awards, including a 2001 Silver Anvil, the profession's highest honor, from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She is also Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America, and earned a B.A. from the University of Akron.

Patrick Harris
Patrick Harris, Director of Media Relations for the Ohio Credit Union League, joined the League in October 2007 to manage media outreach initiatives and build the image of affiliated credit unions in the local, state, national, and trade press. Before joining the League, Harris spent nearly 10 years with the State of Ohio working in different public relations and communication positions, including the Ohio General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, and two state agencies.

2008 Seminars

Ohio Marketing Network: Public Relations for Marketers

NEW ACH PAYMENT OPTION