Little Red's Big Ideas

AFRS Joint Services Handouts

Now that you're back at work, I'm sure you've been incredibly busy, recovering from time away at the National Recreation and Park Association conference.  Among all your other duties I hope you've had a little time to explore and even implement a few ideas learned during your sessions.  Here's something, I hope, will refresh your memory... Below are the handouts I promised you during my sessions at the Joint services AFRS Training.  Use them as a guide to create your own "Extreme Marketing Makeover" Download, print, review and share with your staff and collegues. 

Extreme Marketing Makeover - AFRS EditionDownload extreme_afrs.doc

Flip That Program - Meeting and Exceeding the Needs of Military CustomersDownload flip_this_program.doc

All I ask is that you COMMENT below to confirm that you've accessed the files successfully.    And, remember -- you don't have to go it alone -- I'm here to help and would love to talk about bringing my high-energy staff training to YOUR base, installation or community to help build (renovate or update) your marketing and customer service plans.  ARE YOU INTERESTED? Email me and we'll brainstorm!

Wounded Warriors -- It Takes a Village...

I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Joint Services Armed Forces Recreation Society (AFRS) in Indianapolis. Part of the National Recreation and Park Association,  AFRS professionals provide much needed fitness, fun, friendship and enrichment to the men, women and families serving in our armed forces -- here and overseas.  AFRS "customers" are often living in the most difficult emotional and physical conditions of any American. 

One of the most pressing issues addressed at the conference was how to best serve those brave service men and women who have suffered physical or emotional injury in the line of duty (also known as “Wounded Warriors").  Some of the questions raised were:

1. How can we help these brave (typically young) men and women integrate into their communities upon their return?
2. How can armed forces recreation programs work with community recreation programs to create a bridge for transitioning “wounded warriors?”
3. How can the National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS) work with AFRS to create adaptive recreation programs for those with physical and emotional battle wounds?
4. How can community organizations partner with AFRS to supplement resources?

One this is certain… supporting the growing number of wounded warriors is not just the job of the military. After all, these new war veterans are (or will be) our family, neighbors and co-workers  The key to success for these heroes is access to wrap-around services from the public and private sectors. 

Organizations such as The Wounded Warrior Project, are already in place and, according to their mission statement, are committed to “provide comfort and aid to the most severely injured service men and women returning from the current military conflicts abroad.” 

As AFRS continues to work jointly to create efficient and effective programs, I’m happy to do my part by assisting with their marketing efforts. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, AFRS!  We’re in this together.  COMMENT below to join the Wounded Warrior conversation. 

VRPS 2007 Conference Handouts

Thanks for attending my workshops at the VRPS conference in beautiful Williamsburg.  I had a great time reconnecting to my American heritage and love all my Jamestown 400th Anniversary goodies.  I think of you all everyday when I drink my coffee out of my 400th Anniversary mug.  See -- even promotional products people love promotional products.  Anyway, I'm keeping my promise to offer you access to handout links used at this year's conference.  Feel free to download, edit and share with your staff.  (All I ask is that you post a COMMENT below helping me track whether these resources are beneficial.  Better yet, give me a call to talk about how I can bring one of my high energy workshop directly to YOUR agency.   --- Thanks a bunch! Jodi

Mission is Possible - Turning Customer Problems into Opportunities  Download mission_is_possible.doc 

Customer Retention - Taking Customer  Service to the Next Level Download beyond_customer_svc_retention_2007.doc 

Talkin' 'Bout My Generation: Download talkin_bout_my_generation_2007.doc 

Florida Recreation and Park Association 2007

Hi Floridians -- I hope you are having a great autumn so far and have been able to put some of the information learned at this year's conference to work as you plan for a successful 2008. 

As promised I have uploaded handouts from my recent workshops at the FRPA Annual Conference in Orlando.  If you attended my workshops feel free to download to your computer.  You also have my permission to edit or customize the handouts to best suit your needs. 

Power Schmoozing Download schmoozing_2006.doc

Mosaic Marketing Download mosaic_marketing_2006.ppt

Critical Community Conversations Download critical_community_conversation_2006.doc

If you'd like to explore the possibility of hiring me to present one of these programs (or any of the other 70 or so titles you'll find at my website) for your staff or any other group -- send me an email.  Or better yet -- give me a call at 760-809-3231 and we can brainstorm the many ways I can help improve your marketing results and customer service!

After grabbing your handouts please post a COMMENT below to offer feedback and suggestions.  I rely on you to improve this site. -- Thanks -- Jodi

Long, Lost Blogger

No excuses.  I've been neglecting my blog.  But, don't feel bad, Blog -- I've been neglecting other things, too.  I think I'm overdue for a teeth cleaning; I haven't seen my yoga mat since August; I haven't had a girls night out since we really were girls AND to make matters worse, my mom wants me to return her calls every once in a while.  The only people who see me on a regular basis are the van drivers at the airport parking lot and the skycaps.

In the past few weeks I've spoken at lots of great conferences including the Virginia Recreation and Park Society, National Recreation and Park Association, Florida Recreation and Park Association and Texas Recreation and Park Society.  When home I have to admit that my son is still my highest priority and I tend to favor his time over everything else.  Honestly, I really like being with Spencer and his friends but I also am trying to avoid future long-term therapy related to feelings of abandonment (for him) and guilt (for me.)

It's not that I don't think about you, Blog.  You're on my mind all the time.  I pull articles, bookmark stories and passionately sing your praises.  As the holidays approach I know that my time will be further limited and I'll have a new list of excuses I can use to explain my absence. 

But, don't worry, dear Blog.  I promise to post at least once a week.  After all, there are people out there who rely on you for information and ideas.  Please forgive me.  I'll try to do better.