Why Volunteer? | PPB Mag


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Why Volunteer?
By: Dave Regan
Issue: 2009apr

There's a lot to gain from the experience–see what's in it for you.

When I think back to some of my first sales experiences, I recall taking Dale Carnegie courses in New York. A lot of the focus was placed on relating features and benefits of the products or services that you were selling. I also recall being asked to remember the old radio station WIFM when selling. They pointed out that WIFM stood for, “what is in it for me.” In other words, if you are trying to promote anything you must tell people what is in it for them. I never forgot that lesson.

When it comes to volunteering, I think we all need to keep these call letters in mind. Why do I volunteer for PPAI? Here’s what’s in it for me:

Self-Esteem
Some of it involves stroking my own ego. I think I have something to offer. As a sales manager and leader, I’m a teacher of sorts, and volunteering allows me to pass on my knowledge and experiences outside of my own organization.

Learning
I derive a great benefit from getting outside of my own little box and seeing what others are experiencing in this great world of promotional products. I used to believe that I was an outside-the-box thinker. Getting involved and meeting people from other companies helped me realize that, in many ways, we are all in our own box when it comes to thinking. Speaking and listening to other professionals with different perspectives allows me to learn new things. None of us is too old or experienced to learn as long as we are open to it.

Networking
I also enjoy meeting new people. If you don’t want to meet any new people then I might question your choice of a career in sales, but that is another subject. It is an absolute given that when you volunteer for a PPAI committee or advisory council you will be exposed to people from different companies, different areas of the country and different backgrounds. I have yet to meet any individual involved in volunteering at PPAI that I do not like. Sure, we all come at this business from different angles with a variety of approaches; however, this makes it interesting.

I receive so much more from this process than I give. In these challenging times it is critical that you surround yourself with positive people. One surefire way to do this is to get involved, step up to the plate and become a volunteer. You won’t regret it.

The Process
PPAI has 13 standing committees each comprised of 12 members. Each committee has a chair, a Board vice chair, board liaison and a PPAI staff liaison. In addition, committees have advisory council members who share the same responsibilities as committee members but without a vote on committee business items.

The first step to be considered for committee or board duty is to download and fill out a volunteer or board nomination form at www.ppai.org. Completed volunteer forms are sent to the Leadership Advisory Committee for review and evaluation. Committee volunteer recommendations are sent to the board chair-elect, who ultimately selects new committee members each fall. Those not selected as voting members of a committee may be placed on an advisory council. Advisory council members who remain involved are often selected to fill available committee seats.

Board nominees are reviewed by the Leadership Advisory Committee, which sends a slate of nine to 12 distributor names and nine to 12 supplier names to the Nominating Committee.

Qualifications
Those individuals whose companies are PPAI members can submit their requests for volunteer service. To have a representative sample most like the demographic composition of the industry, there are important considerations in the nomination process. Characteristics such as geographic location, company sales volume category, experience and dedication to the promotional products industry, creativity and openness, respect by peers, regional leadership history and willingness to participate in meetings and conference calls are considered. In some cases, specific skills that candidates possess may be beneficial for committee or even board service special needs.

The Committees
When completing the volunteer application form, you can emphasize the committee(s) you prefer. We try to accommodate where possible, but being flexible helps because you may be asked to serve on a committee based on available seats. Each committee member serves a three-year term.

Call To Action
It is up to you. Visit www.ppai.org/Forms/Volunteer/ParticipationForm.aspxand take the first step to becoming active on a PPAI advisory council or a committee.

Dave Regan is vice president of sales for Newton, Iowa-based distributor The Vernon Company (UPIC: Vernon) and chairman of the PPAI Leadership Advisory Committee.
641-792-9000
daver@vernoncompany.com
www.vernoncompany.com

Are you currently involved but looking to go to the next level? Let us know. The Leadership Advisory Committee is currently looking for good candidates to serve on the PPAI Board.

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