Potpourri

By Bill Hill, CFC, CFSP

Wow, an opportunity to benefit by enrolling new members. BFMA is offering a membership drive with a $50.00 discount for new members. You, for contacting and signing up these people, are going to be eligible for prize drawings consisting of free membership, webinars and other events. The more referrals, the more prizes will be given away. Every 10 new members will trigger an additional drawing on Monday starting August 15. Look up all the details here.

So another contest… why not? Years ago, I signed up 7 people that earned me a free Symposium tuition by the rules at that time. As it worked out, my office wasn’t supporting me to go to the next Symposium so this allowed me attend. It never hurts to enter contests, even if you don’t think you will benefit, but surprise, it may help your membership or your education venues.

For over 50 years now BFMA has been offering unique forms education worldwide. Before the world had to come to BFMA, but now with webinars, BFMA can go out to the world. And look at the education offerings, from the latest in technology to the basic form management course for the beginner.

One thing about our industry, a person can spend years in performing the companies’ complex duties to fulfill its forms needs. Then IS/IT or someone else brings in different technology and although they have years of experience, all at once, they are a beginner in new technology. Fortunately, BFMA offers education resources to meet your new challenges.

For the most part, I have taught fairly ‘basic’ classes in various BFMA events, including the BFMA Symposium. Upon entering the classroom, would enjoy seeing a lot of new faces. Then in the middle of the group, is a person OR MORE, that I consider guru(s) in our industry. At first this really intimidated me. "WHY ARE YOU HERE???" I said under my breath. Found out some just wanted to “brush up”. Others were having some challenges in that arena and wanted to see if I could impart any info that may help them out. Some were entering a different phase and wanted some information to build their confidence. Beginner or experienced, BFMA is there to help with a variety of education resources.

Some classes become very animated with a lot of discussion coming from the floor, and I have picked up ideas from these discussions to update my presentation. Yes, the instructor has a gold mine of experience, but discussion from the audience and their experiences can be added to enhance future presentation. We always campaign that our instructors don’t read it out of a book, but have walked the walk and have learned from their errors and learned from successes and in some cases, also learned from those in class. We build on experience, even including others experience.

Sometimes there are communication skill challenges. Years ago, our Postal Rep was giving out information and I always agreed and got this funny look from the Rep. Six months later she made the same statement in a different way and all at once, I realize that I had not been accomplishing the process the way she wanted it. So make sure your statement is made in a way that is difficult to misunderstand... and when you are listening, is that really the meaning behind the statement?

Training with BFMA is one of the greatest avenues you can take to enhance your knowledge and skills in our arena. After attending BFMA Symposium for 20 years, I still learn at each Symposium and yes, I still attend those ‘basic’ classes.

Now, go out and sign up those new members so they can enjoy our opportunities. And reap the rewards of your winnings.