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I have been
very fortunate in that I marketed the benefits/opportunities provided
by IAAP to my employer and in turn my employer agreed to pay my annual
dues. However, with the recent economic climate and the strong push to
reduce company expenditures, professional membership fees are being
completely eliminated from the budget. This comes on the heels of
additional reductions in some elements of our salary/compensation. So,
I have to plan well and prepare to pay my own fees to maintain my active
membership.
In a market where the
jobs are being eliminated by the thousands, making job
opportunities very competitive, many employers will be seeking and
selecting the ‘cream of the crop’ as positions are
available. Applicants who are members of professional associations, who
are active within those associations (especially in leadership roles),
and/or have achieved certifications in their respective professional
fields will be seen as the “cream of the crop”. Are you poised to be
categorized as “cream of the crop”?
Membership in a
professional association, such as IAAP, may very well be the one single
item that gives you an edge in the job market. Membership may also be
the edge you have as we see limited raises and/or promotional
opportunities as the world struggles to recover from this economic
debacle.
I strongly recommend
that each person explore how best to market themselves. It is my
personal feeling that administrative professionals struggle
with promoting and marketing themselves for various reasons. Our
tasks/roles are sometimes difficult to verbalize. Modesty sometimes
gets in the way because there is a perception that marketing ourselves
is akin to tooting our own horn which can be perceived as a bit
egotistical. Well, it’s time to plop firmly on top of the
tallest pedestal and blow that horn….loud and
proud!
Think of yourself as a
business!
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Identify the ”products
and services” that you provide.
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Identify your
strengths.
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Create your
personal business plan based on your ‘products and services’ and
strengths.
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Set
measurable goals for yourself
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Focus
on achieving your goals.
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Consider
self development opportunities when developing your personal
business plan.
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Build a personal
marketing strategy which promotes your business plan.
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Always remember:
Nobody can market you like you, yourself, can!
I would enjoy
seeing how many of you go forward and identify your own products and
services. I invite you to email the information to me at:
webmaster@iaap-bluegrassky.org.
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