Through the Noise

Latest Episodes:

#319 Dennis Goris of Goris Communications on Setting Yourself Apart with Storytelling Dec 25, 2017

Show notes

We're excited to welcome Dennis Goris back to the show today. He's the President and Creative Director of Goris Communications and helps nonprofits tell their story and refine their branding and messaging. Trying to raise money for your cause? Make sure your elevator is on-point. Trying to redefine your mission? An outside perspective can ensure it's succinct and coherent. It's important to tell your story, tell it well, and tell it in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. In our conversation with Dennis Goris, he helps analyze Through the Noise and our parent company, Human Factor Media and asks questions that you can apply to your own situation. Are you looking for new ways to communicate with your audience? Human Factor Media produces podcasts for all types of nonprofits -- get in touch today.

#318 Paul Stalknecht of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America on Skilled Jobs & Energy Efficiency Dec 18, 2017

Show notes

No one ever thinks about air conditioning until it's not working -- that's what our guest Paul Stalknecht of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America says. They represent 4000 member companies that work in residential and commercial air conditioning and even if people aren't thinking about them too much at this time of year, there's still a lot of important things that the ACCA has to offer. The air conditioning contractors have jobs. Lots and lots of jobs. The average age of the people working the technical jobs in HVAC are 50+ and so most will be retiring soon -- leaving the industry wide open for those who are interested in learning a trade that doesn't require a four-year degree and a boatload of debt. Join us today as we chat AC efficiency, governmental standards, and the possibilities for technical work for a younger generation.

#317 Shawn Boynes, Executive Director of the American Association of Anatomists on Communications and Name Changes Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

Shawn Boynes is the Executive Director of the American Association of Anatomists, one of the oldest scientific societies in the United States. Since 1888 the AAA has been a resource for researchers and educators around the world who work in the field of anatomy. The organization is at a crossroads and working to come to terms with a name that does not fully reflect the potential membership that they could serve. They are currently considering other names to appeal to their broader audience to better represent all those working in the field of anatomy.

#316 Dr. Amy Dufrane, CEO of the Human Resource Certification Institute on Why Certification Matters Dec 04, 2017

Show notes

The human resources field has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Dr. Amy Dufrane, CEO of the Human Resource Certification Institute joins us to discuss the changes and why certified human resources personnel are so critical to a well-functioning organization. The HRCI produces a new certification test every single year to verify the skills and knowledge of those working in the field. With the advent of applicant screening technologies, the process of recruiting has become less time-consuming so there are more opportunities for those in human resources to work directly with the people in their company. If you have questions about human resources management and policies, don't miss this episode.

#315 Barbara Stephenson, President of the American Foreign Service Association Nov 27, 2017

Show notes

"The rapid loss of so many senior officers has a serious, immediate, and tangible effect on the capacity of the United States to shape world events," according to today's guest, Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, President of the American Foreign Service Association. We're thrilled to welcome her to Through the Noise and we had the opportunity to sit down with her to talk about the work of AFSA which is the "voice of the foreign service" and the professional association for diplomats. They represent 32,000 active and retired Foreign Service employees working in multiple agencies and capacities around the world. Ambassador Stephenson is herself a career diplomat whose initial post was in Panama while Noriega was in power. You definitely won't want to miss this episode for the critical tie-in to current events as well as an invaluable perspective on the role diplomats play in the world.

#314 Karen Silberman of the American Chiropractic Association on Advocacy, Communications, and Conferences Nov 20, 2017

Show notes

Did you know 33 million Americans see chiropractors each year? The American Chiropractic Association is the professional organization for practitioners of chiropractic medicine and represents 10,500 doctors and students. We've invited their Executive VP, Karen Silberman to the show. Titles vary wildly in the nonprofit world and her title of Executive VP puts her in charge of the operations of the organization while the President is occupied with more outward-facing duties. The ACA has been around since 1922 and plays a critical role in advocating for the profession on the hill. Join us for this conversation on a sometimes-misunderstood profession as we discuss advocacy, crisis communications, and collaboration.

#313 Ellie Hollander of Meals on Wheels America Nov 16, 2017

Show notes

Our population is aging, our health care system is crumbling, and our transportation system often isolates people who can no longer drive. Enter Meals on Wheels. Ellie Hollander is the President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America which represents 5000 different Meals on Wheels programs across the United States. Meals on Wheels makes it possible for people to remain independent and stay in their own homes by helping those who are unable to travel to grocery stores or prepare their own meals. With a paid staff of 100,000 (!) across the country and more than 2 MILLION VOLUNTEERS, Meals on Wheels is a massive operation. Meals on Wheels America is the national organization which is heavily involved in lobbying and advocacy on the Hill and works to make sure their staff, their volunteers, and their recipients receive the support they need, no matter the political climate. To find out how they manage their longtime public-private partnerships and bipartisan support, you won't want to miss this episode.

#312 Merrill Shugoll of Shugoll Research on Market Research and Focus Groups Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

With technology moving so quickly these days, it's easy to make changes to websites, campaigns, and programs at the click of a button. But that ease can also create complications and allow for the implementation of unvetted ideas so we've invited Merrill Shugoll to the show to talk about her expertise in market research. Merrill Shugoll is the President of Shugoll Research, a marketing research firm based in Bethesda, MD, just outside DC and she helps nonprofits and private companies test their ideas in front of focus groups before launching. Though it might seem like an unnecessary or luxurious expenditure, she covers the reasons why the research is an invaluable investment that can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. If your organization is considering any major changes, you won't want to miss the episode before you roll them out for the public.

#311 Stephanie Mickle of The National Bar Association Political Action Committee Nov 09, 2017

Show notes

Stephanie Mickle of The National Bar Association Political Action Committee joins us for an overview of PACs, how and why they work, and how you could use one. The National Bar Association was created in 1925 to give (primarily) African American lawyers, judges, law students, and other supporters a professional organization as the American Bar Association was still segregated and they were not allowed to become members. The NBA represents 66,000 members of the legal profession and has been part of the struggle for civil rights and justice since its inception. Last year their membership decided it was time to relaunch the political funding arm of the organization so we've invited Stephanie Mickle, the Director of the National Bar Association PAC to chat with us today. Join us to learn more about PACs, their rules, uses, and common misconceptions.

Bio:

The National Bar Association Political Action Committee (NBAPAC) is a separate, voluntary committee that collects contributions from National Bar Association members to support candidates and incumbents from both sides of the aisle who support issues of importance to the National Bar Association. Stephanie Mickle, Director of the National Bar Association Political Action Committee, is a native of Gainesville, Fl. She is an Attorney at Law and Legislative that graduated from Harvard University and is a former General Counsel for Sen. Bill Nelson.

#310 Public Relations with Sabrina Kidwai of the DC / National Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America Nov 06, 2017

Show notes

Most people working for nonprofits probably consider the work they're doing to be pretty important but the challenge is to convince other people of the value of your work and that of your organization. You may be doing the most transformative work in the entire world, but if you can't tell your story and can't let people know about it -- then what is the point? To answer some of the important questions about getting your message not just out there, but in the hands of the right people, we have invited Sabrina Kidwai of the DC / National Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America to clarify some of the finer points of public relations. Sabrina Kidwai is the president of the chapter which is the largest in the country with 1200 members working in nonprofits, government, and private business and all their members benefit from the diverse background of their membership. Don't miss what she has to say today on Through the Noise.

Bio:

The National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America represents many of the top leaders in the PR field and is the essential network for PR practitioners in the Washington, D.C. area. PRSA-NCC is the largest and most active PRSA chapter in the nation – with more than 1,200 members and 40-plus events each year. Sabrina Kidwai, APR, CAE, MPA, has been involved in public relations for 16 years and is currently the senior manager of public relations at ASAE. She is the president of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and has served on the board for 9 years.

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