Making the Most of OSSN Meetings
by Paula Goldsmith

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Obviously, there are not chapters in every town. Agents may have to travel to a chapter in a neighboring town. Chapter locations can be found on the OSSN web site, but remember that the OSSN Directors are hosting their meetings in areas that are not just where they live locally. Many chapter directors are also trying very hard to alternate the locations that they use for meeting venues, so that more agents are encouraged to come out and attend. The members often do enjoy seeing and experiencing new venues around their own cities. Sometimes, directors are even able to negotiate some great opportunities for members to experience local attractions at reduced prices and are hosting their meetings at some of these venues. Of course, all cities are not created equal when it comes to exciting meeting places to enjoy.

But, I truly believe that it is also the members themselves that make the meeting successful and exciting! As a director, I need and expect my members to show up when they can! It is so very important for us to support each other and to support the suppliers or educators that agree to come be a part of our programs. And we, as directors, also encourage each other to be creative in our meeting content. That is also why we LOVE for our members to give us feedback and to be a part of the planning process! Some chapters have even developed committees to help make the meetings more creative and varied in content and location. For members who want to be more involved, they should definitely talk to their directors and tell them of their interest to participate more in their meetings!

For a number of years, I was the chapter director in Philadelphia, Pa. I had agents happily driving a long distance for our meetings. They wanted to learn with others agents and through the suppliers. Since I have been the Mesa-Phoenix, Ariz., chapter director for the past three years, I have seen some agents who drive an hour or more each way to come to the meetings. I know some agents cannot drive at night. Why not carpool? In Philly, I picked up an agent for many meetings and trade shows. Ask your director about putting out a carpool e-mail for your area.

I have agents say, "I do not sell this product that the supplier who is speaking is representing, so I am not coming to the meeting." Although this is understandable in some cases, I think there is a better way to look at the opportunity. For example, about 10 years ago, I was at a trade show. A supplier asked me why I was not taking his materials. I told him I did not sell his product. He told me to take one brochure and always keep it in my files, and I did. About two years later, I had a customer who wanted that product. I had all of the information I needed at my fingertips. It is a wise owner of a company who knows the importance of having the brochures in your files. He and I both made a lot of money because I took that brochure. Many times, the supplier will say something that can be used on the products you are already selling. Knowing the suppliers is an important part of this business.

Networking is so very important. Remember to bring business cards with you for networking. The meetings are a great way to get questions answered and discuss problems with other agents. Listen to what the other agents are taking about. At our last meeting, two agents had just come from the airport to our meeting. They had a lot of important information about the trip they had just taken. Not all of it was good. By exchanging business cards and networking, agents open themselves up to more knowledge. We cannot know it all, but we can help each other.

One huge bonus is finding a new friend. We never have enough friends. I have made some good friends through the many OSSN meetings I have attended over the past 10 years. So, bite the bullet and try a few OSSN meetings - and see how different your business and your life can be!

Paula Goldsmith, MCC, is the owner of Paula’s Travel Agency and serves as director of the OSSN Mesa/Phoenix Chapter in Arizona. She has published seven books and has taught many business and travel classes over the years. You may reach her at wiinger@aol.com.

(Credits: Paula Goldsmith)