Several articles in this issue of Agency Sales advocate the importance for reps to embrace the use of technology in their business and personal lives. However, having just returned from a national conference for association executives, I can’t help but be reminded of the continued benefits of “high touch” over “high tech” when it comes to personal development.
In attending this conference, we were able to more readily identify some of the reasons that in-person professional development forums are so important. They:
- Provide a venue to network with others in your profession.
- Communicate what’s new.
- Reinforce the importance of what you’re doing right.
- Allow you to share experiences with peers.
- Stimulate thinking.
- Energize a sense of pride for your profession.
- Foster a sense of camaraderie.
As events such as these are brought to your attention, it’s often easy to say “I don’t have the time” or “we shouldn’t spend the money.” It’s important, however, to look at continuing education as an investment — an investment in the future of your business. Consider continuing education as a line item in your annual budget.
This brings me to something very new for MANA — our first annual conference. MANAfest ’09 is scheduled for May 31-June 3, 2009 at the beautiful Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada.
We are well on our way in putting this program together. I can offer you a preview by telling you that there will be a variety of sessions covering:
- Technology
- Marketing
- Agency Operations
- Principal Relationships
- Leadership/Coaching
- Legal Aspects
- Sales
In addition to industry-veteran presenters, the program will include panel and roundtable discussions allowing for plenty of audience participation. This brings us to another major benefit of attending the conference — the opportunity to learn from each other.
You can’t be in business today without continually stretching and developing yourself. Join your fellow reps and participate by attending MANAfest ’09.
