Using Social Media in Toastmasters Clubs

Recently I had lead a Social Media workshop. Specifically what social media is and how to us it your clubs.

Social media can help in your recruiting processes, education processes and in basic communication to members and non-members.
Social media can help with your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as it creates more back-links to your site, creates more dynamic
content and keeps everything fresh and new.

The biggest challenge is the age gap. Social media is often used and used best by the younger generations. It is good to use
social media because to attract the younger generation as this keeps the balance between the “Old Guard” which has the experience
and the “New Blood” which gives the clubs a future.

IT Professional and Communication Skills

It is a well-known fact that Information Technology professionals are often lacking skills in the communication department. Almost every job posting lately had stated you must have good Oral and Written communication skills. This was not me; at least until recent. I was always the guy standing by the punch bowl or snack table with hands in the pockets that said “HEY” as people walked by. IT professionals often confuse colleagues, friends and customers with their acronyms and tech-lingo – I was one of these people. Then I was pulled out to a Toastmasters meeting.

Practice Makes You Better – Not Perfect

I have often heard that practice makes perfect.  Perfect is a goal that cannot be achieved and therefore this statement is false.  No one is or can be perfect.  People often aim for the state of being perfect and give up on the way, because they become impatient.  People become impatient with their goals when they are not achieved in a said “reasonable” time.

We Need You

Dear Toastmasters Members;

Clubs have or will be having elections soon to fill the executive positions.   My club at London Western is having their elections this coming Monday.

We Need You!  When I say we need you; I mean your club needs you.  Every club needs a good solid dedicated executive to lead the club.  You can do it!  Even new members can take a leadership role.  Your club executive is a great way to stretch yourself, learn new leadership skills and build on existing skills and talents.  There are roles for all Toastmasters that can and will challenge you.

I had personally enjoyed, learned a lot and think I have helped my club as VP of Membership.  It was a challenging and rewarding role.  I believe that everyone should take on this role.  You get to practice delegating, organizing events and build relationships.  It is through this role, I was able to prepare myself for a management role within a new company.

Here is a list of roles and descriptions as taken from the Toastmasters International website:

Reference URL: http://www.toastmasters.org/clubofficers.aspx

President

As president, you are responsible for providing the supportive club environment members need to fulfill their self-development goals, making sure that members benefit from the Toastmasters educational program, and helping the club recruit new members and retain current ones.

Vice President Education
As vice president education, you are responsible for providing and maintaining the positive environment and the programs through which members can learn and grow. If you do your job well, your club will have satisfied members and will continue to grow.

Vice President Membership
As vice president membership, you are responsible for building membership and ensuring a strong membership base by satisfying the needs of all members. Your efforts contribute to the success of the club.

Vice President Public Relations
As vice president public relations, you are responsible for coordinating an active public relations and publicity program. Your job is vital to the growth and success of the club; your efforts help to attract new members.

Treasurer
As treasurer, you are responsible for keeping clear and accurate financial records of club business and for seeing that the club remains financially stable.

Secretary
As secretary, you are responsible for keeping clear and accurate records of club business, including membership records and correspondence with Toastmasters International’s World Headquarters and others.

Sergeant at Arms
As the sergeant at arms, you are responsible for maintaining club properties, arranging the meeting room and welcoming members and guests at each meeting.

Doing Something Right – Thanks Toastmasters

This year I received confirmation that I was doing something right by being a member of Toastmasters.  I was told that I was the first computer geek that could be understood.  I was told it was obvious that I was a Toastmaster.  Shortly after that, I was offered a job.  It was a position that I dreamed of holding.  I am now Manager of Technology.  I am responsible for Social Media, Programming, the Information Technology Group and more.  It is a pretty tall order of responsibilities.  It is because of Toastmasters that I was able to achieve this and it is my leadership practice in my club that I am able to maintain this position.  Although I am relatively new in the position, I feel like I am doing great.

Thanks Toastmasters for helping me to succeed.  I know I am on the right path with Toastmasters.