New online resource opens new doors of knowledge: TALKINGBUSINESSNOW.COM Your Online Resource for Communication Strategies

Communication World, Oct-Nov, 2000

ABC members can now preview a prototype of one of IABC's boldest and most exciting ventures -- a web site that will provide knowledge and networking on an international scale and that will demonstrate the value of communication strategy in solving current business issues. Charles Pizzo, IABC chair, says the site "responds to what our members have told us they want: content and credibility. We're investing in innovation to fill that need. We want you to be able to turn to this site every day to find current best practices, emerging models, research, words of wisdom, and global resources on business problems we all face. If you're faced with reducing churn, repairing reputation, creating a new culture after a merger ...we want to help you find out which communication strategies are working and which aren't around the world.

"We're rolling out the site in three phases and the timing will depend on the sponsorship we're able to raise," explains Pizzo. We're beginning with a prototype that's a sampler, not a full meal. When we have enough outside funding we'll move into a beta phase and finally a full launch. We'll start with a core of content and functionality and build both over time."

BUSINESS ISSUES ARE THE ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE

TalkingBusinessNow.com content will focus on business solutions that communication strategy can provide. Content will be organized around current business issues that require an integrated and interactive approach--communicators working in partnership with professionals in human resources, finance, legal, information technology and more.

The prototype will focus initially on four business issues:

1. Reputation/brand management

2. Mergers and acquisitions

3. Recruitment and retention of employees

4. Technology, and its effect on how we communicate.

KNOWLEDGE AND NETWORK FOR YOU; CREDIBILITY WITH YOUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

When fully launched, TalkingBusinessNow.com will extend its reach and value to managers and executives who are not communication professionals. These are the colleagues with whom most communicators work and who need to understand communication and their role in the process. They'll be able to find out what to expect from you as a communicator on staff or as a consultant. They'll be able to find strategies they can use even though they're not communication professionals. And they'll be able to tap our network of communication professionals when they need outside counsel.

CURRENT BEST PRACTICES, EMERGING MODELS, WORDS OF WISDOM, GLOBAL RESOURCES...

Here's the type of content you can expect on the site:

1. Current business news with a communication twist, updated daily.

2. Commentary on the news of the day from renowned experts, who take the communication angle.

3. Articles, research, benchmarking material, current best practices, knowledge products, and other resources from IABC and our Research Foundation as well as other partners.

At full launch, the site will also include such features as online registration for conferences and seminars, online purchase of IABC products, Ask the Experts advice, job resources, and member-only access to association resources. The site ultimately will replace IABC's existing web site at www.iabc.com; until then, however, members can find association resources at the current address.

SPONSORSHIP Is REQUIRED TO MOVE FROM PROTOTYPE TO BETA AND THEN TO FULL LAUNCH

We're actively pursuing sponsorship to bring our site to life beyond the prototype phase. Pizzo notes, "We're finding the site's vision captures the imagination of those we've talked with so far." Sponsor levels and benefits can be found at TalkingBusinessNow.com. You can use the site to contribute sponsor leads by e-mail or simply through the "Feedback" or "Contact Us" feature.

TRY THE PROTOTYPE AND GIVE Us YOUR FEEDBACK

Access TalkingBusinessNow.com and click on "Feedback" to tell us what works well and how we could improve the site for you. Help bring to life a site that elevates the practice and perception of the profession around the world.

RELATED ARTICLE: ROLL OUT IN THREE PHASES

PROTOTYPE, BETA, FULL LAUNCH

WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF A PROTOTYPE?

Debuting a prototype to our members allows us to:

1. Build the technical architecture and establish minimal infrastructure, using our BroadVision content publishing and management system software

2. Stress-test functionality and infrastructure in a working environment with you as an inner circle of live users

3. Begin to structure content from multiple sources to assess content needs, process and value to users

4. Test relationships with suppliers

5. Get your feedback so we can refine future phases by better targeting function and content to your needs.

WHAT FOLLOWS THE PROTOTYPE STAGE AND WHEN?

Our site will progress through three phases, with the timing of phases two and three dependent on funding we can raise from sponsors:

1. PROTOTYPE October prototype debuts to IABC members only. Prototype will continue to run until funding can be secured to move to next phase.

2. BETA A beta test features most of the functions and content planned for the full site. It will be designed to generate feedback for incorporation into the full site launch. The beta version likely will include additional content categories and full e-commerce capabilities.