By Lindsay Ridgley
If you’re like me, you’ve always been a communicator at heart, or you’ve always wanted to be one. I remember watching Barbara-Lee Edwards on CTV and thinking “that’s the job for me!” I’m told I corrected adults’ grammar at age two and that I’ve always ‘spun’ the facts to suit me best. But I’ve also always wanted to be a parent. When we welcomed our daughter into the world, I completely abandoned my first passion (I blame the colic). Now that we’ve welcomed baby two, I don’t want to make that same mistake. So here’s how I plan to stay comms savvy, and how other new parents can too.
- Stay active on social media
You can learn a lot about the world around you in two minutes. IABC Manitoba regularly posts great, shareable content on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Don’t give up on the social platforms you’re normally active on. While you might not have anything original to post, you can retweet or follow along on other conversations. If you drop off, people will forget you. It’s inevitable in the world we live in now.
- Attend a networking/professional development event once in a while
And bring your kid. Honestly. If it’s the only way you can get there, do it. I brought my son to IABC’s influencer marketing event on June 7. He fussed a bit, and you know what? No one cared! Or at least they didn’t seem like they cared. Events are a great way to maintain those connections you’ve tirelessly built, or make new ones – ones that may land you a new job when you’re ready to head back to work. Ones that will keep you sane while you wipe the spit-up off your shirt. It might take a while to get you there, but please, get there.
- Join a board or committee
This is a great way to keep your skills up. Tons of charities are looking for free comms guidance and support. IABC Manitoba is always looking for fresh faces to help out in some capacity. But make sure you don’t stretch yourself thin. After all, you’re probably still getting up at least two to three times a night to answer to the most demanding boss of all time. Find the opening that fits you and just do it (Nike says it best).
If comms is your passion, find me online or at the IABC Manitoba AGM on June 23 and let’s chat about ditching the diaper bag for a night.
Twitter: @LindsayRidgley
