I can’t believe another whole month has gone by. January was a busy month of reviewing our Strategic Plan for this year. I was happy to report at our January meeting that we are on track for completing all of our objectives for the year. We handed out the Strategic Plan at our September meeting; however, I am including it in this newsletter for those of you who were unable to attend that meeting. Please keep it has a reminder of where we are focusing this year.
The one area we need a little work on is getting more members to attend the meetings and also to bring guests. There is no better way to introduce IAAP to a perspective new member than to bring them to a meeting so they can see for themselves what we are all about. We have a great line‐up of topics and speakers you won’t want to miss.
At this time our number of participants continues to be about the same as these same months last year, even with new members attending. We are however seeing a more consistent number this year, whereas, last year it was up and down each month. I realize that for some it’s due to conflicts with other things being on the same date, which just can’t be helped. There are many things that vie for our time. I know that you’ll come to as many meetings as possible.
For some, it’s in part due to the economy with fewer companies helping our members with the cost of the meetings. I’m glad to see so many who are now having to cover their own expenses know the value of being at the meetings each month and are continuing to participate. We do have the meeting only option to help those of you who need to cut the costs so you can still gain the educational and networking the meetings offer.
I know as admins, we tend to be caregivers and spend our money on our family or others more than ourselves. I believe it’s so important for us to remember to take good care of ourselves and nurture our own career and personal growth. I often hesitate when I feel the money I’m spending is for only me. However, as I write this I realize that when I spend money participating in IAAP events, I’m really benefitting others, not just myself. My company benefits by the continuous education I get not only from the speakers at our meetings, but also from the interaction and networking with other members. I believe with each meeting, I grow both professionally and personally. The network of resources is huge. It’s funny because I am a perfectionist and as I get older or have more added to my already busy life, being on top of everything becomes a bigger challenge. One very important thing I have gained this year is realizing that when I’m facilitating a meeting, whether it is the board meeting or the monthly chapter meeting, if I forget something, or make a mistake, it’s “ok”. You members are so wonderful at overlooking and forgiving my blunders. I thank you for that.
To continue to work on our objectives, I challenge each of you to invite another admin to come as your guest to our February meeting. What businesses do you do business with that you talk with their admins. Invite them to join you as your guest.
The topic is Moving organizations forward as Relationship-Based Leaders: Leading With Greatness! Speaker: Jermaine Davis.
It’s a little early, but I want to wish all of you a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Gina Overacker, CAP
President 2011-2012