happy new year!

O, joy!  What great news!  The CIC has announced that they have revised the CMP application process!  Their press release makes it sound as though they’ve really streamlined and simplified the process, and the new application goes into effect on January 1, 2010.  Happy New Year, indeed!

The release also says that now that the application has been streamlined, they’re turning their focus to simplifying the recertification process, too.  Yay!

testing. testing. 1. 2.

Taking the CMP exam isn’t something you have to do without help.  Well, that’s not true.  You DO have to take the test on your own.  But the path you take to GET there doesn’t have to be a lonely one.

What I’m saying is – take part in a study weekend!  PCMA puts on some GREAT programs to help planners study for the exam.

For example, if you’re in the Chicago area, you could attend THIS program, November 13-14, 2009, in Oak Brook.  AND, you could learn about contracting, budgeting and how to take the test from yours truly!  Yes, that’s right, boys and girls, I’m joining the very capable instructors of the annual November study weekend!

There’s no published deadline to register (except that you must pre-register – no onsite registrations are accepted), and you receive a fantastic binder with all kinds of additional info included in your registration fee.

You also have the opportunity to take a pre-test before and after the course, to see what areas you might need to focus on (both during the course and on your own).

And, one of the best benefits is that you have the opportunity to extend your CMP study network – start a study group with your fellow participants and you’re getting that much more out of the study course!

Hope to see you there!

feeling achy? check for a curly tail!

Swine flu.  The H1N1 virus.  Whatever you call it, it’s a real thing.   Honest.  It’s not some government conspiracy created to ruin the meetings industry.  Darn.  I was kinda hoping it was a conspiracy.  Since it’s not, I need to create a plan to deal with it at our annual meeting in October.

What am I going to do?  Good question.  I’m not sure.  I’ll let you know what we end up doing.  In the meantime, I’ve done a bunch of research, and have found a ton of suggestions.

Here are several suggestions for what YOU can do at your meetings!

singing for your supper

O, what times are these?  Jobs are hard to keep, and harder to find.  I’m blessed to be employed, but I’m not taking that status for granted, and neither should you.

Keep your resume updated.  If you lose your job, your head won’t be in a good place for creating a shining example of who you are as a job candidate, so make sure that all you have to do is minor tweaks, not a major overhaul if (when!!) the time comes.

what are you waiting for

I’m a perfectionist.  I’m also a procrastinator.  Anyone willing to admit they’re just like me?

Well, thanks!  I’m glad to know I’m not alone.  And, I’m happy to tell you that I’ve been getting help for my perfectly procrastinating ways.  I have some tips for you, my friends!

i’m all atwitter

Twitter.  Some people get it, some people don’t.  I highly recommend that you “get it”.  Your personal / professional reputation may be resting on it.

i am a cmp, and proud of it!

For those of you who were thinking about taking the July exam, but just didn’t quite get around to signing up for it, I want to tell you – go ahead and register for the next available CMP exam.

I’ve had a few months to live as a CMP, and I gotta tell ya, every time I hand out a business card with those letters on it, or send out an email with my full signature attached, I get a thrill.

tell me what you want

I’m really asking.  I’ve been writing this blog for over a year, and I’ve never asked!

What would you like to know more about?

What subject matter can I research and write about?

What topics do you care about?

Saving money?  Negotiating better contracts?  Working smarter not harder?

Do you need inspiration?  Motivation?  Or just knowledge?

Tell me.

hey, i know you!

Brand name talent.  Ugh.  And, aahhh.  There’s nothing like working with a professional speaker/singer/entertainer, is there?

They’re a pain in the backside, and they’re a blessing.  They know exactly what they’re supposed to do, and they usually do it exceedingly well.  But they can be SO high maintenance, SO expensive, and SO intimidating!  Are they worth the trouble?

Yes.*

small sigh of relief

I breathed a small sigh of relief earlier this week, when I read in MeetingsNet.com that the final TARP rules were published, and that meetings haven’t been totally bashed.  Not a huge sigh, mind you.  But, at least the government types haven’t completely lost their minds.