“Success is not measured in the amount of dollars you make, but the amount of lives you impact.” Anonymous
At the end of each year, we sometimes reflect on where we are in our lives – our relationships, our personal goals and our careers. We often ask ourselves, “Am I making an impact?” … The answer is YES!
The experiences and opportunities we create as meetings professionals make both a small and big impact on the people in our industry and beyond. From gaining new insight and knowledge, networking with peers, experiencing a new destination, or helping a local charity in need, the work we do provides professional development and opportunities, and creates new experiences for our meeting attendees.
However, have you ever thought about the “big picture” and the impact you may be making beyond your role as a meetings professional? As members of FICP, we are fortunate to be meetings professionals in an industry whose purpose is to protect, grow and improve the lives of our customers. The companies we support and represent make an impact each and every day on their customers. Through investments, retirement planning or insurance, they help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. Many of us have had the opportunity to hear the personal stories from financial advisors about the clients they have helped and some of us have our own personal stories to reflect on – a life insurance check that helped provide financial security to a family member after a devastating loss of a loved one, investments that helped fund a child’s college education that would otherwise not be possible, or a financial plan that is helping prepare for a rewarding retirement. These every day scenarios are just a small snapshot of the global impact our firms make on their customers.
It’s important to remember that the work we do supports our company’s mission of providing financial security and peace of mind to people around the world. I take pride when reflecting on the impact our companies make on millions of customers around the world and recognize that we are part of a bigger picture and mission to help individuals reach their goals and see their dreams come to life.
So as you reflect back on the year – your wins and maybe even your losses – take note of the impact you have made on the hospitality as well as the insurance and financial services industry and the impact these industries have made on you. Remember that you made an impact on your colleagues, peers customers and beyond.
Simple Ways to Make an Impact Every Day:
Smile More: A smile improves your mood and can brighten someone’s day. 😊
Help Others: Gestures both big and small can make a big impact. It’s as simple as running ahead to open the door for someone carrying bags, doing an errand for a friend, or volunteering to run the car pool when it’s not your turn.
Send A Thank You Note: Take a moment to send a thank you note to someone who has made on impact you – whether they inspired, helped or encouraged you – acknowledging their efforts will make them feel appreciated and could even boost their confidence.
Support Farmer's Markets: Support local business owners while enforcing your own good eating habits and protecting the environment!
Cold Water Wash: Doing laundry using cold water only makes a big impact on our environment.
Ban Bottled Water Habits: According to National Geographic magazine, Americans buy approximately 7 billion gallons of bottled water a year. How can you help make a difference? use a water filter and drink tap water in reusable cups!
Eliminate Junk Mail: Save a tree by taking a minute to visit the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service to opt out of junk mail.
Give a compliment: How do you feel when someone gives you a compliment? You know it can go a long way in boosting both your mood and your confidence. So take the time to share them with others.
Volunteer for Projects at Work: Ask for more work and expand your scope – you will grow professionally and make an impact on your colleagues and organization.
Share your knowledge: Some people view knowledge as “power,” but knowledge is meant to be shared. Help staff, peers and leadership succeed by sharing information, insight and those important “lessons learned.” You will help others shine and everyone wins!
Make Yourself Available: One of the best ways we can make an impact on someone is by listening to his or her thoughts and needs. Make yourself available – stop what you are doing, make eye contact and listen.
Pay if Forward: A simple gesture of paying for the coffee for the person in line behind you will generate a positive “feel good” attitude for the other patrons as well as the cashier…and perhaps they will “pay it forward” as well!
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Erin Longo
Director, Conference & Meeting Services, Prudential
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