Forms Talk

More Reading and Writing

By: Lisa Lee, CEBS, FLMI
VP Administration

The offer is still open for members interested in providing a book report for Forms Talk, drawing from BFMA's bookstore.

The deal is that BFMA is offering a free copy of a book in exchange for an article to be published in Forms Talk. So far, the only book that is taken is Forms for People: Designing Forms That People Can Use by Rob Barnett.

Perhaps you have been wanting to dive into one of these books yourself, for your own knowedge. Here is an opportunity to add a book to your professional library, with built in accountability to read and digest it. If you are a member and interested, please send me a note. Help to spread the knowledge and benefit your own development in the process. What a deal!

Love to Read – and Write?

By: Lisa Lee, CEBS, FLMI
VP Administration

BFMA is looking for members with a thirst for knowledge and sharing. The bookstore carries books pertinent to the forms management profession. If you woud like to read one of them and provide a book report for Forms Talk, we could have a winning combination.

A book report can be so helpful - is this a book that relates to my situation and that I want to delve into? FormsTalk readers want to know.

BFMA is offering a free copy of a book in exchange for an article to be published in Forms Talk. Perhaps you have been wanting to dive into one of these books yourself, for your own knowedge. Here is an opportunity to add a book to your professional library, with built in accountability to read and digest it. What a deal.

If you are interested, please send me a note. Help to spread the knowledge and benefit your own development in the process. What a combo!

Managing Yourself During Times of Change

By: Johnna Johnson, Johnna Johnson & Co.
Sponsor

Are you feeling a bit uneasy about the changes that are occurring or planned for you and your organization? Are you feeling a loss of security, value, power or credibility? You aren’t alone! I work with many clients who are experiencing daily doses of change as a result of new leadership, missions and teams, new ideas and hardships. Within these anxious feelings lie opportunities—you just need to reveal them!

There are four phases we each go through when we experience change, whether it’s simply buying a new cell phone, getting married or experiencing changes in your company. I’m guessing if this title grabbed your attention, you are in the second phase of change: Resistance. This is not a bad thing, it’s just a process. A process we all go through. And the more you learn about each phase, identify the behaviors present and implement strategies to get through the phase more productively, the more successful you’ll be!

During the resistance phase, the “what ifs” become deeply disruptive and very upsetting to most. Resistance is holding on to the past, the old, the comfortable, and the familiar while fearing the future. Bottom line, we are experiencing or anticipating “loss”. It’s not a fun phase to be in. In fact, many individuals in this stage of change even lower their productivity (unconsciously) by 40-60%. That’s why it’s so important to know how to walk (or run) through this phase as quickly as possible.

Allow me to share a few tips! How do you know if you and others are in this debilitating phase? Here are a few indicators: You will hear lots of “It’s unfair” comments; Lots of complaining, gossip, negative attitudes; Not taking initiative; Low morale; Criticizing anyone who tries to do something positive – just to name a few!

So, how do you move on? First, begin by asking yourself some very powerful questions: What are you losing as a result of this change? What can you personally control? (attitudes, thoughts, feelings, behaviors) What lies ahead for you? (this helps you advance to phase 3 to explore new opportunities) What is one thing you can do right now to help change your anxious perspective? The second thing you can do to move forward is to create some specific strategies like these: Be aware of your feelings and behaviors (They are a natural part of change!); Allow yourself to accept you are in this phase but do not take up residency here! Talk to others for support (Utilize one of your incredible benefits: Employee Assistance Program!). Spend your time with other team members who are positive and they will keep your spirits lifted (but don't drag them down!)

These powerful questions and strategies are just a few tools that can assist you during ambiguous times. There is one thing I’m certain about. We can’t manage change. But, we can manage ourselves during times of change!

“When you are through changing, you are through.” -Bruce Barton

Johnna Johnson was the keynote speaker at the 2008 Symposium in Las Vegas. To discover more about the phases of change and strategies to keep your teams moving forward you may contact her at 208.376.3634.

Looking For A New Challenge?

By: DJ Brown 
VP, Chapter/Member Relations

Are you looking for ways to grow in your career? Opportunities for leadership? Then, BFMA is looking for you!

Membership Council currently has a Director position available. This role provides support to Region Coordinators and chapters and members. The Director of Chapter Relations assists the association in providing more opportunities for communication, education and networking to all members.

If you would be interested in volunteering time to assist the Region Coordinators and the association in offering more to our members, please contact DJ Brown, VP Chapter/Member Relations or BFMA Headquarters.

We have a place for you

By: DJ Brown
VP, Membership

The Membership Council is looking for members interested in taking leadership roles in the organization. Two Region Coordinator and two Industry Group Coordinator positions are available.

These roles provide support to local and region chapters and to industry-specific members. These leaders will assist members and chapter officers in achieving their goals and obtaining access to training and communication within BFMA.

These positions report to the Membership Council (DJ Brown, VP Chapter/Member Relations, Beth Curry, Director of Member Relations, Carla Bradford, Director of Chapter Relations). The Council will assist these individuals by providing leadership, structure, and goals to effectively succeed in their roles as BFMA leaders. This will, in turn, provide more opportunities of communication and education to each member of the organization.

Region Coordinator (Region 5 United States Southeast and Region 6E Canada East)

Responsibilities include:
- Charter a "Virtual Chapter" in assigned region
- Locate and appoint chapter officers
- Open a chapter bank account with headquarters as a signatory
- Ensure chapter meets on a regular basis and assist chapter officers as necessary to:

• Locate and confirm a speaker or topic
• Communicate via phone, email or mailings
• Collect reservations/confirmations

- Work with Directors on other tasks as appropriate
- Report statistics to Director of Chapter Relations one month prior to spring and fall board meetings

Estimated time:
- Monthly meeting (one hour) to coordinate between chapters and headquarters to arrange meetings via email or phone
- Monitoring meetings as necessary
- Three hours during symposium to connect with current members within the region

Industry Groups Coordinator (Government and Insurance)

Responsibilities include:
- Use online technology for Industry Group communication
- All members are eligible to join an Industry Group
- Leadership roles will be coordinated by Director, Member Relations
- Industry groups will have an event at least quarterly that would be coordinated as necessary:

• Recruit volunteers to assist/chair the events
• Locate and confirm a speaker or topic
• Communicate via phone, email or mailings
• Collect reservations/confirmation

Estimated time:
- Communication as necessary with Membership Council for update of events
- Moderating of industry events
- Meeting time during symposium to connect with members within the Industry Group

If you are interested in pursuing any of these roles, please contact Beth Curry, Carla Bradford, or DJ Brown for more information.

Window Closing on Call for Candidates

By: Lisa Lee, CEBS, FLMI
VP Administration

Do you enjoy connecting with other BFMA members? Are you perhaps looking for an opportunity for professional growth, to make a meaningful contribution, or to give back to an organization that you enjoy? These are good reasons to consider pursuing a leadership position within BFMA. A professional association is a great place to get some experience, develop new skills, and have an ongoing reason to interact with other forms professionals.

So, you know the deadline is drawing near to file for association offices. If you are interested, please review the position descriptions to see which office best suits your skills and talents. Feel free to contact me or any board member to learn more about a particular office.

Serving on the Board of Directors is a very rewarding experience, but it is also a commitment to be made thoughtfully. Participation on BFMA’s Board of Directors requires your employer’s support. You will be required to attend both the Fall and Symposium meetings of the Board. Candidate statements based on the BFMA Strategic Plan will be posted on the website. For use as samples, last year’s candidate statements can be found here. To register your candidacy, download a Candidate Registration Form.

Return the completed registration form with a digital photo in .TIF format by December 15, 2007(that’s right, this Saturday).

Remember, even if a position at the association level is not right for you at this time, there are lots of rewarding opportunities available, such as helping to make a chapter go, serving as a regional or SIG coordinator, or working on a committee. If you wonder how your talents and interests may match up with BFMA openings, just contact one of us.

You may wonder where you’ll find the time for an additional role. To quote my favorite association president, “There’s always time for the things you want to do.” You might find that you love it. J And that you learn a lot at the same time.

Want to participate as a panelist at an industry event?

By: Ray Killam, CFSP, CFC
President

The Print Services and Distribution Association (PSDA) (www.psda.org) has asked us to provide panelists for their FOCUS events. Panelists will discuss their requirements and expectations for print procurement and answer questions posed by the audience.

BFMA members frequently are involved in purchasing printed products and can offer distributors (PSDA members) tips and suggestions on what the expect from a print provider, what issues are important to print buyers and related topics. PSDA (formerly DMIA) plans 20 FOCUS events in cities around the United States. They need panelists in each city and will offer a $150.00 honorarium to each participant.

If you would like to lend them your expertise and participate, please contact Ray Killam for more information. We see this offer as an opportunity for our members to gain exposure within the industry and to help improve communications between buyers and print salespeople. Plus, it could be a lot of fun!

PSDA is an association of printed forms manufactures and distrinutors. The distributers sell a variety of products, including forms. This association was originally know as National Business Forms Association (NBFA), which changed to DMIA in the 1990s. BFMA wants to maintain a relationship with PSDA and our participation in their events is encouraged.

For a complete list of FOCUS events, please visit http://www.psda.org/events/FOCUS/home.aspx

Call for Candidates

By: Lisa Lee, CEBS, FLMI
VP Administration

BFMA is looking for strong leadership to direct the association into 2008 and 2009. Have you always wanted to help lead an organization? We need people who are knowledgeable and care about the forms and systems profession today and in the future. Serving on the Board of Directors is a very rewarding experience, but it is also hard work and not a commitment to be taken lightly. To find out more about any office contact a member of the board. Watch for a message from headquarters for details. Statements are due to headquarters by December 15.