Page 8 - CFESA Magazine January / February 2019
P. 8
REGIONAL REPORT
ROBERT HARRIS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OEM
SMART CARE EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS
More attention and importance have been di- sation so they can retell their favorite stories.
rected at regional meetings the past couple A simple introduction and you’re in. They will
of years and I couldn’t be happier. I am a big be happy to hear some new stories as well.
fan of regional meetings and the value they
Second, develop a new business contact. I
bring to our membership. They are informa-
started to refer to them as battle buddies.
tive and engaging. They are a great way to
Your battle buddy may have some of the
learn more about the industry and industry
same experiences and challenges as you do.
partners. And most importantly, they are fun!
Maybe they can offer advice, or at least un-
You, the CFESA membership and industry derstand your pain. Often comfort and clari-
partners, are what make regional meetings ty come from shared experiences, especially
and conferences valuable. Having the at- if that person is outside of your company and
mosphere and opportunity to share your only a phone call away.
thoughts and experience, and to gain from
One of the many things I have been im-
mistakes and triumphs of others are import-
pressed with as a CFESA member, and most
ant for all. Most often a good topic is all
often demonstrated at the regional meetings,
that’s needed to start the conversation. Add
is the ease at which information is shared.
in a diverse mix of participants such as man- Frequently a topic is introduced such as
ufacturers, service companies, equipment hiring, 3rd party portals, training, safety, war-
dealers, and representatives, and you will ranty and so on. The topic is often presented
be hard pressed to leave a regional meet- or led by a member or industry partner who
ing without gaining some insight and useful has some experience with the subject. A
knowledge. good topic usually takes off on its own with
questions from those in the room being an-
If you have not attended a CFESA regional
swered or discussed within the group. This is
meeting, I’d like to encourage you to do so
a great opportunity to hear what others are
soon. I have a few tips that may help make
doing. It’s also the first step in identifying a
the decision to attend an easy one.
new battle buddy.
First, commit to meeting some new and in-
teresting people. You will find that those at- Third, add to the knowledge pool by being
tending a regional meeting are very inclusive. a full participant. No matter how long you
Often, we perceive a group of people stand- have been in the industry, where you come
ing together as clickish, or exclusive, but in from, or what your background is, you have
fact what you are witnessing is a reunion of something of value to add. Especially if your
peers who have connected at previous meet- opinion or approach to the problem is differ-
ings and are catching up. Most likely waiting ent than the others. We all like when some-
for someone new to join the circle of conver- one agrees with us, however the times I have
8 CFESA Magazine | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2019 | www.cfesa.com
