Thursday, October 28, 2010

It's okay to ask.. "What's in it for me?"

Dear chapter members and friends,

Don't you love the title of this blog?  It is okay to ask -- what's in it for me..?

Many times we are pulled in multiple directions or support more than one boss.   Co-workers may not always meet our expectations... which can lead to resentments!

One of the most important keys for me to work successfully in this atmosphere is to say to myself- "What's in this for me?"   Perhaps it is a lesson to focus more on my own work or my own skillset.  Perhaps graciously completing the extra projects I took on--will allow me to appropriately address additional salary in my review and receive it! What's in it for me-- might be learning a skill I didn't really want to learn...but will pay off in dividends in an interview somewhere down the road.

So, what's in it for you to shell out $65.00 (maybe of your own money) and certainly precious time -- to attend the OTAC-IAAP November 13 Fall Education Conference in Alexandria?

  1. Skills polishing: Two great sessions on software- Word2007 and Excel2007, presented by Marie Herman, CIWD, ATM-S.  Marie is well-known in IAAP for her mastery of all things Office.  You cannot obtain this kind of intense, advance training for under $100.00 anywhere. You can bring your crazy challenges to the session and we can all learn together.   
  2. Insider's knowledge!  Our afternoon session will provide you the opportunity to ask those questions you can't ask in an interview or review session with your supervisor.  We'll have two fantastic Executive Assistants - both support CEOs of major organizations, - an experienced and well-known representative of the human resources/recruiting firm industry and a guest executive to give you all three perspectives on what it takes to continue soaring in the administrative career field.
  3. Networking time-  always wanted to know other admins in the DCMetro area?. this may be one of the few times you are able to get to an IAAP related conference.  Meet your peers- Bring your business cards. 
  4. Unique vendors.  Take time to visit our vendor tables during the breaks. Vendor tables will range from local chapter fundraisers to jewelry vendors to catering etc.
  5. FOOD.  Okay.. We all have been to those meetings..where the food stinks..and we can't believe we shelled out that kind of money and THAT is the food they served?  NOT this time, my friends.  Tu Parsons and her team at Alexandria Pastry Shop will be providing lunch and afternoon break for us. Alexandria Pastry is fresh food- delicious food and superb sweets, cakes, cookies, pies .. yummy all around.  (Be sure to let us know if you have any special food requirements when you submit your registration form.)
So what's in it for you?  An amazing investment in yourself, your career and your tastebuds!   Look forward to seeing you November 13!

PS. The registration deadline for this event has been extended to November 8.

Kind regards,

Kemetia MK Foley, CPS/CAP
President
Old Town Alexandria Chapter
International Association of Administrative Professionals