Interesting,

Thanks for sharing,

Keep up the good work

It’s a pity that people don’t realize the importance of this information. Thanks for posing it.

“KattyBlackyard” I will look forward to your questions! “GarykPatton,” I will definately post more! Be looking for my answers back to Katty. Thank you all for your feedback. If you have any of your own personal experiences on this topic, please feel free to share…I would love to hear about them!

Hello, can you please post some more information on this topic? I would like to read more.

Great post! I’ll subscribe right now wth my feedreader software!

Hi, interest post. I’ll write you later about few questions!

Thank you all for sharing your wonderful and uplifting comments! Please pass along to others that you think may be interested in this topic! Thanks again!

Note to Susanne:
I applaud you for your early industry efforts and professional board involvement. I also feel your ability to seek out others and network effectively have paid off very well for you! It’s amazing how one’s “lifelong acquaintenances & friendships” blossom and turn into awesome job opportunities … isn’t it! Your comment about our industry being “one of people and connections” has hit the nail on the head …in other words, it’s all about building and nurturing relationships.
Best wishes for continued success in your future business endeavors!
P.S. Your philosophy described below has worked just as effective for me as well … thanks for sharing your inspirational comments!

Amanda, I couldn’t agree with you more on this matter. Our industry is one of people and connections. It is ever evolving and expanding – just like our profession. I joined this industry back in the 80’s and was asked to join the ‘IBD’ board back then. Being young and not knowing any better, I did so and was introduced to many professionals that I am still in contact with to this day. As a result of this early involvement, I’ve gone on to be very active in other groups including AIA Interiors and some local organizations. This is something that will never stop and should never stop. Last summer at the CLC, I met a woman, Karen Muraoka from Hawaii. Two weeks ago, we were asked by a client to recommend or team with a design firm out of Hawaii – you can imagine who I called.

One never knows where recommendations, references, job opportunities will come from as well as lifelong acquaintenances and friendships.

Your dedication and passion for expanding your knowledge base and becoming very involved in various professional organizations is inspiring. I agree that networking and involvement can only be a positive thing! I have learned this through participation in various organizations in college, and I intend to keep up my participation and involvement as a professional!

As a past President of the local Indianapolis Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) organization, I applaud you, Amanda, for your passion and the enthusiasm you have demonstrated while being involved with the IIDA. Your expeditious rise to a leadership role with the IIDA doesn’t surprise me at all. Having worked very closely with you on many projects, I have observed your keen desire to learn and “soak up” as much knowledge as humanly possible!! Your intense yearning to become actively involved with professional boards and networking, networking, networking will carry you far in your career. Some of my closest associates, colleagues and friends to this day became acquaintances of mine when I joined IFMA back in the late 80’s (Jerry H., Walt K., Tom M., Norm S., Bob K., Dave M., George N., Joe S., Iva B., Mike D. to name a few) and remain closely connected to IFMA today as well …

Similar to your fast track rise to a leadership role, I joined IFMA as the Public Relations & Newsletter Editor, earned the Professional Member of the Year Award, was nominated and served as the Vice President and then became President in 1992. The group of people serving with me on my administration helped to carry on with the unbelievable solidarity that an organization makes every effort to accomplish from year to year. With that solid core and nucleus of people in place, my successor and our chapter was chosen as the IFMA Chapter of the Year in 1993 … a tremendous success story that I am truly proud of.

So, Amanda, keep up with your career game plan of serving on Boards, volunteering for the betterment of the community & others and maintain your networking efforts … you will go far!!!
Sincerely,
Gary

P.S. You have done a great job of “sponging up” lessons learned and putting into play some of my words of wisdom, “Don’t ration your passion, SHARE IT!” Keep it going, Amanda … no one can ever take away your knowledge, enthusiasm and zest for life.

I totally agree with these comments. In fact, Amanda and I have discussed this topic as it relates to my involvement with IIDA. However, we can make a learning situation out of just about any volunteer position. I’ve learned quite a bit about home remodeling by working on various Habitat for Humanity projects. I’ve learned quite a bit about organization and leadership by coaching little league baseball. If you can keep 15 eight to ten year olds moving together for a common purpose than you’ve done something right. I’ve learned quite a bit about trying to accomplish goals and staying emotionally calm by being part of various church committees. Everyone should participate when there is a need or because it’s the right thing to do, but always be aware that you will get something out of it.

You know I completely agree with you Amanda. My personal experience with serving on the IIDA board has been a stepping stone for me. I have met so many people locally and globally that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I am richer for knowing those people. As for volunteering, that’s good for the heart, soul and body. And like Myron said, you get something out of it. I think I gain way more that I give.