Like me, most communicators I know have one or both of these strengths: Input and Learner. These are from the StrengthsFinderTM assessment.
“People strong in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.”
“People strong in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.”
— Strengths-Based Leadership, by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie
In short, we want to know more, and we want to continuously improve our skills.
In that spirit, I offer five learning resources for communicators:
1. Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project
My favorite way to use this website is to compare what I know about my target audiences with Pew’s data on those audiences’ behaviors. One topic that interests me is the strategic use of social media for health organizations. Here’s a Pew presentation that relates.
Another great piece is on the youth of today entering the workforce. They have grown up in the digital world. IPods, smartphones and online social sharing are the norm. Here’s the article and a quote from the article:
“So, why shouldn’t young employees think it clever and fun to post on their blogs pictures of Apple computers being delivered to the loading bay at Microsoft headquarters? That is what Michael Hanscom, a temp employee for a Microsoft vendor, did and was quickly fired for violating the company’s non-disclosure rules.”
Yikes! What might that look like in an academic setting? The football coach wearing a Michigan sweatshirt?
2. Ragan.com
A publisher and professional development firm, Ragan Communications publishes many e-newsletters for communicators in different sectors. The company also hosts conferences, webinars, and workshops. I subscribe to its PR Daily e-newsletter.
Here’s an article on 10 features that an employee intranet should have. I love #4. Sometimes at 3 p.m., I need to know who has chocolate on hand.
3. Content Marketing Institute
This professional development and consulting business offers guidance and training on content marketing. I like their articles.
In my iTunes U course on Branding, Content, and Social Media, I use Coca Cola examples throughout. They are mostly positive, with only one or two questions about Coke’s intention. Here’s a great article by CMI on Coke’s content strategy.
4. iTunes U
Speaking of ITunes U, I encourage you to browse its course listings. My course is Branding, Content, and Social Media. There are many other courses on marketing, writing, PR, etc.
5. Mindset Digital
Some of you might know Betsy Hubbard and Debra Jasper from their time here at Ohio State. After leaving the university, they built their own social media consulting business called Mindset Digital.
The company’s website offers a page they call the “cheat sheet” that includes all kinds of tips and tricks.
Check it out!
BONUS!
I only promised 5 things, but here are 2 more bonus ideas for Ohio Staters:
That’s enough for now.
What online sources do you use for continuous learning?