Little Red's Big Ideas

Hard Times Call for Hard... Abs?

Anyone who is (or has ever been) unemployed knows that stress comes in many forms -- financial, emotional and even physical.  However, many laid-off workers find that exercise can be a beneficial way to fill time while battling everything from boredom, loneliness, anxiety and dwindling self confidence. 

An article posted at CityTownInfo.com highlights the growing trend of gyms and fitness centers which are going out of their way to meet the changing needs of the unemployed by offering attractive membership rates and breaks.

The article sites several examples from around the country of various types of fitness centers responding to the growing number of unemployed workers in their communities:

"The Chicago Sun-Timesreports that Al Phillips, owner of five World Gym franchises in Chicago, remarked that the trend is not surprising, and noted that many people exercised more during the recession triggered by the oil crisis in the early 1970s.

Psychologists agree that exercising during a recession is a good idea. "The important thing is to give people a healthy stress outlet to replace negative behavior," said Stephen Gullo, psychologist and author of "The Thin Commandments Diet," who was quoted in The Wall Street Journal.

In a nod to the trend, fitness centers are offering incentives for those who wish to work out but may not be able to foot the bill: World Gym in Chicago is offering to cover more than half the cost of monthly membership if a client becomes laid off until the member finds work. Meanwhile, South Carolina's The Beaufort Gazettereports that unemployed workers can receive free three-month passes to the Wardle Family YMCA in Port Royal. After three months, members will be eligible for scholarships which charge a rate based on income."

Read the entire article here and don't forget to add your comments at the end of the post to share special offers available to your customers.

Dig Deeper into Your Digital Footprint

Admit it. You've "Goggled Yourself."Most of us have have!  If you haven't you should try it!  It's fun.  All you need to do is type your name (agency, facility, program name) into your google search engine and see what pops up. In the world according to Google, do you exist? Are you popular? 

While Google does a great job searching traditional Websites, the Blogosphere and the most popular social networking site; Google can fall short when it comes to searching niche networks.  Now, however, thanks to a site called, namecchk anyone can dig into more than 75 social sites and online media channels to see where, how or if your name or url is being used.  To learn more about this resource check out this article on Mashable, by Jennifer VanGrove, who does a good job explaining the need to stay abreast and protect your good name now and for future online marketing. 

Invasion of the Podcasters

Everyone's going so high tech these days.  Last week while speaking at the American Camp Association's Midstate's Conference I was given a tiny iPod-looking thing which turned out to be a tiny digital recorder,  Then I was reminded that my workshop, Fundwriting Letters That Get Results,  was being recorded and would be made available post conference as a Podcast via the ACA website.  Of course, I had agreed to this recording months in advance and was thrilled at the opportunity to try something new -- all in the name of the greater camp community. 

So sure enough, just days after the final curtain fell on the 2009 Midstates Conference, my session is now posted for all to access. Now you can listen on your computer or your iPod, cell phone or mp3 player.And while the podcasts are raw and unedited, it still is a very cool technology allowing those unable to attend a conference to stay up on the latest information. 

But, because I aim to please, I'm going to go one step further.  As a blog reader, not only can you link to the recording here; you can also download the handouts for the session below.  Now that truly is almost as good as being there.

So go ahead and listen to your heart's (and ears') content by following this link.  There's lots of other great sessions from the conference there, too.  

To get the most out of your podcast I recommend printing and following along with these high content handouts.  Download Fundwriting_2009_Enhanced

If you do decide to listen, please let us know.

NBC Pokes Fun at "Parks and Recreation." Three Ways to Fight Back!

"Parks and Recreation," the NBC sitcom will air its first show on April 9 at 8:30/7:30 central.  While the show promises to poke fun at our beloved profession, the publicist in me can't help but look for the silver lining AND exploit the opportunity.  So here are three things you should (MUST) do to prevent any backlash the show might cause...

1.  Admit that it's coming.  Don't bury your head in the sand and hope no one will notice that the show is about you, the parks and recreation profession and people who work in the parks and recreation profession.  Let people know that you have a sense of humor and that just like other TV sitcoms is highlighting extreme caricatures of public agencies.  Send a letter to the editor of your local paper acknowledging the show, but also stressing your benefits.

2.  Contact your NBC affiliate today if possible.  This idea is a must!  Let your local NBC program directors know that you feel compelled to tell your side of the story.  Explain that you are concerned that some viewers might not understand that the show is a parody and you want to offer some balance to the story. Offer one of your parks, facilities or offices as a backdrop for a story related to the REAL people behind YOUR parks and recreation department.   Why not suggest a news story following the Thursday line-up (doesn't have to be this week -- could be any week that the show airs this spring) that highlights the many amazing aspects of your department.  Some ideas (based on the trailers)

• Playground Safety -- "No, there are NO speed bumps on the slides, but we do have a fully certified playground safety inspector working on staff to insure that playgrounds are as safe as possible for children of all ages and abilities."  Stress ADA improvements you've made over the past few years. 
• Public Input -- Early trailers (previews) for the show have poked fun at the lack of respect for public input, on the part of department leadership.  Suggest a story that showcases the many ways your department reaches out and incorporates suggestions, ideas (and even complaints) from the public.  This is a great chance to highlight volunteer opportunities, boards, commissions and committees.
• Staff Expertise and Professionalism-- More than likely the show will amplify the blunders and "idocracy" of park and recreation leaders and staff.  Pitch a story about the experience, education, passion and commit that drives your professional leadership.  You may want to bring in college or university professor from a nearby parks, recreation, tourism or public administration programs to educate the public about the course work required of park and recreation graduates.  It's more than stacking chairs and counting basketballs, right?

3.  Hold a Party with Staff, Friends or Peers! Watch the show with others who can relate to your experiences/frustrations.  Downloading the show and watch with staff as a way to add some humor to upcoming trainings or staff meeting.  Watch a scene and talk about similar situations staff has truly encountered and how to best handle the scenario. 

Be sure to check out my other posts pertaining to the show and share your stories here.