WANTED Talented Writers Interested in Promoting HR

This past summer, we proudly unveiled the first edition of ILSHRM Magazine, a publication of ILSHRM designed to promote the human resources profession in the State of Illinois.  With a circulation of more than 10,000, ILSHRM Magazine  provides up-to-date news and features on topics of interest to HR professionals at all career levels, in addition to highlighting the importance of human resource professionals in achieving strategic business objectives.

As we look forward to our second edition, we hope to build off of what we did in the inaugural issue by improving the relevance and sophistication of our content.  Future editions will include scholarly pieces, articles about regulatory changes, case studies, and real world examples of how corporations are using leadership and management principles in their organizations.  Authors will include HR practitioners, educators and consultants who provide a unique perspective or insight on a timely HR topic. 

With this publication, we hope to grab the attention of not only HR professionals but business leaders, legislators and all those who contribute to and who advocate our profession.  Since the magazine is fully funded by advertisers, they are also a large part of our target audience. Many advertisers place ads around articles that are related to their business products or services, and we welcome content of that nature.  We do, however, respectfully request that contributors steer clear of “sales pitches” and focus on products and services generically.

If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about being a contributor to the second edition of ILSHRM Magazine, please email our Marketing/Communications Chair at newsletter@ilshrm.org.  The bulk of needed articles will range in length from 500-1,000 words with feature articles averaging 3,000 words. Final copy will be submitted to our design team in late November.  So, we hope to have our contributors secured in the coming weeks.  (Keep in mind that your contributions may qualify for recertification credits through HRCI!)   Our next edition is slated for distribution in early February 2012.

We are truly excited about this important initiative, but we need your help.  Whether you choose to pursue advertising opportunities, write copy for the magazine or simply support ILSHRM by reading and spreading the word, we thank you for your support!

Haven’t seen the inaugural edition of ILSHRM Magazine?  Click here  for an electronic download or email us at newsletter@ilshrm.org to be put on our mailing list.

-Heather Hammit Director of Public Relations ISC SHRM

New Initiative - New Publication for ISC SHRM

First, let me say that I am so excited to be joining this distinguished team of guest bloggers. Dave Ryan has done an outstanding job of assembling a top notch group of contributors. Hats off to you, Dave!

As the Marketing/Communications Director for ISC-SHRM, I am looking forward to digging into a wide range of projects this year to better brand and position our group. From solidifying our mission, vision and core values to spreading the word about our 12th annual conference, there are several truly exciting things on the horizon.

One major initiative that we are exploring for 2011 is a new partnership with a media firm that has the ability to, among many other things, provide us with a high-quality ISC-SHRM magazine produced in both digital and traditional form. Many of our fellow state councils have already headed down this path and have turned out some very impressive pieces.

Since ISC-SHRM is really all about you, my fellow HR gurus, forward motion on this initiative will be contingent on two factors: interest in reading the publication and interest in contributing to the publication.

I understand that you may be wondering what the benefits of a magazine would be to our Council. First, it should be noted that the magazine and all associated expenses are paid in full through advertisements. So, this professional piece is completely FREE to our Council! With the instant gratification of social media and other modes of rapid communication, we look to this publication as a way to complement our existing efforts by focusing on less time-sensitive, more in-depth HR commentary and research. In addition to the core group of HR professionals we serve, the magazine will attempt to reach other business professionals and educators to further build the ISC brand. We also envision the magazine to be a springboard for a host of other future media endeavors.

Like so many initiatives, volunteerism is key to the success of this project. So, State and Chapter leaders (and anyone else out their willing to roll up their sleeves), we are interested in hearing from you! In order to make this idea a reality, we will need a strong team of volunteers willing to commit to one quality semi-annual submission (one-time guest columnists also welcome!).

If you have interest, please let me know ASAP. I will also be sending an email this week to State and Chapter leaders. This is an awesome opportunity for any aspiring columnists or for anyone with an interesting HR story or perspective.

Until next time…..

Heather Hammitt - Marketing/Communications Director for ISC-SHRM