Managing Communication During Power Outages

Managing Communication During Power Outages

The morning of Feb. 15, Texans woke up to a Winter Wonderland. As the day wore on, our Winter Wonderland turned into a Winter Wasteland. Power outages left thousands of residents without heat and in the dark. To compound the challenges, many lost water service to their homes from frozen water pipes and other weather-related issues. The winter storm of 2021 taught us many lessons when outages lasted more than a day. Here are a few tips to help you plan for the next major weather disaster.

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Working through Mommy Guilt During the Pandemic

Working through Mommy Guilt During the Pandemic

Managing work and home life seems more challenging than ever, especially for working moms. To avoid burnout and feeling overwhelmed with the millions of choices related to our pandemic reality, I had to ask for help and lean on others. But let’s get real — it seems as though a working mother’s guilt is inevitable — pandemic or not. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help get you through it.

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How to Be COVID-Kind with Video Calls
Business Communication, Business Tips, Digital Marketing Melissa Vela-Williamson Business Communication, Business Tips, Digital Marketing Melissa Vela-Williamson

How to Be COVID-Kind with Video Calls

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there was been a wild increase in the use of video calls. As a PR person, I immediately worried that video calls would add undue volatility to an already unpredictable situation. Before you request a Zoom meeting, consider….is a video call the best tool for this? Would a conference call suffice? Or would a screen-share only video call be the best option for my audience?

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Crisis Communication in the COVID-19 Climate

Crisis Communication in the COVID-19 Climate

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned organizations of all sizes across the world upside down. Our independence and social norms have shifted dramatically to stop the spread of this novel coronavirus. Based on what I’ve experienced alongside journalists these past days, here are suggestions for how to move forward in our world’s new normal.

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3 Words to Fix a "Mad Face"
Personal Branding Melissa Vela-Williamson Personal Branding Melissa Vela-Williamson

3 Words to Fix a "Mad Face"

To know me is to know that I'm a mother. I always have some story about my kids that helps illustrate a point in a meeting, builds rapport with a new client or simply breaks the ice at an awkward social gathering. I also tend to develop little sayings -- little phrases that help me illustrate an important message. When I'm lucky, the stars align for my kids to inspire one that helps us all be better people.

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