Monthly Programs from ICA
Professional Development for Independent Communicators
ICA meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm. This meeting is a combination of socializing and business networking, with a topic of discussion to kick things off. We are in search of the ideal meeting venue...the September meeting will be at Starbucks Coffee, 3800 Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh
UPCOMING: October 22
Launching Your Freelance Career
The last year has seen layoffs at both the News & Observer and Herald-Sun, not to mention major Triangle corporations including IBM and Glaxo. For journalists and others in the communications field, this can be an opportunity to re-invent yourself as a freelancer. Some people decide to set themselves up in business, while others may simply pick up a few assignments while looking for their next job.
Join the Independent Communicators Alliance in October to meet with fellow professionals who have taken the leap to go it alone. If you are considering remaining independent, you can talk with people who experience the pros and cons every day. If you've already decided to make the leap, you can network with other professionals who are already out in the market. We also encourage seasoned Independents to join us to share what you've learned out on your own.
September 2008 Using Social Media for Business & Profit
August 2008 Social Media Marketing
July 2008 Managing Clients
June 2008 Weathering a Recession
Speaker Programs
The ICA has had a lunchtime speaker program in the past, which we may revive depending on member interest. Following is a list of past ICA speaker programs.
January 2008 A panel of ICA members spoke at a meeting of the IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) on the topic how to find clients.
March, 2007 Jerry Bergner followed up on his January 2007 presentation with advice on mastering cold calling.
January, 2007 Jerry Bergner shared real-life tips about how to build your business with just the types of clients you want.
December, 2006 Dr. Barnsley Brown shared with us tips on how to manage and get through the holidays without experiencing the "burnout blues" in our businesses.
November, 2006 Just when you thought you knew what you were doing to create an effective Web site, along came the search engine spiders. ICA President Dena White conducted a workshop in writing and designing search engine-savvy websites.
August, 2006 Interactive marketing expert Andy Beal told us how to use blogging to our advantage, and how to respond "When Bloggers Attack."
June, 2006 Business management consultant Debbie Mangum of The O'Neill Associates told us why it's important to monitor your cash flow—and how to do so.
April, 2006 What's the best way to win business from corporate marketing departments? Quintiles' Mari Mansfield, the Herald-Sun's Elaine Morgan, and Bayer CropScience's Beth Roden shared the surprising perspective from the other side of the desk.
March, 2006 Mark Schurtman from MarketSmart Interactive shared some terrific insights into the power of search engine marketing, and how we can optimize our websites for better business performance.
January, 2006 In this Business and Brainstorming meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed ICA's accomplishments in the year just past and led an open forum discussion with members on what's ahead for 2006.