Visibility: How to Educate Your Stakeholders and Be Visible in a Good Way:

Joe Todora, DCS Sullivan County

Where there’s danger be a stranger…There are always learning moments…

Your Opportunity

• You are a busy DCS juggling to keep all your plates spinning at the same time. It can be tempting to keep your head down and just focus on doing your job. But did you know that within your DCS job description is the mandate to raise awareness among county officials and the public of mental hygiene needs and achievements in your community?

• As a Director, the regulations require you to advocate and plan for behavioral health services that will address the unique needs of your community. Part of that will require that you put yourself out there…safely.

Know Your Audience

• Chartered V. Un-chartered County– Ah, local politics…

• What are the rules in your County?– Can you speak with the media?

Know Your Audience II

• Never miss an opportunity to speak, particularly to your partners and civic groups

• Get to Know your media/reporters off the record– Most of the local media people are looking for

stories. Give them what YOU want.

Public Presentation Tips“I’ve done this before.” or “Mistakes Happen”

• Slow down, you are the expert in the room, if not engage the expert in the room (not necessarily the one who thinks they are )

• Ask questions about what the group wants to hear about.

• Engage the audience – Tell them what to expect– Deliver the goods…

Public Presentation Tips II“I’ve done this before.” or “Mistakes Happen”

• Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know, but make sure you find out and provide an answer

• Prepare and leave the audience with material but don’t read it to them – boring

• Don’t miss the opportunity to be passionate about what we do.

Social Media

• Great way to add to your reach• Excellent way to speak with people you

wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet in the real world

• YOU MUST REALIZE THIS IS ON YOUR PERMANENT RECORD!!!

Social Media•NEVER message while angry or impaired •If you can keep your same nick name•Manage your Social Accounts – don’t tolerate trolls

News Example

• http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121202/NEWS/212020318

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