Hosting an RMA Audioconference Series Successfully
RMA Audioconferences
- Many chapters sponsor RMA audioconferences as a way to provide topical programming at a low price. Some charge a modest fee per participant, while others offer it free to members.
- There are several different programs offered in each of the main RMA audioconference series (Lending & Risk Management, Community Bank, and Agricultural). Your chapter can sign up for individual programs or an entire series.
- Some chapters have used audioconferences as a way to deliver programs in more remote locations or in places where there may not be enough people for a general meeting or seminar.
- When the program topic is of a macro or global nature (e.g. Real Estate or Next Problem Areas), chapters can invite local experts to comment on the speakers' remarks after the audioconference. This local perspective can be extremely valuable.
- Some chapters have developed and held their own topical audioconferences on regional issues. Contact the Chapters & Membership area for more information on this.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Request a complete listing of upcoming audioconference events from RMA Customer Care at 1-800-677-7621 or check RMA's website at http://www.rmahq.org/.
- Decide which programs are most appropriate for your market. Think about how they can help you in your membership efforts to provide value to different groups (e.g. Young Bankers, community banks, etc.).
- If possible, locate rooms in banks that have high quality speakerphones for your events.
- Promote the audioconference as you would any other event-with flyers, email notices, announcements at meetings, etc.
- Speaker notes for RMA audioconferences are generally available in our fax-on-demand service 3-5 days before the event. Plan to pull down this information and make copies for all participants.
Contact Names:
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How to Make Volunteering Work for You
Nothing quite replaces the good feelings and camaraderie of joining with fellow members in volunteering. But how can you help yourself in the process? Follow these five sure-fire tips to make your association volunteer experience work for you.
- Build your resume.
Human resource experts agree that volunteer involvement is mistakenly omitted from most resumes. Make a point to include your affiliations and association volunteer experience on your resume. Volunteering substantially expands the range of jobs you can envision yourself filling-and enjoying. A recent Wall Street Journal article suggests "three to five years of volunteer work provides management experience most corporations couldn't provide in 20 years, if it came at all.
- Craft a complete cover letter.
Include your volunteer experience in your cover letter when applying for a job. Did you design a marketing plan for an association event? Feature it predominantly in your cover letter for a job requiring marketing experience.
- Mention it in interviews.
Volunteer experience supports your paid work experience and indicates your willingness to learn and grow in different areas. Did you chair a planning committee or lead a group activity? Be prepared to apply that experience to the position's specific needs when meeting with prospective employers.
- Publicize your efforts.
Volunteering on an association task force or community service project is "news" and is worthy of recognition. Your community newspaper regularly spotlights local newsmakers. Send a news release about you and your fellow committee members.
- Inform your boss.
Keep your employer and fellow staffers aware of your volunteer achievements. Involvement in volunteer activities is among the top five factors supervisors consider when promoting employees, according to a recent study. Surveyed executives believe volunteering in the community reflects well on the employee and the company because the challenges you face as a volunteer can be applied to your daily work. Your peers on the job will see the value of volunteering, too, when you share great ideas from your volunteer assignment.
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WHY DO I SPEND SO MUCH TIME ON RMA? THE VALUE
Value—"Worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor"
- An Associate receives the following value:
Industry Resources—The RMA library and staff can provide research information to you on most any credit topic or issue through state-of-the-art technology.
Educational Opportunities—RMA has numerous products, publications, seminars, conferences, round tables, and training sessions to sharpen your skills and keep you abreast of changes in the banking industry.
Networking—You will be exposed to many other bankers throughout the country and will benefit from their ideas, experience, and expertise. These contacts can prove invaluable to your career.
"Good of the Industry"—RMA strongly promotes the best quality standard for credit practices. In essence, you will become a better credit professional through association with RMA.
- An RMA officer receives the added value of leadership skill development:
Organization—Being an RMA leader will involve you in numerous planning, decision-making, problem solving, and project management activities.
Supervisory—You will manage, administrate, delegate, and negotiate with your fellow officers and board of directors.
Communication—Opportunities will exist for you to speak publicly and make presentations as you share ideas at board meetings and group functions.
Team Building—You will be challenged to motivate, facilitate, and build consensus among a group of volunteers.
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Leadership Tip Sheet: Membership Development & Communications
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF RMA's WEB SITE
www.rmahq.org
WHY?
- It gives you a direct link to current information available from RMA HQ.
- It is another source of valuable information.
- Other ideas…
RESULTS?
- You stay at the forefront in a rapidly changing environment.
- You have access to tools developed and being developed to assist you in delivering quality programming to your chapter.
- A quantum leap in communication with other chapter leaders.
- Better use of valuable resources (time).
- Less anxiety.
- Other ideas…
AVAILABLE NOW (AT CHAPTER's SECTION)
- Lists of chapter contacts.
- Upcoming chapter events.
- Other chapter web sites.
- Chapter Leader Discussion Forum
- Access to Newsletter/Marketing/Programming Template
- Tipsheets and How To's.
- Access to your Membership record, through the Member's Only site.
RESOURCES
RMA Headquarters
Your Regional Manager
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