FPRA Conference

I’ve been writing a lot about the Modern Communicator and answering questions that have flowed in through Twitter, Skype, LinkedIn and Facebook. Who is the Modern Communicator? What does it take to become one, and how can you be more effective with your communication, whether it’s for your professional brand or your business? All great questions. My article, “If You’re a Modern Communicator, Then You THINK AHEAD” addresses these questions.

However, there’s one fundamental quality of the Modern Communicator that has to become an automatic part of your practice. It’s your ability to make tough choices, and to move outside of your comfort zone, as the communications landscape continues to evolve. Here’s where you have to trust your gut and know when to shift into your “uncomfortable zone.”

I’ll share a little story with you. In 2014, Richard Bistrong, a former international sales executive, contacted me after he was released from prison. He had read my books while he was incarcerated for 14 months. When he reached out, he asked if I would help him with his messaging for the media , work with him to navigate social media, and to rebuild his damaged reputation.

Here’s where, as a Modern Communicator, I had to make a choice. Should I step out of my comfort zone to take on this account? Should I align my work and brand with someone I had never met before, and I’m only first learning about his story? Even some of my closest colleagues said I shouldn’t take the assignment (all good intentioned professionals). I rose to the occasion and decided to work with Richard.

Richard and I will be discussing the details his journey in a Fireside Chat at the FPRA 80th Annual Conference on August 7th in Jacksonville, Florida. Until then, here’s a little bit about the Richard’s story (from the Modern Communicator’s perspective).