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What I know for sure: Always be learning

By Marie-Lauren Gregoire Drummond, SCMP

One thing I know for sure is I don't know everything there is to know. There is always so much to learn and we all must Always Be Learning.

At the Tools of the Trade interactive session on November 7, I learned about a few new tools and products for communicators. I scribbled notes – yes, handwritten notes – in my journal about new tools and apps I hadn't heard of before. Learning about new ways of working and how to use these new tools to be more efficient and effective in my communications work was super helpful.

One of the things I love and appreciate about PIC and IABC/Toronto are the learning opportunities. I love the professional development that comes from attending workshops and conferences, listening to speakers and collaborating or learning from other comms pros.

I encourage you to read more in this issue of The Buzz. See what you can learn from your peers and colleagues. Attend an upcoming workshop or PD learning event. Never stop learning.

From writing support to virtual collabs, try these cool tools

By Sue Horner

Amid the shiny new digital tools discussed at the PIC event on November 7 was an old standby: The Canadian Press Caps and Spelling book. I use it often for its Plain Words section, and I wasn’t the only word nerd with a copy in easy grabbing distance.

But the Tools of the Trade session delivered on its promise to crowdsource a range of helpful tools, with books just a small part. We shared tips for creative support; AI tools; professional services; and business operations. In the discussions in each area, we had a chance to ask for suggestions or explain why we use a particular app or service.

We jumped right into a (new-to-me) Miro virtual whiteboard, which teams can use to plan, diagram and map ideas. Participants shared Post-It-like notes naming favorite apps and cool tools. Miro itself made the list of collaboration tools, along with the more familiar Google Docs, Zoom and others.

We learned that among various transcription services, Otter.ai can be “a gamechanger.” PIC members use it to record and transcribe Zoom interviews and to have as backup when taking notes. If something in the transcript isn’t clear, you can hit “play” and it will pull up the recording. As with all AI, it seems, remember to go through and clean up the results.

With a number of writers in the group, we had plenty of suggestions for writing tools, including the well-known Grammarly, Hemingway Editor and ChatGPT. Trish Tervit sometimes uses WordHero (paid account) when she’s working out a piece of writing.

With all those new accounts you’re going to have, how will you manage passwords? Marian Neglia uses a paid LastPass account to manage multiple clients, but says the free version is perfectly fine. She also recommends the free AODA Colour Contrast Checker app to check websites for compliance with content accessibility.

When it comes to learning, we look to IABC and PIC, of course. LinkedIn Learning also has a range of courses, and you get free access to it through your Toronto Public Library card or membership in the Canadian Freelance Guild.

The session generated many more recommendations, and participants will receive a full list.

We left the session buzzing.

Jacqui d’Eon found the time useful, saying she sees that Miro has value and will experiment more with it. “I was reminded to check my site for AODA compliance and I learned about Caps and Spelling,” she added.

Sharon Aschaiek “loved the collaborative format and how many diverse insights were shared, some of which will directly serve my communications business.”

Jacqui DeBique found “Lots I can use in my in-house role. Time well spent!”

Thank you to PIC’s co-Directors of Programming, Lisa Marchitto and Catharine Heddle, for organizing such a useful event, guiding the conversation and keeping everyone on track.

PIC PERSONALITY: Meet Lisa Marchitto

By Brent Artemchuk

Lisa Marchitto (she/her) is principal at Relate Communications. She helps charities and non-profits level up their communications while engaging audiences more meaningfully. Lisa specializes in reviewing a client's communications approach and recommending strategies to align it with their business objectives. She also gives her clients a stronger voice through content development such as annual reports and case documents or by developing their positioning and messaging. Learn more about Lisa on her website or LinkedIn profile.

When did you launch your independent business and how did it come about?

I’ve worked for charitable organizations for most of my 20+-year career and was looking for more flexibility and variety. I’ve always liked taking on special projects and helping organizations get to the next level. As an independent, I’m able to help multiple organizations do this in a number of ways. It keeps things interesting for me and it means my clients can benefit from my breadth of experience.

As I only leapt into entrepreneurship a year ago, I have a lot of respect for anyone who pursues it. At first, I found it really daunting – there are so many unknowns and you’re really putting yourself out there. So I tip my hat to all those who have built successful indie businesses and were brave enough to try!

What do you enjoy most about being an indie?

Being able to set my own hours and have a lot of flexibility in my days.

Further, from my experience, you're able to grow your superpowers. For me, this is about two things:

(1) being an integrator – I can see all the moving parts of something and help create order in chaos. This skill also allows me to move seamlessly between strategy and tactics.

(2) being able to balance quality with timeliness – If you need something done quickly and well – I’m your gal! But I also need to be careful about this, because too many projects can be a recipe for exhaustion!

What don’t you like about being an indie?

I’m super collaborative and like being part of a team, so I sometimes get lonely and miss having people to bounce ideas around with.

What advice would you give someone new to independent life?

It’s okay not to have it all figured out. Be patient and give yourself some grace. At the same time, try to get yourself organized early on. This means adopting a project management approach and creating standard contracts and a billing system. This will allow you to be efficient while avoiding having to play catch-up on the operational or administrative side of things.

How long have you been an IABC and PIC member and what value do you get from your membership?

I’ve been an IABC member on and off at various points in my career; however, I was always so busy that I could never take advantage of the resources available. When I became an independent, I saw IABC as a way to stay current and connected. I also wanted to take advantage of the international conference being in my backyard. Finding PIC made the value even greater. I’ve made some great connections with fellow indies who I can connect with for camaraderie and referrals.

Buzzy Bits features Sharon Aschaiek

With Arlene Amitirigala

In this edition of Buzzy Bits, Sharon Aschaiek (she/her), founder of Higher Ed Communications, gets thoughtful while the clock ticks away!

Becoming a unicorn: How to make yourself a category of one

Join us on Zoom on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 for a masterclass on positioning with brand and story coach Greg Monaco of Fearless Brands. Greg helps people tell magnetic stories so they can attract the work they love.

Greg will reveal a simple template to help you turn yourself into a “category of one” so you can get known and recognized for something special.

• Discover what makes you a one-of-a-kind.
• Get known and recognized as a specialist rather than a generalist.
• Learn how “niching-down” will help you relate to your prospects.
• Understand how to create more relevant storytelling.
• Gain clarity on why people buy.

We’ll also hear from PIC member Arlene Amitirigala of TrulyArlene Communications, who will share how she put Greg’s transformative advice into action.

It all takes place on Zoom from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Fees are $15 for members ($16.95 with HST); $35 for non-members ($39.55 with HST).

See you on social media!

Build and strengthen your connections, advance your business and network with other PIC members on social media. In case you missed them, recent posts shared on our social media channels include these:

The Anti-Defamation League slams CEOs who are silent on antisemitism and calls for a workplace pledge to support Jewish employees, Jewish customers, Jewish investors. Via CNN Business.

During challenging times, HRBrew says put these at the top of the list: Support DE&I initiatives, remind employees about employee assistance programs, and provide training on how to have conversations with employees.

The “violent news event” is different – a mass shooting in the U.S. – but the plan is the same. Supporting a team’s mental health after a violent event starts with acknowledging the tragedy and making space for compassionate conversations. Via Harvard Business Review.

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Who we are

Professional Independent Communicators (PIC) is a special interest group of IABC/Toronto. PIC’s mission is to support independent IABC/Toronto communicators through professional development, networking and marketing. The Buzz informs members about upcoming events, shares professional development tips from past meetings and keeps us connected.

IABC connects communicators from around the world with the insights, resources and people they need to drive their careers and their professions forward.

Editors: Arlene Amitirigala, Sue Horner

Executive team

Chair: Marie-Lauren Gregoire Drummond, SCMP | Past Chair: Jacqui DeBique | Membership: vacant | Marketing & Sponsorship: Brent Artemchuk | Communications & Social Media: Arlene Amitirigala, Sue Horner | Programming: Catharine Heddle, Lisa Marchitto