Cynthia D’Amour on Leadership and Life

Just can’t justify it.

Last year I joined a professional association.

Attended the annual meeting right away.
Had a good time.
That was basically it.

Got my renewal notice.

Did a value analysis.
I expect a positive return on investment for membership dues.
There are so many potential groups to join.

I can’t make the convention this year, so what else was there?

Got [...]

Filed under: Keeping members, Rants | 10 Comments »

Thanks for calling.

Got a call today from a potential vendor.

First thing out of his mouth was an insult.
“Your website is a mess and not working.”
Huh?

Who was this clown?

He only gave me his first name.
Never heard of him or his company.
He didn’t say which of my three sites he was talking about.

“I can help you [...]

Filed under: Rants, Recruiting New Members | No Comments »

Seriously.

Went to the phone store.

To upgrade my service.
And get a smarter phone.
(No worries, the wold has not ended yet.)

I was assigned to John.

UGH! Bad gut reaction.
Sadly, gut was right.
Couldn’t stand him by the end of our conversation.

In a very short time, John disparaged the heck out of me.

My phone plan was ancient.
I mixed up [...]

Filed under: Keeping members, Rants | 3 Comments »

   No need for lectures!
Just called the headquarters of an organization.

I have been a member for years.
A local leader.
And good member - not a pain in the you know where.

I had an idea I thought could help.

Was willing to invest some time.
Give a big boost up.
Make a difference in a cool way.

The senior staff who answered [...]

Filed under: Keeping members, Rants | No Comments »

   Doesn’t work for me.
James and I belong to a local organization.

For several years now.
I rarely can attend due to travel.
But still have fond feelings for it.

Just learned they left me out for years!

Of a weekly update about what’s going on.
What the heck?
Why James and not me?

I understand just sending one snail mail newsletter.

Printing costs.
So [...]

Filed under: Getting More Members Involved, Rants | 2 Comments »

And warm.
Lounging on the beach.

Sun warming my body.
Calypso music in the background.
Handsome James by my side.

“Fresca!”

The voice boomed.
Startling my reality.
Slamming me from my dream.

A flight attendant stood in front of me.

Placed a glass of Fresca on my table.
Smiled.
And walked away.

What was he thinking?

Couldn’t he see me sleeping?
Surely I had a big smile on my [...]

Filed under: Getting More Members Involved, Rants | No Comments »

Especially at 2:30 AM!
Last night I went to bed early.

Sleep had been hard to catch this week.
With GiGi the puppy joining us.
I needed a good night of sleep.

All was going well until 2:30 AM.

My phone started buzzing.
I woke in a panic.
Ready to jump into action.

Was it Mom or Dad?

I sleep with my phone by [...]

Filed under: Board challenges, Rants | No Comments »

   Please!
My favorite weather site did an update.

Rearranged everything.
Made it easier to see their ads.
And harder for me to get the weather.

Thankfully they also offer a classic view.

It takes two extra clicks to use.
But I see my information.
The way I like it.

I understand the need to make money.

I’m an entreprenuer.
But they’ve gone a little too [...]

Filed under: Keeping members, Rants | No Comments »