Being the owner of an extermination company with a lifestyle radio show can seem overwhelming enough to most, but when a few other fun hobbies turned into paying gigs, I realized I needed to focus on my communication skills just to get through intros in a business networking meeting. I looked high and low to find the right fit that would work with my diverse background while using my 30 plus years as an entrepreneur. I looked high and low for the right organization before I was referred to IABC.
I was very intentional about joining my local chapter of IABC. I wanted to learn, grow, network and contribute lessons from working in a nontraditional business field. At the time I became a member, my chapter was somewhat stalled. We were not losing members, but we were not gaining members either. A few people did all of the work and our speakers were no longer industry leaders but friends of a friend who was not busy on our meeting day. I cannot tell you how discouraging that time was for me and had me reevaluating my membership.
I shared my concerns with several IABC leaders at a regional conference who encouraged me to stay the course and to attend events at other chapters for inspiration and networking opportunities. And, I was strongly advised to attend Leadership Institute. I was told I would meet chapter, regional and international leaders working together to keep members engaged and active. That advice was a gift! I attended my first LI several years ago and I have put it on my calendar every year since. I will not let anything keep me from going. I met communicators from around the world and in my own backyard! The networking developed into relationships. The relationships developed into many friendships. And several friends have become clients through the years.
My experience at LI sparked such a change in me. I speak with zeal and gusto when I share about IABC with members and non-members alike. We all need to have at least one LI experience. You will never forget your investment in yourself. Since my first LI conference, I have spoken at several regional and chapter meetings around the country because of the relationships that started at LI. I have presented several times with members I met at LI at regional conferences. And I have been cheered on by communicators turned friends to enter my work in the Southern Region's Silver Quill Awards. This year, I won four Silver Quills and I am entering the Gold Quills! How amazing is that?
LI helped transform me by giving me the confidence to grow personally and professionally. I have learned from industry giants in the field of communication while also sharpening my abilities as business and community leader. LI is an opportunity to focus on you and where you want to go (advance) in IABC, your career, and beyond. I hope to see you in Long Beach, California in 2019!
