How to Get Approval to Attend the
MAILCOM Conference
By
Wes Friesen, CMDSM and James P. Mullan,
CMDSM MSMA National Board Members
Getting the
approval to attend important conferences like MAILCOM has always been
challenging – even more so under the current economic conditions. But actively participating in MAILCOM is a
key to success for you as a professional in the mail industry, and is important
to the success of your organization.
We and our
organizations have both benefited from our involvement with MAILCOM, and would
like to see you join us in Washington DC April 15-18, 2012. Here are some ideas to help you obtain
approval to attend.
Keys
to Get Approval to Attend MAILCOM
Approval often
comes down to the ROI to your organization – are the benefits worth the
costs? Before discussing benefits, let’s
start with the costs. There are ways to
lower the cost to attend. First, if you are a
MSMA member you qualify for a MSMA discount.
There is also a discount if 4 or
more people from your local Chapter register for the conference.
Second, you can shop
around for the least expensive transportation method. There are three close by airports (i.e. Regan
National, Dulles and Baltimore) and also Amtrak. Attendees will often double up on rooms to
cut that cost. We know of a number of
attendees that will offer to pay some or all of the travel costs out of their
pockets. People that do that look at it
as an investment in their careers – and it shows your management chain how
committed you are to developing yourself and adding value to your organization.
The biggest key
to getting approval is to explain the return (benefits) to you and your organization. Here are some benefits that you can tailor to
your own situation:
Learning
ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
You will learn updated information on how to minimize postage and
shipping costs, and learn ideas to improve the efficiency of your
operations. We have seen our
organizations and others save thousands and even millions of dollars via
learning and implementing work share postal discounts, shape based pricing,
targeted mailing, cleaner addressing and reduction of undeliverable mail,
intelligent/selective inserting, full-service intelligent mail discounts,
applying QR 2D bar codes, implementing six sigma and lean principles – the list
goes on and on.
Learning
Best Practices and ideas for Process Improvements. You will learn from the industry’s top
experts, peers and vendors in the Exhibit Hall the Best Practices of the
country’s leading high performance organizations. You will also hear ideas about process
improvements that can drive improved efficiency, effectiveness and quality. You will learn how to improve quality and have
more sustainable operations and eliminate waste. Included can be practical tips related to
work flow, job design, process analysis and ergonomics.
Learn about
the latest technology and automation and other tools. MAILCOM is a great source to hear about the
latest relevant technology from the speakers, peers and vendors. We have seen for ourselves and others
significant costs savings and improved operations from wise investments in
equipment and software. Here is the
chance to see what might be of value to your organization. You can visit the Exhibit Hall and expand
your list of vendor and supplier contacts for current and future reference.
Build a
strong network and support group.
MAILCOM provides an opportunity to meet the industry’s top leaders and
experts first hand. One of the great
features of this conference is how approachable the speakers are. Also, there are many opportunities to network
with peers from around the country – and then to build your own professional
support group.
Become
inspired to succeed. The keynote and seminar speakers will inspire
you to push even harder to help your organization to be more successful. MAILCOM is noted for its wide selection of
seminars including those aimed at our personal and leadership development.
Add more
value to your key stakeholders. The
investors of your organization will benefit from the cost savings and
efficiencies that you adopt. In
addition, you can learn ways to add more value to your customers and improve
customer satisfaction and favorability.
MAILCOM also offers a number of sessions geared to
leadership and management best practices, and proven ways to provide more
positive work environments for your employees that will drive improved morale,
motivation and performance.
Improve
your credibility within the industry and your organization. You will learn important information that
will benefit you personally – and your organization. As you go home and apply what you know you
will gain greater respect and recognition.
In addition, you can earn one or two professional certificates while at
MAILCOM. And, you can take advantage of
the opportunity to earn the professional certifications sponsored by MSMA,
including the MDC: Mailpiece Design Consultant; CMDSM: Certified Mail Distribution System Manager or
CMDSS: Certified Mail Distribution Systems Suppliers. Note: for more information about these
programs visit HYPERLINK "www.msmanational.org.%20" www.msmanational.org.
Become a
teacher, inspire others and build a stronger team. With all the learning, networking and
inspiration you receive, you will be equipped to go back home and inspire and
teach others. This will be rewarding to
you – and your team!
One final
tip: if you do attend MAILCOM, make sure
you prepare a thorough, written report and share with your boss and team. Also do a verbal presentation of the key
highlights from your report and let your excitement show through at what you
gained at the conference. Jim has a
great personal example of a report that he would gladly e-mail you upon
request.
Good luck to you
as you pursue getting approval to join us at MAILCOM 2014!
Wes
Friesen and James P. Mullan are members
of the MSMA National Board and have both earned multiple professional
certifications including the CMDSM. Wes
and Jim were also the recipients of the prestigious 2010 Franklin Award in
recognition of their achievements and contribution to the mailing
industry. Both speak regularly at
MAILCOM on a variety of leadership, management and operational topics. n.com
and Jim at HYPERLINK "mailto:jmullan@chubb.com"
jmullan@chubb.com. For information about MAILCOM, visit HYPERLINK "www.mailcom-conference.com."
www.mailcom-conference.com.
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