General Meeting Minutes

Amanda, Joi, Whitney, Mandy and I returned from Detroit last night. Not only did we manage to room together for five days without any major injuries or yelling matches, but we learned many things about social media, crisis communication, internal communication and MORE! To join in on the festivities of social media, we've decided to start a blog. I'll be posting the minutes here, so please ask questions, leave comments, whatever!

Here are the topics we discussed tonight:

1) Professional Etiquette
While at National Conference, we saw many things that were definitely unprofessional. Here's a list of what we came up with for dos and don'ts of being professional.

a. Shoes - If you're attending a professional function, please try to be conservative. This includes close-toe, conservative shoes. This does not usually include thigh high boots, strappy sandals that wrap around your calves, six inch red patent leather shoes, etc.

b. Skirts - Unfortunately, some of us saw things at Conference that we never want to see again. Please keep your skirt knee length (or longer). Keep in mind the slit too! The skirt may be knee length but the slit may be butt-cheek length. Check that out before purchasing.

c. Facebook - Many companies are looking through Facebook profiles. I've heard they can bypass any privacy settings you have. I know this isn't fun, but please keep in mind the pictures you're posting on Facebook as well as what your friends are writing on your wall. Bumper Stickers and other applications should also be monitored. Companies may not enjoy your most recent keg stand and "bad cop" Halloween costume.

d. E-mail - Keep in mind who you are talking to through e-mail. Employers may not appreciate e-mails that resemble text messages. Remember good grammar, spelling, complete sentences and so on. Also, don't have a crazy signature with extra large font and wild colors. I appreciate your creative signature but Boss X may not understand that you're an artist. Short and simple please.

e. Phone - When an employer calls to speak with you about their job offer, they may quickly change their mind when they hear a naughty song discussing (insert dirty lyrics here). If you insist on having a ring back tone, keep it neutral. Mandy explained that she had a ringback tone that would change on its own....think about it.

2) National Conference
The conference was amazing, and if you have any questions please contact one of us! The biggest advice for those of you who didn't go is to start exploring social media and how companies use it.

There were many speakers who talked about the ways PRSSA helped their careers, so yay for us!! I hope you all can attend National Conference next year in San Diego (luckies).

3) Blog
So you've done the first two steps for this blog. You actually came here and you are now reading the blog. High five. NOW....comment, write your own blog, ask questions, share info, whatever you want to do! When you write your blog, type it in a word document then e-mail it to Amanda and she'll post it.

4) Guest Speaker
Shelly Rowling is an Event Specialist at Boone Hospital. She will be speaking to us on November 12th in Windsor Lounge. Joi will be creating a flyer and spreading the word. The speaker is open to everyone so invite your friends!

5) End of semester party
Whitney is planning this party and it will be our special version of Secret Santa. It will be "Secret-What-Gets-Me-Through-Finals." This event is on Thursday, December 4th at 6 p.m. More info to come.

ready.....set.............START BLOGGING!

Miranda