Last night, event sponsor Groeneveld CPL Systems invited me to speak at the monthly meeting to share strategies for members to maximize their association experience. It was a change of pace for the Automotive Transportation Service Superintendents Association since  usually it’s the sponsor who provides a technical presentation for the group to hear the latest and greatest in the industry. It’s a group you most likely have not heard of, but it’s one with longevity – there was one member who had been there since 1947 when the London chapter opened.

One of the best lessons in networking etiquette and positive career management was provided by one of the board of director members.

Brian Courchesne had recently switched roles to a new company: Simplicity Air Ltd. He was the member who actually committed to sponsoring the event for his former employer Groeneveld CPL Systems, but then changed jobs a few weeks prior to the event. He gave a great introduction of the guy who picked up the ball…or who he passed the puck to to use his hockey analogy before Doug Bannon, the Groeneveld CPL Systems representative had to get up to speak and introduce me. Here’s the beauty of this kind of a passing of the torch: Brian could have said nothing, but instead, he gave a glowing endorsement for the new guy. It changed the tone and introduced Doug who knew relatively few people in the room.

As they say, never burn a bridge…and really, when you have the chance, why not take it a step further and decide to build a bridge just because. Very classy.

Tags: Local Associations