How others see us is important

Image. What does that word conjure up in your mind? It is the foundation, though not openly discussed, of all that we do in the public relations and bulletin editing business.

The well-known song lyrics say: "You've got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative..." The old question of whether the glass is half full or half empty needs to be answered in this discussion.

Bulletins should give a positive feeling

Bulletins are becoming weekly or monthly vehicles for presidents, music directors, show chairmen, chapter development VPs, and even editors, to chastise chapter members. Virtually anyone who wants to take a shot is given the ink and space. What sort of image does that project to a guest (read: potential member)? Is he excited about joining a group of men who can't learn their music, can't sing on key, can't sell ads, don't attend meetings regularly, won't write articles for the bulletin, and don't recruit people to join?

Remember, if you are repeatedly told you're dumb, incompetent, lazy or indifferent or any combination thereof, at some point you begin to believe it.

There are positive ways to ask chapter members to do more without scolding them as if they are little children. One alternative is contained in the name of our Society: "Encouragement." In which of the following choruses would you rather sing?

Director A: "How many times do I have to tell you about singing in tune?"

Director B: "You guys have the lyrics cold, so now we can focus all our efforts and energy on nailing the tonal center of this song."

Each director has said there's a tuning problem. The difference is, one has praised the singers for what they do well, and given them a positive approach to solving the problem.

Imagine yourself as a guest

If you were a guest singing for Director A, do you think you might feel just a little uncomfortable, or even intimidated? What "image" would you take with you?

Show Chairman A: "We're off to a great start with the ad sales for this year's show program. If we can just keep up the pace, we won't have a problem meeting our show budget."

Show Chairman B: "I don't know how we're ever going to make our show budget if you guys won't get off your butts and sell some ads."

Both show chairmen need the revenue generated by ad sales. You decide which of the two has an easier road ahead of him.

There's no denying the fact that some members of this volunteer organization sometimes need a little prodding. The question is, do we do it through praise and encouragement, or do we call in a drill sergeant?

It's not a case of rose-colored glasses or ignoring problems.

However, it does necessitate intentionally putting a positive spin on things and presenting solutions rather than griping about problems.

Put a positive spin on membership

Which of the following approaches do you prefer? "We've got to find a way to get new members and stop our numbers from dwindling any more." Or, "The membership team believes this new program will help us add several more good singers to the chorus." Same problem, two vastly different ways of discussing it.

Or, how about this? "Every chapter wants him, but we've got him. Dr. Roland Rock will be here for a weekend music and coaching seminar."

Again, it's the solution rather than a rehash of the chapter's musical problems.

Public relations is an ongoing effort

Public relations is something that occurs within each chapter, each week. Keep the spirit and the image positive. See to it that at least one upbeat article appears in your local newspaper each month.

Don't allow chapter bulletins to become doom and gloom missives or somebody's ready-made gripe journal. A guest may not remember what you said, but he doesn't need to rely on his memory if you put it in print.

Encourage bulletin contributors to write from the perspective that the glass is half full and have them outline ways to fill it to the brim.

Editors don't have to publish articles as written. Develop an editorial policy that takes a positive, proactive stance for your chapter.

The PROBE cadre is in the unique position of being able to influence the chapter on a regular basis - both internally and within the local community. Let's do everything in our power to have our chapter's image reflect the joy, harmony, thrills, fun and camaraderie that exist in barbershopping.

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