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Sometimes the old methods are the best

With so many communication methods to choose from, email, Twitter, Facebook, Sharepoint…we can sometimes be overwhelmed with choice. However, older methods of communication still have a place in society as Canada’s Harold Hackett has been proving.

Over the last two decades, he has sent out more than 4,800 messages in a bottle from his Canadian home along the Atlantic coastline.

Every message asks for the finder to send a response back to Hackett, and since 1996 he has received an impressive 3,100 responses from all over the world, each one with a different story to tell.

The emotions involved in receiving an unexpected personal letter, mean that the older communication methods still have a valuable role to play. Though as Harold has sometimes waited up to 13 years for a reply, there is still something to be said for the speed of new media!

You can watch a video of Harold talking about his messages in bottle on the BBC News website >

Melitta

By | October 23rd, 2011|Other resources|0 Comments
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Wrap up – GCN lunch event on PR and Ethics (14 October)

Many thanks to Jonathan Leighton for his thought provoking presentation at our recent GCN lunch and thank you to the participants who joined in the discussion. Jonathan presented some interesting perspectives on the critical role of values and codes of conduct in today’s PR and communications environment. More information about Jonathan and his recently published book can be found on his website: http://www.thebattleforcompassion.com.

A few photos have been uploaded to the GCN flickr account and can be seen on our photostream on the left of the screen.

For those who are interested in receiving a copy of the presentation, please send us an email or contact Jonathan directly on: jonl@sunrise.ch.

Look out for our next event coming up in November on Public Affairs.

Glenn, Patricia, Melitta and Vincent

By | October 19th, 2011|GCN lunch events|0 Comments
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Survey reveals how to master video conferencing

A recent global survey by Australia’s 1080 Group that asked close to 1,200 professionals key questions about how they use video conferencing, has given some surprising insights. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Productivity is the top reason for using Video Conferencing, with money saving coming second.
  • Value depends on your own communication or organisation needs, with Europeans valuing the ability to communicate more regularly with peers, while industries such as Financial Services value it as a ‘green’ alternative to physical travel.
  • Cultural issues are the biggest barrier to video conferencing usage, with an “Inability or unwillingness to use new technology” and “entrenchment of the current way we do things” taking the top two spots by a wide margin.
  • The need for good examples to learn from. A number of insights pointed to the experiential nature of meeting and collaborating virtually. Sadly, some people disparage the communication medium because they see others using it unsuccessfully. The main gripe was presenters that “have distracting mannerisms or gestures.”
  • It’s growing fast! Despite the issues respondents predicted that video conferencing will grow by 211% in 2012!
To read more about the lessons learned from the survey, follow the below link to download the resulting white Paper, which includes a useful checklist.

 

Melitta

By | October 19th, 2011|Other resources|0 Comments
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GCN Lunchtime seminar – 14 October, 2011 12.30 pm

  Lunchtime seminar – Ethics and PR: the role of values in a changing world
 
  With the explosion of information, the competition for attention has never been greater. Companies and organisations are under pressure     to vaunt their successes and can be tempted to oversell and distort the truth. In this presentation, Jonathan Leighton will discuss the critical role today of values and codes of conduct in PR and communications.
 
  Date: Friday 14 October 2011
  Time: 12h30 to 14h00
  Location*: The Swiss Press Club, Route de Ferney 106, La Pastorale, 1202 Geneva.
  Fee: CHF 15.- per person includes drinks and snacks – payable at the door.
 
Jonathan Leighton is a writer and independent communications consultant. Trained as a molecular biologist, Jonathan worked several years in the fragrance industry in various research and management functions. He has worked for a wide variety of clients and carried out European media relations for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Jonathan recently published his first book, The Battle for Compassion: Ethics in an Apathetic Universe, a philosophical exploration of the basis of ethics and strategies for effective impact.
 
Places are limited due to the venue size, so please register early for the event.
 
 
We look forward to seeing you there.
Glenn, Patricia, Vincent, Melitta
*Location sponsored by the International University in Geneva.
By | October 5th, 2011|GCN lunch events|0 Comments
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Round table discussion – new media tools and human rights

In line with the United Nation’s Human Rights Universal Periodic Review, 12 journalists selected from the 8 countries under review, will hold a round table discussion at Webster University on new media tools and human rights.

Discussion will be followed by a question and answer period and networking.

Drinks and refreshments will be served.

Wednesday 5 October2011, 18-20h00, Webster University, Geneva

Panelists from: Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Swaziland, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Uganda

Please RSVP to rosso@webster.ch

By | October 5th, 2011|Other events|0 Comments
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New job postings!

By | September 30th, 2011|Careers|0 Comments
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New executive certificate in advocacy in Geneva

The Graduate Institute in Geneva and Leidar are launching an executive certificate in advocacy, starting in January 2012.

The course combines the academic perspective with practical experience to equip future leaders with the required skills to manage successful advocacy campaigns in today’s complex world and its challenging professional environment.

Some of the features of the programme include:

– Flexibility for working professionals: part-time programme twice a month on Friday and Saturday

– In-depth academic analysis combined with top-level professional training

– An expert international faculty with years of proven practical experience

·         An opening to a wide range of career opportunities in the private sector, international organisations and NGOs

Please check the website for the full programme:
http://graduateinstitute.ch/corporate/executive/masters_executive/advocacy_en.html

By | September 25th, 2011|Professional development|0 Comments
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Visual identity – call fo proposals – the Sphere Project

The Sphere Project (SphereProject.org) is   looking for graphic designers to respond to their call for proposal:
http://goo.gl/KxVGo

deadline: 30 September 2011

By | September 23rd, 2011|Careers|0 Comments
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Workshop: Getting the Best from your Creative Team

Getting the Best from your Creative Team

6:00pm – 8:00pm, Wednesday, September 28, 2011

International Media Management:
Getting the Best from your Creative Team

Media production in a culturally diverse creative team can become problematic, yet rewarding. When these teams are charged with producing content that works across cultures the process becomes even more complex.

What cultural considerations are specific to international media production? How can a manager use a team’s diversity to produce effective socially responsible media content that works across cultures?

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

18:00-18:30 Registration & refreshments

18:30-20:00 Workshop

20:00 Apéro
Webster University, Commons Room
Route de Collex 15, 1293 Bellevue

A photo project with Synthon is used as the basis for examining production challenges, generating discussion, and developing solid tactics for managing the client-producer relationship from both sides.

Panel members

Ron Banks, Marketing
David Veenhuys, Public relations
Paul Sutin, Media manager
Kristian Skeie, Photojournalist
Keith Strandberg, Videographer
Daniel Deboy, Audi engineer
Tim Young, Media Technician

Register now for limited seating:
wichert @ webster.ch
+41 (0)22 959 8016

By | September 22nd, 2011|Other events|0 Comments
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Workshop: Creating effective teams — an introduction to Belbin Team Roles

An interesting workshop coming up in Geneva:

Creating effective teams — an introduction to Belbin Team Roles

Saturday 24 September 2011, Geneva, 9.00–17.00

Do you feel that you’re not fully using your natural talents at work? Do you ever get frustrated as part of a “team” that doesn’t really function well as a team? Is team spirit sometimes jeopardized by difficult relationships with colleagues?

If yes…then join us for this fun, interactive workshop to learn how the Belbin Team Roles approach can help you to develop your self-management skills, understand the unique contribution you can make within a team and build productive working relationships.

The workshop will be run by Liz Tayfun and Sarah Clark, both Belbin Team Role accredited facilitators.

More information and registration (pdf)>>

By | September 16th, 2011|Other events|0 Comments
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