Every picture tells a story of a project, event or team effort! Most importantly every picture represents a happy audiences! Download Bookapalooza FLYER (2) Download Sally Kohn lecture FLYER w LeeLondon Download Foodies FLYER underwriter pkg Download Bookapalooza FLYER (2) Continue reading

As a lunchtime session or kickoff workshop, these slides go along with a Marketing Planning Icebreaker shared at the #nrpaconference Download 5 Minute Marketing Icebreaker Continue reading

Since 1994 I've been honored to be part of the National Recreation and Park Association's Annual Congress. So many wonderful times and, I'm sure 2017 will be dazzling! The file below is my presentation from this year's MarCom Boot Camp (That's Marketing Communications for those without a jargon dictionary). Thrilled to be joining a fine group of trainers for this full-day Pre-Conference Workshop. Download Awesome-apps-marketng-2017 NRPA Continue reading

If you're up for an online journey to explore free online marketing apps, this blog post by Kevan Lee is a wonderful, current place to start. The article has links to all of the sites mentioned for you to check them out with ease. Warning: this is a bit of a rabbit hole! Once you start clicking it will be hard to stop. Give yourself a couple of hours to really dig in. Buffer Canva Google Analytics Hotjar Simply Measured Open Site Explorer Charlie HubSpot Marketing Free WordPress Crowdfire Medium Wistia SumoMe Segment Peek Google Scholar Google Trends Blog Topic... Continue reading

Free SEO tools from Zack Tabler and LunaMetric. Check out their list and read the article below. https://www.lunametrics.com/blog/2017/01/17/2017-favorite-free-seo-tools/ Continue reading

The 2017 Park and Recreation Monthly Webinar Series kicks off in a few days -- Wednesday, February 8 and next Thursday, February 16. According to our records you have not yet signed up for the 2017 series. We'd hate to have you miss out on this monthly education program -- not to mention the CEUs. Here is a link to register Skills Development Webinar Series, brought to you by the Illinois Park & Recreation Association. Take a look at what's in store for the coming year... FEBRUARY- The Many Faces of Diversity February 8, 10:15 am CST & February 16,... Continue reading

I've been attending the NRPA Congress since the mid 90's and I must admit, I am as excited about this conference as I felt at the beginning of my journey into the park and recreation profession. I began as a brand-builder launching the Benefits are Endless... Campaign with people who have become both professional and personal friends. This year, the Benefits are Endless... celebrates 20 years of helping tell the park and recreation story through its catch phrases and graphics which have evolved, transformed and elevated the public perception of parks and recreation agencies through the world. This year at... Continue reading

Cheyenne Wyoming, here I come! This "playground of the west" is hosting its conference and I am lucky enough to be part of the fun. Here are the extended slides and handouts from the 5 Minute Sponsorship session. Download 5 MInute Sponsorship Download Five Minute Sponsorship 2016 Here are the slides and Awesome Apps Cheat Sheet. Happy hunting. Download Awesome Apps Marketng 2016 Download Awesome Apps 2016 Continue reading

It's an honor to be part of WRPA's 50th Anniversary Conference in the Wisconsin Dells, where, as a Minnesota girl, I spent many a summer vacation. But, of course, a conference is more than fun and games and I hope to pass along lots of great ideas to those who attend my sessions. Here are the handouts and bonus material I promised my audience. Enjoy! Download Branding Essentials Attract Profitable Partnerships Download Awesome Apps 2015 Continue reading

This is one of my favorite topics since I work so often with teens and young adults in my personal life. I live with a teenager and volunteer regularly in his theatre class so I get to see, hear and experience what motivates kids today. While my son and his peers don't represent all young adults, they continually remind me that what worked to motivate me in the 70's and 80's may or may not work today. My sessiona at the Nevada Recreation and Park Association Conference was a great conversation. Here are the slides and additional materials I promised... Continue reading

Thanks to everyone at the NRPS Conference who welcomed me with open arms and enthusiasm. My keynote presentation on Branding is one of my very favorite and I'm happy to post the slides for that session as well as the other two workshops presented on this beautiful Tax Day. Download BrandingAttractionNPRS The following handout is from my Awesome Apps and Cool Tech Tools Session Download Awesome Apps Marketng 2014 Continue reading

The California Parks and Recreation Conference has been a part of my speaking schedule for 20 years. This year's conference is bitter sweet as we bid Jane Adams, Executive Director a fond farewell as she rides off into the sunset -- literally. Jane has been a friend, champion and Jodi-Supporter for two decades (not always as an easy task) and has been at the core of much of my work as a park and recreation marketer. This year I presented workshop that could not have been imagined when I began with CPRS in 1994. As I look at both Marketing... Continue reading

The power of positive linking is in your hands when you have the tools, training and confidence to make contacts and connections that really count. Use these handouts to follow-along or review ideas from this year's session. Download Schmoozapalooza online and off 2013 Continue reading

This is the session that causes oohs and ahhs every time. Updated for 2014 I've thrilled to preview some brand new tools especially for my friends at the NRPA Congress. Download this handout and use links to quickly access sites mentioned at the session. Happy Exploring! Download Awesome Apps 2013 Continue reading

Whether you are seeking additional financial, political or volunteer support – the path to success is paved with partnerships! But, your brand and public image determine who or what organizations perceive themselves as your ‘brand- match.” In this fast paced session you’ll evaluate your current brand using a variety of perspectives. Trough a step-by-step process you’ll develop a Partnership Plan sure you to help you broaden your reach and resources. Download Branding Essentials Attract Profitable Partnerships Continue reading

Get ready for a rollicking ride through the most Awesome Apps and Cool Tech tools, Southern Illinois! Here are the handouts to help you hang on and blast off to your favorite sites and links. Please comment below to let me know that you have accessed the handouts. Thanks and happy hunting. Download SIPRA Agenda Awesome Apps Continue reading

In the past week or so I've come across several discussions and articles relating to high tech options for community engagement. Most focus on the ability to use smart phone technology to generate real-time customer feedback, launch surveys, report safety or maintenance concerns or even hold virtual town hall meetings. I'd love to learn how agencies are using these technologies and more importantly, how they are being combined with customer service strategies. After all, no matter how much customer feedback is collected and how sophisticated the analytics -- none of really matters if there is no system to make improvements.... Continue reading

It is an honor to speak for dedicated health care professionals, and the Caifornia Society for Respitory Care helped me breathe easy all through my presentation. My session called, Schmoozapalooza, was a fun way to get everyone working the room and took the fear out of talking to strangers. Here are the handouts and additional resources I promised to share with my audience during my keynote session. Feel free to downlaod and share with others in your organization. I look forward to seeing you again at another educational event. Download Schmoozapalooza with sources 2013 Continue reading

Thanks to the generoristy of my friend and parks and recreation marketing magician, Tustin Larson, I'm thrilled to post one of the finest parks and recreation marketing plans I've come across in my 20 years working with the profession. While your community might be quite different than, La Quinta, a desert town near Palm Springs, California; I encourage you to review the plan for its format, media choices and quality. As always if your agency needs assistance with a branding or marketing plan -- please call me at 760.809.3231. Download 2011-2012_FINAL (1) If you do download the plan, Tustin asks... Continue reading

Talking to strangers comes pretty naturally to me. I thank my Mother, Father and probably every ancestor that came before them. I truly believe that some people are natural born schmoozers. They are not just fearless when it comes to reaching out to strangers, but also seem to be able to go from zero to best friend at the speed of sound. I'll admit that some days, when surrounded by strangers on airplanes, in airport lounges, at Starbucks or anywhere else on planet Earth; I love talking to strangers. On other days, however, I'd rather sink into a comfy chair,... Continue reading

As I prepare to depart for Atlantic City and the Tri-State Camp Comference, I reflect on all the time I've spent with camp professionals in the past 10 years or so. I've spoken at many conferences but have also had the privilege of working onsite with several camps as a marketing consultant and staff trainer. Camp professionals are a special bunch -- joyous, youthful, passionate and generous. As you continue to market and plan for the summer of 2013 I wish you great success and ample registrations. May your bunks be full! As promised I'm happy to post my presentations... Continue reading

As always, spending time at the Illinois Parks and Recreation Conference was both warm and cold. The reception from friends, old and new was warm, but the crazy January weather was freezing -- actually well below freezing. This morning I presented my latest version of Awesome Apps and Cool Tech Tools and am happy to share the slides below. For those who attended I hope your head has stopped spinning from the plethora of truly amazing resources. If you download the slides, please leave a comment. I look forward to my next trip to Illinois. You never know... maybe the... Continue reading

No one appreciates a great deal on incredible education more than my blog readers! So, if you haven't registered for the brand new DEPR (Desktop Education for Parks and Recreation) Monthly Webinar series which begins next week and runs through December 2013, then don't wait another minute! These webinars feature the very best instructors and topics in parks and recreation such as Prioritizing your Time, Leadership, Marketing Planning, Revenue Development and so much more. We are selling out, but I have held back a few spots especially for the readers of "Little Red's Big Ideas." But don't wait another minute... Continue reading

The International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA), at its National Conference in New Orleans earlier this month, unvieled a new model for Active Aging. According to an email from Colin Milner, CEO, ICAA, "This new industry-shifting model-the 'Nine Principles of Active Aging'-is designed to guide governments, product and service providers, employers, and the health care industry in implementing their active-aging strategies. These principles, and a few of the many questions that need to be answered, appear below. Nine Principles of Active Aging 1. Populations: The older population is extremely diverse, from ability and age, to income and culture, to sexual... Continue reading

While outdoor fitness zones have been highlighted and displayed for several years at park and recreation conferences; it seems they are finally getting noticed by the media as a real solution to public health issues including obesity. A feature article which ran this week in USA Today opens: "No costly membership. Open 24-7. Doesn't take up any space in your home. And it's good for you. Free outdoor gyms, the latest weapon in fighting the nation's obesity epidemic, are sprouting up in city parks across the country. Clusters of traditional fitness equipment from elliptical machines to leg press and sit-up... Continue reading