October 2021: Renewal
Contents
The independent view: 'Tis the season for renewal
Arlene Amitirigala, our chair, encourages members to renew their visions, goals and habits as we mark the renewal of fall.
Members agree: You should renew (or join!)
Sue Horner, co-director of communications, shares all the good reasons from PIC members to renew your membership today.
3 X 3: on volunteering
Alix Edmiston, ABC talks to members Irene Bakaric, Meline Beach and Cyrus Mavalwala, ABC, MC, about the benefits of volunteering.
Welcome new members
This month, we welcome new members Augustine (Austine) Fischer, Maureen Hosein and Gaby Moreno.
1.
The independent view
'tis the season for renewal
By Arlene Amitirigala
Lately I’ve found the word “renewal” has been resting on my mind, along with its wonderful synonyms – rebirth, regeneration, revitalization, restoration, rekindling.
You may be thinking I’ve mixed up the seasons. After all, these words are traditionally associated with spring, conjuring up images of budding leaves and flowers. Believe me, I know exactly what season we’re in because I’ve been looking at the calendar, reviewing the plans I wrote at the beginning of the year and wondering where the time went.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not unhappy with what I’ve accomplished. Just making it through to this point with my mental health intact is cause for celebration. But to be honest, I’ve been in waiting mode since summer. Ready to emerge but still cautious. In fact, I recently realized that I’m often literally holding my breath when I’m out among people.
Could it be time for a giant exhale? As we enter the final quarter of 2021, there is hope that we’re turning the corner. The news gets more positive each day and with case numbers finally receding, our spirits are being renewed.
If COVID-19 wreaked havoc with your plans this year, remember that you are not alone. We are all in the same pandemic. And if you haven’t achieved some of the things on your vision board, there may still be time before we sing Auld Lang Syne.
At the beginning of October, I dusted off my hardcover planner from the Goal Accelerator Club and used these handy prompts to reshape my plans:
- How do I want to feel over the next three months?
- What do I want to start doing, do more of, do less of, stop doing?
- What goals do I need to revisit?
- What habit or discipline do I need to build this quarter?
- What is ONE thing I can accomplish in the next three months that would affect my life in a meaningful way?
I hope this energizes you to renew your vision for success in whatever sphere. It may not be business related; it could be a health and wellness goal, a relationship goal or simply an intention to read a few more books. Whatever it is, go for it.
Speaking of renewal, even IABC is in on the act! It’s Member Month, which means a 20% discount on international dues with code IABC21, so take advantage and spread the word. And new this year, you can pay by instalment; choose this option when you check out. Here’s the link.
I’m excited that PIC is being revitalized with new members joining the fold. We are also welcoming new volunteers to the PIC executive team; please contact me if you would like to play a role, too.
Finally, last month’s online PIC social was unbelievably fun and engaging and I remain hopeful that we’ll be able to gather in person soon. If you have any ideas for professional development topics as we plan the year ahead, or any questions, or thoughts about PIC, feel free to reach me at toronto-sig@iabc.to. I would love to hear from you.
2.
Members agree:
You should renew (or join!)
By Sue Horner
IABC has much to offer communication professionals: a global network, recognition programs, professional development, the World Conference, certification and more. PIC takes that value to an even more targeted level, with a specific community that focuses on those of us running our own businesses.
When we celebrated PIC’s 20th anniversary in 2018, our “founding mother,” Jane Naczynski, captured the group’s value in this comment:
“Today’s members are extremely professional (really, REALLY well qualified to do what they do) and yet very warm and informal. New members seem to be instantly comfortable with the group, and everyone is very open to sharing information, networking and being helpful with tips on business practices.”
As we’ve profiled members as PIC Personalities over the years, we’ve asked their advice for other independents and what value they get from their membership. Here’s what member Diane Fearn said:
“The level of support, the resources [PIC] provides, the panel discussions ... it’s all definitely worth it. These aren’t just case studies or textbook advice. If someone in PIC shares a tip, they’re sharing their experience, and that’s so valuable.”
And Judy Irwin, ABC: “The inspiration and validation you get from being part of a community like this is so important.”
There’s more. PIC membership also offers:
- Our monthly newsletter, The Buzz, where you can “meet” other members, learn tips and tricks for running your business and find out about upcoming events. We also welcome your contributions. Find the newsletter archive here.
- A position as a resource for corporate members looking for communications help, with an online presence in the PIC member directory on IABC/Toronto’s website.
- Increased awareness of PIC member talents and achievements to encourage referrals and partnerships.
- A forum for you to share common issues or concerns, ask for advice and share successes in our private Facebook group, Professional Independent Communicators (PIC), part of IABC/Toronto. Files include a communication services contract template to help you run your business professionally and set the right terms for your client projects.
Looking back at PIC’s founding, Jane says she was hoping it would be a networking group, a referral group, a virtual chat-around-the-watercooler group. The result? “It’s been that, and so much more.”
Renew or join now! Remember to use code IABC21, and specify if you want to pay by instalment. If your membership isn’t up for renewal yet, you’ll simply add extra months to your membership.
3.
3x3: On volunteering
By Alix Edmiston, ABC
What’s the value of volunteering and how do PIC members volunteer? We talk to Irene Bakaric, media relations consultant and trainer; Meline Beach, strategic communication and PR professional; and Cyrus Mavalwala, ABC, MC, founding partner of Advantis Communications.
How have you volunteered over your career?
Irene: For many years, I helped raise money for my children’s choir and various community charities. I also helped prepare and serve meals for the homeless at a soup kitchen. More recently, I volunteered as a Spanish interpreter for an international health organization. I’ve worked on projects in Bolivia, Peru and Colombia that distributed eyeglasses and performed surgeries to give people the gift of better vision. Since moving to Toronto, I’ve volunteered on the board of a heritage foundation to preserve the city’s original schoolhouse and raise money for school visits to the museum. I’ve also volunteered on the board of IABC/Toronto.
Meline: I’ve always believed in the value of volunteering and have committed time to causes that are important to me both professionally and personally. I have volunteered with IABC at various events (when we would meet in person) and as a judge for the OVATION awards. I also volunteer within my local community, including with the food bank, where I serve as board secretary and event coordinator for its annual Sip & Savour fundraiser. I also write for my local arts society and their quarterly magazine, MOSAiC.
Cyrus: When I was younger, I volunteered as a mediator at a conflict resolution service that helped resolve conflict between neighbours and family members. The situations were often intense and emotional, but it was wonderful when parties would find common ground and build a solution together. More recently, I’ve volunteered as a ski patroller, which I hope to do again alongside my kids when they’re older. In between, I’ve volunteered with IABC at the local, regional and international levels.
What has volunteering done for you personally or for your business?
Irene: I’ve learned new skills and made new friends here and abroad. Working with people toward common goals creates strong bonds that you cannot hope to achieve by only attending networking events. During my time on the board of IABC/Toronto, I met so many wonderful comms professionals. It was great to work with them and I appreciate that some have had the confidence to pass my name along for different business projects.
Meline: For a solo business owner, volunteering offers social interactions that you might otherwise get in a traditional work environment. Volunteering with IABC helps me stay current on best practices and industry trends, while sharing with and learning from fellow communication practitioners. Volunteering with charitable organizations keeps me engaged on a personal level. I can meet new people within my community and lead by example for my children, who often accompany me on volunteer outings. All of these experiences help hone my communication skills, strengthen my network and fulfill a personal satisfaction of making a positive contribution.
Cyrus: Volunteering is a great way to help others while learning new skills. Also, you never know what will happen when you volunteer. When IABC HQ asked me to co-present with another IABC volunteer at the 2009 Leadership Institute, a business partnership began that saw us develop and deliver Act Like An Agency training to communication teams across North America, the U.K., Australia and virtually around the globe. Through volunteering at IABC I’ve gained friends, hired people, found clients and everything in between.
What would you say to someone who hasn’t considered volunteering?
Irene: When you volunteer, you get so much more than you give. If your passion is communication, you will find like-minded souls at PIC and IABC. Give some of your time and you will not regret it.
Meline: Take the initiative and find something with meaning where you can make a positive contribution without expecting anything in return, other than the satisfaction of being of service. It’s a small world and you never know who you’ll run into while volunteering, who you’ll meet again through a volunteer experience or where that experience will lead you. Volunteerism offers tremendous opportunity for connection.
Cyrus: Volunteering is like social media; the more effort you put in, the greater your ROI. There’s a reason, actually many reasons, why there are so many passionate IABC volunteers in chapters around the globe. Dedicate just 12 months to volunteering with IABC and I bet you’ll be raising your hand again the following year.
We launched this column in May to bring the voices of more PIC members into The Buzz. If you’d like to suggest a topic, volunteer yourself as a “voice” or volunteer as a guest interviewer, please contact Sue Horner at getwrite@sympatico.ca. Our thanks to Gary Schlee, ABC, MC, for suggesting the name “3 x 3.”
4.
Welcome new members
We’re excited to welcome three new members to both PIC and the PIC executive. Austine is the new co-director of communications and social media, Maureen is the new director of membership, and Gaby is director of programming.
Augustine (Austine) Fischer
Toronto | LinkedIn | fischoon@gmail.com
Austine is a strategic communications professional with a passion for storytelling, content creation and public relations, driving stakeholder engagement and enhancing brand reputation. He has experience in the financial, energy, retail and logistics sectors in Europe, Africa and North America, tailoring executive messages to ensure inclusion, build trust and improve employee engagement. He has used his skills to support business leaders, positioning them as thought leaders in their fields, enhancing brand awareness and reputation. Austine has an MBA focused on marketing, and a graduate certificate in content strategy.
Maureen Hosein, ABC
Pickering | LinkedIn | maureenhosein@yahoo.com
Maureen has a depth of experience leading communications in both the public and private sectors. She creates timely and engaging brand-led content across a range of channels to defined audiences. Maureen has a solid reputation for astute communications planning, developing compelling narrative and best-in-class execution for high-profile organizations such as American Express, TD and Toronto Community Housing. An experienced leader in employee engagement, Maureen holds a critical lens to all corporate and internal collateral materials to build world-class communications targeted to employee audiences.
Gaby moreno | more storytelling
Website | LinkedIn | gaby@morestorytelling.com
Gaby helps clients balance an exciting business story with conversion growth by turning audiences into customers, seamlessly. She is an experienced content and digital marketing consultant with a background in online publishing and consumer packaged goods marketing. Her approach infuses storytelling principles into sales funnels to simplify digital marketing and unlock growth.
Seen at the September social
PIC Then and Now
Changes to the PIC member list due October 28
As a PIC member, you can promote yourself at no charge on the PIC member list on the IABC/Toronto website. Send your updates to PIC’s director of membership, Kathy Lim, at kathy775@gmail.com, by Thursday, October 28.
For new profiles, send your:
- name
- company name
- city
- email address
- telephone number (optional)
- website and LinkedIn URLs
- social media accounts
- a brief description of your business
If you are already on the list, does your listing include your LinkedIn profile? Have you earned an OVATION or Gold Quill award you can brag about?
See you on social media!
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. IABC connects communicators from around the world with the insights, resources and people they need to drive their careers and their professions forward.
The Buzz informs members about upcoming events, shares professional development tips from past meetings and keeps us connected.
Editor: Sue Horner | Designer: Nancy Miller
Executive team
Chair: Arlene Amitirigala | Past Chair: Nkiru Asika | Communications: Nancy Miller | Membership: Kathy Lim | Programming: Judy Irwin, Sharon McMillan | Social Media: Sue Horner