DEAR FRIENDS, This is our fifth edition of Uncut , and we’re seeing glimmers of light through a door that’s opening ever-so-slightly. As we all prepare to adjust to our states’ plans for gradual re-opening, you’ll find this edition full of helpful tips. Read on for advice on how to develop and implement communications as your business re-opens. We have information here on the best materials for masks and how to care for them, compliments of Nebraska Medicine, a national leader in infectious diseases. As more of us move out and about in the world, we’ve got you covered with some fun graphics on what six feet of distance (or so) looks like here in the Queen City. If you’re looking for ways to connect with local organizations that need volunteers of all ages and abilities, scroll down. We hope you’re staying well, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Kind regards,  Mimi Rasor, President

COMING TOGETHER: INSIGHTS FROM CLIENTS AND COLLEAGUES

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VIRTUAL MEETING TOOL

Our Public Involvement team has been busy advising clients on transitioning public meetings to the virtual environment. While a few public agencies had started experimenting with virtual public meetings before COVID-19, we see them now becoming a given on every public engagement program.  There are a growing number of meeting platforms available, all with their pros and cons. To ensure your meetings are effective, choose a platform with the following capabilities when you’re in the planning stages: Easy, free public access, but with control of public comment or videos No barriers to participation Mobile-friendly Secure protocols that circumvent hijacking Seamless transitions between presenters and visuals Session recordings Public comment monitoring and documentation Demographic and email collection tools Interactive input tools As we continue to evaluate the ever-growing list of programs available, we will bring you our reviews of their capabilities to give you insight into which one may be best for your next public meeting.

DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD

There are lots of ways to help right now, and cincinnaticares.org serves as an easy-to-use platform to connect people with organizations looking for volunteers. Check out all the ways you can serve — from tutoring children to aiding in curbside pickups for farmers markets, to writing notes to senior citizens — you can even search by causes, type of work and age requirements for volunteering. How about those masks? Nebraska Medicine offers this help on the best materials, how to avoid self-contamination and more. Need to bring some peace unto your house? FC Cincinnati has you covered, with yellow cards and red cards you can throw down on anyone disturbing the serenity of your home environment.

DEAR DIRK Do you have a PR, marketing or communications-related question for our experts during this difficult time? We’ll answer them right here, anonymously. Dirk has been our steady office dog for ten years and is a great listener, but don’t worry, the advice is all human.

For businesses on the cusp of re-opening, good communication is paramount. Q: Our business is among those allowed to re-open soon. How should I handle communications? Who needs to hear what? A: There’s a renewed sense of hope emerging as social distancing efforts help to flatten the curve and governors are rolling out thoughtful plans for phased re-openings. Good communications will be critical for you as you’re re-opening, so you’re wise to be considering how to approach it. Here are some simple steps to take now that will make positive impacts when you open. Have a basic communications plan. If your organization has internal marketing communications experts, be sure to include them at every step. They’ll be critical in helping you develop a plan and execute it, but they can only be effective if they’re kept informed and at the forefront. List your key audiences – starting with employees. As you start developing a plan, make a list of who you need to talk to (internally and externally), what they need to hear, and when. Think of employees first. Write your message. This is a time your brand can either shine or fade. Speak from your heart. Your employees and the public need to feel safe, welcome and valued. Show what actions you’re taking that give them trust and confidence. Identify how you’ll communicate. Take a look at your website and social media: it’s the first place most of your critical audiences will check for information, so keep it up-to-date. Consider whether email will work for your target audiences, and any internal or external signage you’ll need. Your business may benefit from a press release announcing your re-opening as well, along with any changes to services, hours, etc. Dirk and the rest of the Rasor team are excited for you, and wish you all the best as you welcome your customers and employees back. Email your questions to info@rasor.com , and we’ll publish an answer.

ACTUAL, REAL, TOTALLY TRUE WORK-FROM-HOME STORIES FROM OUR OWN TEAM My teenage son was annoyed by the hair hanging down over his ears. Let’s just say the bowl cut is back. TODAY’S COMMUNICATION HACK Are you checking in with employees who are working from home? How about important clients? A quick email or even a snail mail note can go a long way to shoring up business connections and making sure people feel seen and heard.

FAVE WEBSITE RIGHT NOW DIY and shop-from-home cocktail services are having a moment right now. Some of your favorite bars and bartenders are even hosting virtual mixology classes so you can shake and stir to your heart’s content. Here’s one purveyor of ingredients that can make prepping for Cinco de Mayo or just perfecting an Old Fashioned extra fun.

SUPPORT THAT'S RIGHT HERE We are here if you need marketing communications advice or support. We’ve put together specially-priced packages with flexible payment terms on media relations, social media and creative strategy , all services we consider to be critical right now. We’re in this with you. Contact elyn@rasormarketing.com to talk about this and any other help you need.

DAILY DISTRACTION Social distancing is made more fun with Fiona and cheese coneys, don’t you think?

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