Amen to That, Apryl

“Stretch yourself” is the advice that Apryl Motley, CAE, gives to association executives who are trying to make the most of any life-changing experience. The December issue of Associations Now features Apryl’s valuable perspectives, which stem from her experience in losing a job but also apply to other events, including mine—choosing to leave a full-time job, choosing to start a consulting business, and now choosing to search for a new full-time position. Whatever your situation, you will surely find Apryl’s insights enlightening. Check out her “Horizons” piece on page 9 for details about why she considers “doing something outside your comfort zone” a key to thriving during challenging times.

The segment of Apryl’s column that resonates most with me is her description of the big blank that follows your name when you don’t have a full-time job. As longtime friends in the association community, Apryl and I have enjoyed working on the same team, celebrating our success, learning side by side at educational programs, and networking together. We’ve introduced each other to many colleagues and have had lots of opportunities to say: “Hi, I’m Gerry Romano/Apryl Motley, CAE, with [blank].” As Apryl notes in the column, having no association name to fill in the blank can be bothersome to a lot of association executives, because where we work often becomes very much a part of who we are.

I hear her loud and clear. At an ASAE event last month, for a key moment, I focused too much on the blank and forgot to concentrate on my positive future. Despite my continual prep for opportunities to promote myself with prospective employers, I stumbled when meeting one exec. I introduced myself as simply “Gerry Romano.” He asked, “Who are you with?” And I said, “No one.” NO ONE! Then for some crazy reason, instead of moving right into my elevator speech, as I have done countless times, I merely noted that I was looking for a full-time job. Fortunately, my friend Mark witnessed this exchange and jumped in with: “Gerry would be an asset to any association.” From there, a constructive conversation began, and I now have another useful contact in the field. (Thank you again, Mark!)

Note to self (and to other job hunters): Stay focused on the strong value you've brought to associations in the past, on the important value you still bring to the association management community as a passionate and involved member of the profession, and on the great value you will bring to your next association. That’s the best way to fill in that blank.