As busy as we all are, it is hard to plan and take action
towards our professional development. However, plan and
act we must. If you don't plan for the future any progress
made is probably by accident.
When it comes to professional planning and development,
two things come to mind. First, every CMA member should
be aware of the ongoing efforts of the CMA to provide
better services, networking opportunities and information.
Secondly, the Western Regional Conference in Anaheim this
September 24-26 provides great opportunities for those
planning to grow their professional skills and knowledge.
The CMA Board of Directors has been actively working
on the CMA's strategic planning process. We recently conducted
a weekend retreat where the Board and CMA management focused
on the CMA's Strategic Plan and the four broad initiatives
it contains:
· Leveraging technology to increase the value of
CMA services
· Maximize and communicate the value of the credit
profession
· Improve credit group services
· Promote the education and certification of credit
professionals
The most exciting thing about implementing the CMA Strategic
Plan is the high level of involvement by CMA staff. Staff
activities are being fully integrated into the plan's
objectives using a "Balanced Score Card". This
will establish specific staff priorities and goals to
meet plan objectives. It is amazing the progress made
to date on goals we set last year.
As a Board participant I can tell you a lion's share of
Board activity is spent on planning for the future. As
you can imagine, there are many specific projects underway
to accomplish the initiatives, each of which will expand
the services and value provided by CMA. If you are interested
in participating please contact either your group secretary
or any Board member.
Now think about how the Western Regional Conference can
help you. What are you doing to plan for your future as
a credit professional? Too busy? In the long run this
can be a major mistake that can limit your job scope and
income potential.
The Western Region Conference offers an accessible opportunity
to turn plans for future career growth into action. However,
to participate requires each of us to set our own growth
as a priority. We need to break out of our already busy
lives to set the time aside to go.
In going through the thought process on whether to attend
a conference, many people find it easier to think about
the reasons why not to go. Taking the lead from a favorite
night show host of mine, I thought it might help to list
the Top Ten Reasons why NOT to go to the Western Region
Conference.
So here they are. The Top Ten Reasons why NOT to go to
the Western Region Conference:
10. I checked the Almanac and it might rain in Anaheim
on September 24th through the 26th.
9. If I attend I may have to learn about products and
services that may help my company address credit and collection
issues. I'd have to buy a new pair of walking shoes to
take advantage of the vendor display area.
8. If I leave the office they may lock the door and not
let me back in.
7. Where is Anaheim anyway?
6. I know everything there is to know now about credit,
collections and legal issues affecting my daily responsibilities
and industry practices.
5. Who wants to network with other people that do what
I do?
4. If I go my family may want to come along and actually
go to some of the many tourist attractions in the area.
Being at the office beats that.
3. My boss thinks I'm perfect just the way I am.
2. Credit and collection challenges? Who has challenges?
1. I like my current job, income and job security just
the way they are.
The top reason why you should go to the Western Region
Conference is obvious. Plan your future as a credit professional,
act on your plans and improve your chances of success.
I hope to see you at the Western Regional Conference.
