January President’s Message

Wow, it’s a new year, a new day and a new chance to make your mark! I have never been one for New Year’s resolutions; I hate the self-imposed stress. Combine that with the fact that I am a New Year’s baby. and the pressure for New Years to be significant is too much. Instead of deciding that on this one day everything will change, I find myself taking a Google Earth approach these days. I look at the big picture of what I want in my life: my family, my friends and my business. There are things that enhance my priorities and things that distract. I know it is simple to say walk away from the stuff that sucks your energy, but sometimes it isn’t that easy.

Like many of us in this industry, I strive for perfection. We take the little things personally and to be honest, I think we need to. We need to be accountable for what we do and what we say. If people want to know why I take business to heart and why I care so deeply and passionately about my various projects, it’s because each hour I am investing in my industry is time that I don’t get to be with my kids. I’m not complaining, and my kids are completely adapted to this lifestyle. But if I am spending time away from them, then I am going to care deeply about what I am doing and the results that I want to achieve. So yes, I do take it personally.

It’s funny the stuff that our kids think is routine. Hotels and banquet halls are the norm on weekends; most five-year-olds ask the school bus driver if they completed a circle check of the vehicle before starting their route, right? Thank you to all the people who have been kind to my children when they are tagging along with us. My son and daughter feel that this is their industry too and love to work hard to help Mommy out. We do our best to be with them as much as possible, and I hope their childhood teaches them how hard they need to work, as well as how rewarding it can be. Even our family vacations usually have a work component. What kids haven’t been to Las Vegas for a tradeshow? What do you mean that isn’t normal?!?

For my fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, self-starters and go-getters out there, I truly applaud your efforts. When you act with integrity and care, you elevate our industry. Bad client experiences taint the waters for all of us. I thank you for caring about your clients and treating them with the respect they deserve.

January is a great month to take stock and evaluate what is important to you. I am pleased that MPI Ottawa is offering two complimentary educational webinars to our members on January 10. I hope you can take advantage of these.

I look forward to seeing you at the Charity Auction and Dinner on February 1.

Stay warm,
Jen

 Article written by Jennifer McAndrew, Mastermind Event Rentals

Article edited by Melanie Hudson, National Association of Federal Retirees