Are you open to new ideas? You’ve got a great new idea to propose to your boss in the next big meeting. You’ve practiced your presentation over and over. You know your boss will be impressed with your creative thinking. You execute the presentation perfectly and wait for the praise and accolades to wash over you. But rather than affirmation, the first words out of your boss’ mouth are, “That’s not the way we usually do things. How do you know that will actually work?” We’ve all had someone say something similar to us or (gasp) we’ve actually uttered those words to someone else. Though phrases like these may be viewed as a good dose of realism, remember that repeating “realistic” phrases over and over can damage the creative momentum of your organization. So how do you keep from destroying new, creative ideas within your organization? • Avoid using phrases such as “the timing’s wrong,” “they’ll never buy it,” or “you can’t be serious!” during creative meetings. • Be open to new ideas. It may seem like a huge risk, but businesses need to change to move forward. Using a creative approach with new ideas is critical to a successful organization. • Don’t micromanage the creative process. Creative people need to brainstorm and tend to develop their own distinctive ways of solving problems. • Create a good work environment. Destroying new ideas is detrimental to a good work environment. Employees need to know that their organization has faith in them to perform well. Sanity Saver Monthly Plan Are you up to your eyeballs in unfinished marketing or PR projects? Or do you have a fabulous idea but just don’t have the time to get the ball rolling yourself? Instead of compromising your sanity and trying to do it all yourself, let 20 Hats wear one of your many hats for you. Our new sanity saver plan is designed specifically for organizations that need a little extra public relations or marketing help at an affordable price. Best of all, you pick how you want to use our services and how many hours a month of help you need. You can count on 20 Hats for fresh ideas, unbiased advice and quick turnaround. Also included in your monthly fee: • Complimentary registration for one person to all 20 Hats Marketing Institute seminars • Access to all materials provided to seminar participants even when you can’t attend • E-mail/phone support to answer your marketing questions • Discounted rate for additional hours over monthly allowances • Discounted color printing services • Access via 20 Hats to additional services* including: Online surveying and analysis E-mail marketing engine Press release distribution News clipping services Stock photo library *additional charges may apply For additional information, call (405) 604-5941 to talk to us about the services you need. Which service does your organization need the most help with? Crisis Communications and Planning Media Relations Speech writing Communications Audit Use this link if the form above doesn't work PRSA Professional Development Day How do you make sure you or your boss is ready for a media interview? And do you ever wonder whether your organization should have a blog? On Thursday, June 15, The Oklahoma City Public Relations Society of America chapter is hosting Professional Development Day. The event will take place at The Oklahoman Reception Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Guest speakers will include: Taylor Cole, APR, founder and senior brand strategist for iknowpr.com; L. Michelle Smith, president and CEO, m strategies Inc.; Ed Schipul, CEO of Schipul - The Web Marketing Company. Participants must register by June 9. For more information or to register for PRSA’s Professional Development Day, click here. Fall seminar lineup Our seminars will pick back up again in August. Here's a look at what we have in store: Trade shows: A cool booth isn't enough - Aug. 9 Communicating during a crisis - Sept. 13 Market research on a dime - Oct. 11 Give your Web site a face lift - Nov. 8 Cost to attend each seminar is $125. You'll receive a special rate if you register for three or more. To register for any of our seminars, click here Congrats, Danielle! Danielle Ezell was recently accepted into the signature Leadership OKC program. For more information on Leadership OKC, click here. We're on the lookout! 20 Hats is accepting applications for a public relations intern for the fall 2006 semester. Our intern program is designed specifically for advanced communications students with previous internships who are ready for a rigorous 'real-life' internship before graduation. For more information, click here.