Dear Members and Colleagues,
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.
- Dale Carnegie
Volunteering is ultimately about helping and having an impact on the well being of others. SMPS is a volunteer association that exists to serve its membership - an organization for our members by our members. At the end of this membership year, there will be several opportunities for you to demonstrate a renewed spirit of volunteerism as the following positions become available on the Board of Directors: Vice President, Treasurer, Event Logistics, Programs, and Special Events.
Helping others is, of course, virtuous and noble. But what’s more, volunteers often benefit as much as the receivers. As I reflect upon my own SMPS involvement and desire to help others, I am indeed reminded of how very much I benefit. Ron Worth, CEO for SMPS National, captured this motivation in one of his recent daily “Pegs of Wisdom” email messages titled Thoughts on Friendship, in which he wrote:
One of the very best aspects of SMPS is the opportunity to make many new friends. It is very important to differentiate between friends and acquaintances. Acquaintances are people we know. Friends are people we enjoy, are completely comfortable with, can talk to and trust implicitly. We all have many acquaintances, but very few friends.
My past eight years of involvement with SMPS has resulted in many great friendships that have survived all sorts of personal and professional changes. In these current economic times, more than ever, our friends can truly impact our lives for the better with moral support, sharing of knowledge, and networking connections, just to name a few.
In addition to creating enduring friendships, there are several benefits that come to those who serve as Board members:
Greater exposure. Due to the opportunity for greater visibility within the community, Board members often gain exposure to professionals they typically might not have met. These are other community-minded people who tend to be the movers and shakers in town. In addition, your involvement creates positive feelings toward your employer. This means greater exposure within your organization as well.
Stronger, sharpened leadership skills. We need volunteers who can see what needs to be done and then do it, whether you hold a “sanctioned” leadership position in your full-time, professional position or not. If you have the desire, we will support you in your professional growth. As a Board member, you will have many opportunities to polish your interpersonal and professional communication skills as well.
New dimensions. By adding volunteer to your list of accomplishments, colleagues and clients alike will realize that you have more on your mind than the bottom line. You will show by example that you recognize your good fortune and are eager to share with others, an important idea to keep in mind with today’s tough economic realities. Others will respond to and respect your involvement. You might never know the inspiration you provided, but rest assured that you will be helping others with your support and guidance.
When the torches pass in five months, we wish to achieve the smoothest of transitions from those who have served with dedication over the past several years to those that are filling the vacant positions. SMPS is ever so grateful for the time, effort and friendships provided by Todd Woerner, Dominick Dunnigan and Anna Hoge. I can say with conviction that I am thankful to have been able to work with this group of professionals but am most grateful for their friendship. To again quote from the “Pegs of Wisdom” by Ron Worth, CEO for SMPS National:
Be alert to making new friends. No one has too many friends. Making new friends is both interesting and rewarding because new friends bring change and excitement into your life. If you consider yourself to be shy and bashful, if you feel uncomfortable with new people, remember the stranger you are reluctant to meet may be just as reluctant to meet you. Look for those special people at each event you attend, we all need them now more than ever to get through this market transition. Trust me; your next best friend is just right around the corner.
Please call me now if you have even the smallest desire to serve on the Board of Directors for SMPS-Chesapeake. You will receive so much more than you give.