From the Hearts of Many Associations for Joplin, Missouri

by Melynn Sight

I am inspired by outpouring of association and members inquiries looking for ways to help victims of the Alabama, Louisiana, Joplin tornadoes. Being closest to Joplin, only three hours away, the church, civic, corporate, government and even NFL sporting team elbow grease dedicated to helping in the area is inspiring. From stays of one-day to weeks-long doing all kinds of jobs.

Tracy Osborne, CEO of my home town’s Chamber of Commerce and former Joplin resident, is keeping us posted on the grass-roots movement of Rotary clubs, agencies, church groups, construction companies and families helping Joplin clean up their town of 50,000. There are no schools to convene this August. Tracy says 40% of the students have been displaced, since they no longer have a home in Joplin. There are no school supplies or computers or classrooms. Everything will be replaced.

I taught a leadership class recently for an association in Kissimmee, Florida. Two students approached me at different times: the first asked if I could connect her with a reliable place to donate money; her brokerage firm wanted to help. The second said her business is looking to make a collection of supplies that Joplin needs and will send anywhere it’s needed. And just last week, I sat in a board of directors meeting of a large NAR association who approved a significant contribution on behalf of the membership to Joplin relief. From very far away.

Individuals are springing to action; there are heroic efforts every day helping hearts of the homeless and helping survivors begin to put their lives back together. The story that began on the evening news is now in the hands of regular people from near and far giving of their time and treasure. The communities and families will need help for a long time. Thank you for showing the spirit of community.

From the Hearts of Many Associations for Joplin, Missouri

Do What You Can. But Do Something.

Three weeks ago, I lost a good friend to cancer. It’s the second girlfriend I have lost to cancer. I cooked meals, checked in, said prayers; but in retrospect, it’s not enough.

I remember when my dad died. Someone said to me “I just didn’t know what to do, so as a result I ended up doing nothing. I’m really sorry.” I vowed that day I would never be someone who opted for nothing - instead of doing something.

About ten years ago when Mimi was diagnosed with brain cancer, I decided that minute I would grow my hair out and donate it to Locks of Love (they create wigs from live hair for cancer victims who lose theirs). It took almost three years, and Mimi didn’t make it to know that I did it or why, but it gave me something to think about. That no bad hair day would ever be worse than living with cancer.

Three months ago I decided to grow my hair again. Coincidentally, it’s the same time Connie’s Leukemia came back. Connie lost a seven year battle in May. So here I go again. This time it’s for you, Connie. Not that you needed a wig to be beautiful, or graceful, but I want to do something for someone else who isn’t as lucky as I am.

I’m on a campaign that whether it’s a friend who is sick, or tornado relief, or your business: We’ll all be sorry if we work the same plan we always had, or haven’t changed anything about our business (or our life) year after year.

Do what you can. But do something.

Do What You Can. But Do Something.

Keep Your Eye on Your Communications Goals & Test Out Your Plan

Launch and Learn. That’s what happens when you document your plan. And experiment. 

Kudos to Leslie in Palm Beach; to Jackie in Kansas; to Sionara in Nevada and Carrie in Minnesota. For the rest of you who are working on your plan right now: What will you do differently?

Remember it all begins with your communications goals and picking a few specific target audiences. These are the two keys to making real change.

I was impressed with one AEs choice of her target audience: HIGH PRODUCING SALES AGENTS. She is not so worried about the others. Carol and Leslie want to target their communications to the tech savvy. The ones who are looking for help. Those who will see value in what their association offers.

You have to admire a plan that sets aggressive goals and takes on new ideas so you really have to make change to reach them.

I respect those of you who print out your goals and your target audiences and post them in front of your computer screen so you can see them every day. If you don't, the plan will be a good exercise but it won't create real change.

Chris Brogan asked a great question in his recent blog about launching a plan - What are you doing differently? Are you learning from it what needs to change? 

Keep working your plan. Keep iterating. Keep working on it in the "live" environment as best as you can, and keep your eye on those few measurable results that let you know whether you are succeeding or not.

Keep your eyes on your communications goals, and test out your plan.

Keep Your Eye on Your Communications Goals & Test Out Your Plan