Category Archives: Non-Profits

Social Media Day What A Success!

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Thank you Orange County Register for hosting a Mashable Social Media Day event.

How did you celebrate  #Mashable’s Social Media Day? I celebrated it with my local social media club, Social Media Mastermind of Orange County (SMMOC) at the Orange County Register. For those of you who know me, you know that I love to support journalists and their publications, therefore, it was a win-win for me to be at the OCRegister.

Kudos to everyone who was involved at this local gathering. Employees at the paper, like Kevin Sablan, did an amazing job of lining up speakers, equipment, parking access and food vendors. The content that was provided was definitely “remark-able” and hopefully, a good time was had by all.

YEAH FOR SOCIAL MEDIA DAY

To help give you a flavor of what our day was like, I put some pictures together and produced a short video. The best thing about this day is the fact if you couldn’t make it to any event – you could still participate by following on the dozens of twitter hashtags that cropped up representing social activities throughout the world. It’s now becoming one of my favorite days of the year.

Enjoy!

Yes You Can Start A Blog

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Blogger Cindy Ronzoni says, "I can't help but smile every time I finish a piece. Still can't believe we can have personal voices on the web." - goofy self portrait

When I was in between permanent work positions a few years ago, I had the urge to try out blogging.  As a PR pro, I had worked with bloggers, and thus, had some semblance as to what they did.  I really had no idea how to start one and what it was all about…that was in 2008. Now, four years later I’m thriving as a blogger and can’t envision a day when I won’t have an active blog or two.

I love blogging! I can’t begin to tell you about the personal freedom it has given me. At first, I didn’t know what to write. I mean, prior to 2008, all my writing and voice had been exhibited through corporate communication efforts like statements, press releases and/or pitches. I had never been able to interject my personal opinion or beliefs in anything I had ever done except diaries and journals. I always represented the company with anything I had ever written.

Thanks to a friend who got me all set up with my first WordPress blog, I was ready to start exploring who I was and what I stood for. It was hard to start and I found myself often staring at a black screen. I felt like so “naked.” I didn’t know what I could write and was scared about having a voice. Some of  the thoughts I had were these questions:  Would I write something that would cause controversy? Would anyone care what I had to say? Could I even do this?

Bloggging is Alive and Well in Colleges Credit: Cindy Ronzoni

I fumbled a bit at the start, but now I have hit my stride transforming and refining my content over time. For you see, the more you practice at something the better you get.

JUST DO IT

I love having my own voice on the web.  And that’s my wish for you too. I want to encourage you start blogging today. Put those fears aside and just do it. If you don’t know how to begin…send me a note or check out WordPress.com or Blogger.com or heck, even tumblr.com is a fantastic place to start. It’s so much easier now setting up websites…you can do it!

BLOGGING IS THRIVING

Recently, I experienced the perfect trifecta. I was absolutely in my glory for I was able to mix my thirst for news, my love of blogging and passion for teaching college-aged students in one full swoop. I taught a college journalism class where the students blogged for their homework. At first I wondered how they were doing finding “their voice” on the web.  I also was curious about what that age group had to say…what drove them and where their passions lie.  I let them write about something that they were interested in…they had full reign to write whatever they wanted. The only thing I required was that they would email me their posts. I was blown away by the “voices” I heard back.

They covered non-profits. Several told me about their favorite hockey teams and how they hoped they’d make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Some moved me when they spoke about how dance affects their lives. Others shared their souls about being confused about their future. And most wanted to make things “right” in this world.  They had deep and heart-felt suggestions. They care and they have voices that need to be heard.

And the same is true for you.

Start blogging today, but be careful – for it does become addicting.

Let me know how it goes for you – please send me your first post so I can congratulate you properly and keep encouraging you to write on!

Happy Blogging,

Cindy

 

 

 

Extending Customer Service Through Interactivity

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Handwriting on the Wall Proved to be Great Customer Service

Today’s post is about a great customer service example that I experienced just yesterday.  As it was Sunday, my normal routine is to wake up and promptly go to church.  I did that even though I was bit sleepy from coming home from curling the night before at 2:30 AM…I was sort of three-quarters alert. However, I quickly woke up during the service when Pastor Bill Ankerberg told us that he was letting us out early to go write on the walls of the new entry! My own mom never allowed me to do that!

THE POWER OF SHARING

My church, Whittier Area Community Church, is finishing up a three-year building project in a month or so.  The last phase is the construction of our entry way.  This area has been walled up since Christmas so this was the first time we could walk in the space.  Over this week the walls will be painted and the floor carpeted, so our messages will be hidden from site. I guess you could say this is a new way to look at a time capsule.

But, to me, this was a wonderful example of customer service and marketing creativity. I thought it was absolutely brilliant. What a genius way for us, the congregation, to become invested in the building in a personal way. To have the ability to put our mark on this landmark and tell our friends and family about it for years to come – this experience can’t be replaced.

AN EVERLASTING MARK

Our marks are there literally until the walls come down.

For the mere cost of purchasing a few black Sharpies, over 3,000 people became connected with a project that will potentially last their lifetime. I wish I could show you the images and the words written. They were as diverse as the authors. Kids, teens, young adults and seniors all took part. There were cute “child-like” drawings, beautiful images of crosses from true artists, signatures with dates, and inspiring words.

The Author Cementing Her Words in this Interactive Marketing Experience

This opportunity was just too good to pass up. So I had to put my words to the ground.

I chose to write my words at a spot where people will enter and exit. And what did I say?

I didn’t want to use my words, but God’s. I knew His words are everlasting and well, mine don’t measure up in that same regard.

I left behind this thought.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.  Ps 121: 7-8

What a wonderful way to extend The Experience.

Perhaps you can apply this idea to something you are building.

Cindy

 

 

PR Campaign Series – Part 3 – Empowered

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The Empowered Message Was a Bit Fuzzy

Yesterday I raved about the free health screenings that The National Urban League and Walgreens are sponsoring in neighborhoods across America.   I applaud their efforts and wish more companies wanted to make a difference like these do in people’s lives.  Everything about the promotion was impressive from the staff to collateral to the end results, except one piece of its branding.  The Empowered Piece.

HOW CLEAR IS YOUR MESSAGE?

The National Urban League celebrated its 100 anniversary last year and with that, they launched the I AM EMPOWERED campaign.  Here’s how it’s defined in the brochure.

“Focused on four aspirational goals for America, in the areas of education, employment, housing and health care, I AM EMPOWERED will galvanize millions of people to take a pledge to commit their time and talent to help achieve the goals by 2025!”

And here are the following four goals of the Pledge.

  • Every American child is ready for college, work or life.
  • Every American has access to jobs with a living  wage and good benefits.
  • Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy-efficient housing on fair terms.
  • Every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

These are nice aspirations…but are they realistic? And why did they choose the date 2025? Why not, ten years from now or five or 50? Why that arbitrary number?

And to help you keep to your EMPOWERED pledge you can receive updates via a mobile app, text message, direct mail or online.

I like the idea of the Pledge…but I feel it’s a bit lofty. I want these goals for every American too, but I recognize that most of it is out of my hands and there’s only so much that the government can do.  But, if more companies sponsored events like the Wellness Tour, then we would have a chance in making these goals somewhat true.

Sorry about the above rant, I diverted off my main subject…I really wanted to say that alongside the Wellness Tour was this secondary messaging about the Empowered Pledge. The National Urban League went to the expense of having it painted on the mobile medical unit, but that’s the only place that the message was seen. I had to ask an attendant what it meant for I didn’t understand how it fit into the medical screenings.  I know you are all astute marketers, and as such, a consumer shouldn’t have to ask what your message is about. It should be clear. When I inquired about the Empowered Pledge, that’s when I was handed a separate brochure.

In summary, so what that the Empowered Pledge wasn’t communicated exactly right.  They could paint anything on the RV and it wouldn’t matter. What really matters is the free health screenings.  Those are priceless.

PR Campaign Series – Part 1 – Walgreens Wellness Tour

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A Community Serving - Not Self Serving Campaign

If I could be in charge of the marketing campaigns for major brands, the National Urban League and Walgreens Wellness Tour is an exact example of how I would invest my money. It is worth every penny spent.

I have worked on dozens of marketing campaigns in my career from giving away a replica of “The Simpsons” house to winning a date with a “90210″ star to attending a Super Bowl.  I have also been privileged to work on anti-drug messaging campaigns, Toys 4 Tots and feeding the homeless initiatives.  My favorite, in my humble opinion, have always been the ones that served others and not necessary solely served the company -(i.e., like winning tickets to a screening or a free Flip camera.)

Last week, I literally stumbled over a campaign that just warmed my heart and one that I needed to recognize as a job well done.  It’s the National Urban League and Walgreens Wellness Tour. I love this campaign and applaud this partnership. Why?

A WELL RUN CAMPAIGN

This mobile medical (pictured) unit is crisscrossing the country providing FREE Health Screenings. In a matter of a six minute span you can literally have you cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure , body mass index and bone density checked.  The process was easy, user-friendly, not scary and efficient.

How do I know? Well, I had to stop by and test it out. I wanted to see first-hand how this campaign was run for I’ve been involved in such community outreach projects in the past and some just aren’t all that they are cracked up to be. But, this one is and then some.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

When large corporations invest in local community events I know its a rather big decision for regional events are very expensive, time consuming and labor intensive.  For Walgreens and the National Urban League to commit to this mobile medical unit, they both were committed to a large sum of money for a long period of time.  I am not sure how many mobile units are out in the field, but these units were outfitted with state of the art equipment and staff. This is a very expensive investment on paper and one that will take years to see a return of investment.  And I think that’s why I like it so much.

Would you rather save a life or giveaway and iPad?

Even though many of the people who receive a health screening through this effort may never return a Walgreens store or give to the National Urban League, this non-profit and national drug store didn’t care. They were more concerned with helping out others who cannot necessarily afford medical care.I am fortunate to be able to afford health care at this time, but I was in line with many people who cannot.  And that’s why this is such a great campaign.  For you see, after you have your tests completed you have to wait five minutes for your results.  As I waited I was able to observe others whose reports informed them that they were suffering from high cholesterol or blood pressure.  I’d say at least one-third of the people who went through the screening found out something that need further attention. How great is that! This campaign literally impacted the lives of others and in fact, is saving lives.

To me that’s money worth spent. And a much better campaign than spending three million dollars while advertising 30 seconds during the Super Bowl.

And, I normally shop at CVS just because of its proximity to my house.  But, if I have a choice I might frequent my Walgreens just to support them and their efforts in the community.

Bravo National Urban League and Walgreens.

Support Street Performers United This Sunday

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This is a sponsored post–I am a volunteer member of Street Performers United.   I will always disclose every affiliation on my Who I Am page.

A Worthy Cause

MEDIA ALERT

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LOS ANGELES AREA STREET PERFORMERS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AS HOSTS/PERFORMERS AT THE UNPRECEDENTED BENEFIT EVENT

“STREET PERFORMERS UNITED” SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

A Vision of Humanity and Talent

What: Street Performers United is an annual charity event to not only expose talent from the streets but to promote unity among street performers and people in general.  There is only one race and that’s the human race and local area performers want to do their part in making the world a better place by giving back. A portion of the proceeds will go to the entertainers to assist them on their journey as artists and the rest of the money will be donated to the American Red Cross and One Dome At A Time*. (*One Dome At A Time is a joint venture between Haitian-born musician and entrepreneur, Won-G and Monolithic Dome Experts, David, Andrew and Rebecca South. One Dome At A Time’s mission is to facilitate and promote the construction of safe, green and clean housing worldwide.)

Who: The following performers are available for interviews prior to and at the event:

Candyman – Event Organizer – Street Performer/Artist/Dancer/Actor

Haspop – “America’s Got Talent 2010” Hip Hop Dancer

Amy May – Singer/Songwriter

Andy Grammer – Singer/Songwriter/Musician

Mr. Animation – Urban Hip Hop Legend

Seis Cuerdas – Acoustic/Classical Guitarists

Josh Ricketts – Folk Rock Singer/Songwriter

Sammie Jay – Singer/Songwriter/Dancer/Actress

Josh Vietti – Pop Violinist

NSK Dance Krew – Memphis Style Dance Group

When:        Sunday, October 3, 2010

Doors open at 5 PM/Show starts at 6:30 PM

Where: 385 N. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA  (one block North of the Beverly Center Mall)

Tickets:        Pre-sale tickets: $20/Tickets at the Door: $40

Event website: http://www.streetperformersunited.com

Media Contact: For outlets interested in covering the event or arranging interviews with the performers contact Cindy Ronzoni at (310) 880-1961.  Media coverage is strongly encouraged, please RSVP to Cindy or email her at cronzoni@gmail.com. For ticket or sponsorship information, contact Keyonna King at (949) 278-6446 and/or Eric Nash at (424) 229-0506.

Volunteering on Purpose

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Church was out in the Community This Past Weekend

Please forgive me for being a bit preachy today…but, in addition to presenting posts about the public relations industry I do like from time to time to write about things in my life that make me a better person. And this past weekend was one of those examples.  And it’s best described in the first two paragraphs of the national best-seller by Pastor Rick Warren, “A Purpose Driven Life.”

If you are reading this post and want to stop, please don’t.  I promise that the message will benefit you no matter your religious views or what you think of Pastor Rick.  But, his opening salvo, is right on for everyone.

“It’s not about you.

The purpose of your life if far greater that your own personal fulfillment, your peace of  mind, or even your happiness.  It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.  If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God.  You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.”

What really gets me is the first line- “It’s not about me.” And here’s why.

For those of you who personally know me, you are aware that I am in transition.  My career has been interrupted and I believe it has for a reason.  Due to this break in the action, I am becoming a “richer” person by being able to receive additional training and being able to devote more time to others.  I am learning “it’s not about me.”  The stuff that I am learning for me, I now want to share with you, my loyal readers.  I am learning that my education, skills, talents and experiences are not only intended for me, but they are meant to be shared with others who in turn will do the same and continue to help others.

If you happened to catch Bret Michaels (The Celebrity Apprentice, Lead Singer of Poison) on “Oprah” last week you heard him talk about the only things that mattered to him while he was in the hospital with a potentially life threatening brain hemorrhage. He said the only thoughts he had in his mind were of his family and loved ones.  That’s who he wanted nearby.  At that crucial time, he wasn’t focusing on his accolades or how much stuff that he owns or how big a celebrity he is….at the core…all that mattered was his family and that thought became real to me just this morning.

Bret Michaels understands life's true precious gifts. He's holding one in his arms - his daughter Raine.

For you see, for the last five years my church (Whittier Area Community Church ) “kicks” us out – yes it actually closes its doors and offers us volunteer projects to sign-up for to help the community. These projects cover a wide range of objectives from landscaping public playgrounds, feeding the firefighters, painting teacher’s lounges, fixing up a pregnancy clinic, repairing computers to helping single moms with odds and ends.  There’s something for everyone.  And my projects this year were not my typical – it was a great feeling stepping out of my comfort zone.

Thanks to my mom’s prodding I joined her for a project that scares me to death – we visited the neighborhood hospice homes and provided singing to the patients there who literally come to this wonderful home/hospital for their last breaths. Everyday the staff there deals with how to make people’s lives the most comfortable as possible as their lives on earth end.  They are there for the patient and the caretakers. They are angels.  So, a group of volunteers gathered in the living room of this house and we sang.  It’s well documented that the last sense to go is hearing and I know that to be true for I experienced it with my father.  So as we sang songs like “Amazing Grace,” one particular family member of a patient came out and told us that our singing made her unconscious family member smile.  And that smile was the best gift to the caregiver as well for who doesn’t want the best for the people whom you love who are in pain.

The point I really want to make is — I received much more than that patient did in return. That smile made me feel like I was born for a purpose and my life has purpose. All it took was me spending one hour out of  the year when it wasn’t about me.  I shed so many tears during this project for I sensed how precious life really is and at these times, when someone we love is passing that everything else in life is so unimportant.  Things like the economy, unemployment, the oil spill, bills, etc.  What matters is exactly what Bret Michaels said-it’s our loved ones.  You want them close, they are all that matter and if you can bring a smile to their last moments….is there anything better?

After we concluded with visiting those patients we then stopped by a local transitional housing facility and meant some more incredible people.  Although we all come from different walks of life and circumstances, we all face obstacles and hurdles and trials.  And it’s far easier going through them with others by your side offering support than alone.  We sat in a circle and supported one another and we just talked. We shared our concerns and prodded each other on, providing encouragement and a dose of hope.  It was great medicine for everyone.

I’m going to be extremely honest here now and say…my biggest worry about getting my next job is that I don’t want it to consume my life like it has before. I was recently reminded of this when I attended my industry’s convention last week. The entire time I was there I listened to those walking the floor and all I could hear non-stop was everything about work, work, work-I don’t mind talking business, but I also like to talk about things in life too.  Don’t get me wrong-one should put in a the work required for the job….but, for me, in my next job I don’t want to loose the power behind making someone smile alongside the work.  For “it’s not about me.”  It’s about making a difference in others lives…even if I only do it once a year when my church closes its doors.

This weekend was life changing, in a good way.  My hope is that it inspires you to do volunteer as well.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on volunteering.  So many people do remarkable work as volunteers and I’d love for you to share.

Thank you for allowing me to tell you how “Serve Weekend” impacted me, making me a better person.

Cindy

Cable Show Eve-Thoughts as Hundreds of Cable Execs Overtake LA

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Notes and a variety of thoughts from yours truly on the eve of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) “The Cable Show” Convention as it begins in Los Angeles tomorrow through Friday.

*The Cable Executives Are Coming! If you’re noticing more signage about cable TV shows this week around town – don’t fear that your rates will soon be rising…For it’s all being purposely done by those “said” networks to show off their wares before their competitors who are in town for the national convention – The Cable Show starts tomorrow. If each network was like a peacock – it’s their way of showing off their feathers to impress others.

A Public Affairs Program to Help Fight Against Hunger - The Sportsman Channel

*Year Round Attention – There are some cool things happening in conjunction with the NCTA.  For instance, The Sportsman Channel is busing a load full of cable conventioneers to the Union Rescue Mission tomorrow afternoon to feed the homeless through a special event called Hunt. Fish. Feed.  I was hoping to attend, but I had a conflict in my schedule.  Then tomorrow night a group of cable executives are organizing a fund-raising event in honor of Will Flannery, a wonderful cable executive and family man who passed away suddenly last year at the age of 38.  They are raising money to help his family – its an incredible gesture and I applaud those who are behind it – this is how cable makes a difference.

*Money Men - Well cable has “Mad Men” and it also has “Money Men.”  Kudos to LA Times Reporter Meg James for her story today based on the results of a Los Angeles Times survey that listed compensation packages doled out to C-level media and entertainment executives. The figures these heads of entertainment corporations received was eye-opening and it also was perfectly timed to make an impact as the cable convention begins this week in LA. A majority of the men making these incredible salaries will be here in town, earning their money.

I have included a chart that the LA TIMES featured with the story for you to see for yourself the obscene sums of money these men, not women, earned last year.

If I get a chance I’d like to ask Meg James, a fantastic TV business reporter, if she could follow up this story with another article on this subject for I am curious about two things – (1) How much money did these suits devote to charity last year? And (2) how many people were laid off from their respective corporations last year?

I mean, not to point fingers at Greg Maffei, the CEO of Liberty Media – but he brought home $87 million last year. What in the world can you do with $87 million!!!! My hope is that he is using it to re-invest it back into America by either – giving it back to his company so they can keep employees, handling some back to our U.S. Government so it can cancel a small portion of its national debt, donating some to those less fortunate like earthquake survivors in Haiti or Mexico or doing something other than buying more homes or cars. That is my wish for all of them and to be fair-I know most of these men are generous with their contributions.  My favorite wish would  be that would give it all back to their companies to keep employees on their jobs!!!!!!!!!!! They can make a huge difference in the world and I hope that they follow in Bill Gates’ footsteps in this area – his Foundation with is wife Melinda is amazing. What huge opportunities these “money men” have and so many worthy causes to choose from. I wish I had that dilemma, don’t you?  What would you do with $87 mill?

Chart: Compensation for media executives

So that’s it for today…I’ve got to pack up all my stuff and get ready for the convention tomorrow. I’ll be getting my credentials in the afternoon and start reporting as soon as I can.  I’ve got a lot of people to say hi to first though at the NCTA – I am so looking forward to seeing all my colleagues again and learning about the future of cable.

Stay tuned.

All My Best,

Cindy

Can Dubuc Make Lifetime More Relevant? It Will Be History in the Making.

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Can Nancy Dubuc make 'History' At Lifetime

Today, Lifetime Networks announced that Nancy Dubuc has been named President and General Manager of Lifetime Television. She succeeds Andrea Wong, who recently departed the company.  (In full disclosure, I was employed by Lifetime in its corporate communications department from Jan. 09 to Nov. 09, however, my position became redundant due to AETN’s acquisition late last year.)  The announcement of Dubuc today in the LA Times by Joe Flint, wasn’t really a surprise to those in the industry for her name has been speculated in the press since Wong announced her plans.

I liked my time at Lifetime, but I often scratched my head a bit about the network’s choice of programming.  The network labels itself – a network for women – but, I’m a woman and I never watched it until they acquired Project Runway.  I know that I am an anomaly for I am single business woman, however, many of my friends are married with children and I hear what they say.  You see, most of the women that I hang around have big concerns about marriage, parenting and finances, especially during this economy. But, I never saw that resonate on-air.  We were charged with promoting “women in peril” programming, because, sadly to say – that’s what got the higher ratings. And ratings are the heroine (drug of choice) at every network. I don’t know what drives women in mass amounts to tune into stories about murder, mayhem and betrayal. I will never figure that out!

Lifetime May Get Some Changes

But with every The Capture of the Green River Killer and Natalee Holloway, the Network did try and provide a more contemporary view of womanhood with the likes of Army Wives and the new comedy Sherri. Also, Drop Dead Diva, a popular comedic drama, attempts to tackle self-worth and self-esteem issues weekly – so the network does try. But, it really needs to do more.

With Dubac, I hope comes a breath of fresh air in ideas and none too soon.  The Lifetime viewers are on life-support at the moment  and with added competition coming from OWN next year–they should “energize” their brand as soon as possible. And I believe she has the chops to do it.  Her scorecard proves that she can invigorate oldish brands as she re-invented the stodgy History Channel.  So, if I was a betting woman, I’d put money down that she will turn this network around – well all their networks around (Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Channel and Lifetime Real Women).

Lifetime Hit A Home Run With Drop Dead Diva

So in case she doesn’t have a clear game plan already, I’d like to present a few suggestions for topical programming.

Idea #1 – Instead of supporting breast cancer year-long on the mylifetime.com website – why not produce a reality show following those going through breast cancer in real life.  I know that breast cancer doesn’t only effect those with it, but the family hurts as well, especially the husbands. It would be fantastic to depict those issues in a supportive series.

Idea #2 – Pick up where Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution left off – America banded around this Brit to ensure that the children of tomorrow stand a chance to live healthy long lives by eating right.  Find another chef and take off after another fatty town and school district.  Made a difference in others lives.

Idea #3 – Go inside troubled homes and bring in a counselor to help them deal with non-communicative husbands and/or stubborn kids.  Produce a show that provides practical tips to running your home without losing your mind. And I’m not talking Wife Swap here, something more real.

Idea #4 – Give the top Mommy bloggers their own show. Heck, I’d watch it.  They could point out great discounts on the web and sweepstakes to die for.  Also, they could highlight great non-profit efforts.

Idea #5 – Women entrepreneurs – I have been meeting some dynamic women executives who are running incredible companies that they have started up.  I’d like to see women portrayed positively in the workplace as opposed to the stereotype we’re most presented with…let’s showcase these gals!

That’s just a few of my thoughts and I’ve got a bunch more…but, I’ll leave it at that.   I am excited about Dubuc’s appointment and I wish her tremendous success.  She now has inherited a wonderful opportunity to influence millions of women – please don’t let us down.

Best,

Cindy

A Novel Idea – Selling Used Books at Public Libraries

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Newport Beach Public Library Foundation Supports the Need for Books

The other week I ran across an idea which I just loved!  I was conversing with some Foundation members from the Newport Beach Public Library and marveled how they could afford to produce a top-notch speaker’s series and other such programs.  And what I found out was incredible.  They are able to produce their special events because of funds raised through the used bookstore in the library. The used bookstore is run by volunteers and it brings in up to $200,000 in extra revenue for the library each year.  I know that Newport Beach is an affluent area, but other public libraries are ascribing to this as well. There’s money in used books, even when you only charge 50 cents to a couple a bucks for good books.

Then today, as I sit in a local hospital’s waiting room – I noticed that they were selling used books as well – a novel idea for those enduring the wait for a loved one to finish a surgery or procedure.  If one forgot to bring a book or something to pass the time – they can pick up a book for two bits.  And the money goes back to the hospital volunteer program – excellent! Bravo to all out there involved in the used book process for public gain!

I didn’t bring a book with me since I’m always touting my laptop – but I got a treat too.  I was able to hook up to the hospital’s wi-fi for free and they even brought us danish and coffee to help us endure our wait. Now that’s customer service and a wonderful touch. They truly understand that it’s harder to wait for a loved one to have a procedure than have the procedure done to you! I asked that question on my Facebook status today and hands down that’s how people felt.

Used books are worth millions!

So, I guarantee that if you follow my blog, that you are prolific reader. As such, when you have moment or two, peruse your personal library and see if you can donate some of your books to your local public library.  It’s a small way to give back – but it definitely makes a difference. It can help your library keep its doors open to the public.

You give a little, but you’re giving a lot.

Donate.

Best,

Cindy