Tips for Building a Strong PRSA Committee

So you’re planning for 2012 as a new PRSA Colorado committee chair. Question: How do I make sure I can do the work, successfully? Answer: Build the best committee possible. 

As co-chairs for the 2011 PRSA CoLab (formerly Fall retreat) and past co-chairs for Gold Pick, programs and more, we have some ideas on how to build a strong, accountable team. 

Tara and Kate’s tips for building a team (and a committee):

• Consistency is key. Identify your meeting date and time, and stick to it. 
• Build a team of proven “doers” that have connections. We recommend you ask two or three people you trust to join your committee and ask them to invite others. 
       -Are these people you would hire? Would you give them a reference? If yes, you
       want them on your committee.
       -Let them lead and take ownership of pieces within the committee. Let them be 
       accountable for success or failure. And as co-chairs, if they fail, have a Plan B in
       place.
       -Find committee members who aren’t afraid to ask hard questions or ask for
       sponsorships. The worst a sponsor will say is “No.”
• Don’t include committee members who don’t come to meetings or respond to emails. If we didn’t hear from them after two meetings, you’re off the team. Sayonara.
• Utilize your board liaisons for advice, expertise and counsel. They’re on the board because they’re leaders and know the vision of PRSA. Use them.
• Keep the PRSA Colorado president and Nicole Plese of IMI Group in the loop. They know everything about PRSA, policies, contracts and more. 
• Don’t ask for volunteers, ask individuals to take on specific work tasks.
• Also, if you need new ideas – do guided brainstorming with a pre-determined outcome in mind. Ask committee members to come to you with specific ideas around an identified topic.
• Embrace a committee structure that encourages innovation and pushing the envelope. In our jobs, we strive for excellence. It should be no different with volunteer commitments.
• Be organized. Be on time. Our agendas, minutes and materials were in one Excel document, updated every meeting and our meetings were no longer than one hour.  
• Remember, we’re all volunteers, respect one another’s time. Respond promptly.
• And finally, appreciate your committee members. Thank them for their time. And thank your board liaisons and your sponsors. 
• Food at committee meetings always helps.

Good luck next year. If you have questions about building your team, email Tara (trojas@cobizfinancial.com) or Kate (Kate.Stabrawa@ogilvy.com).