Other Side of the Coin
OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN-- What has become of our industry associations collaboration and trust? The most effective way to address issues is to collaborate to build trust and identify resolutions and solve together. A recent communication went out from WERC organization to all Corp Mobility Managers (CMM) in an attempt to have more meet with suppliers. It stated that that if a Corporate Relocation Manager (CMM) registered for the upcoming May Spring Conference, and then scheduled 5 supplier meetings and held those virtual meetings, they would be entered into a drawing to win a free registration for the Fall conference. The CMM would (1) need to register, (2) schedule on line with 5 suppliers and then (3) somehow have to prove that they met with 5 suppliers before being eligible for the "prize".
Do we really believe that the one free registration to the Fall Conference would have an impact on a CMM decision whether or not to meet with suppliers? It was insulting not only to CMM but to suppliers as well. Suppliers value their time and energy and IMO would not be interested in “fluff” appointments. This approach only stigmatized the suppliers reputation with CMM.
Would it not have been a more trustworthy approach that upon CMM registration, provide the networking opportunity link to the CMM and explain how important the suppliers are to the organization and how their sponsorship supports WERC, and to please make every effort to try to meet with suppliers that may be helpful for your business or want to learn more about. etc. etc. etc.?
Do the majority of suppliers genuinely feel that most CMM are so non-caring? If you believe so, we have a bigger problem in our industry. I spoke to numerous suppliers who indicated they were never surveyed or asked for feedback to determine how critical of an issue this really was. In fact they were somewhat embarrassed when I shared with them the communication.
It is no secret that making decisions in small groups for large organizations is much easier since not as much resistance. However the risk in doing so without the appropriate amount of surveying/feedback many times leads to invalid assumptions. And you know what they say about making assumptions........
Head of Global Partnerships- HELMA International | Business Process Innovation | Cross-cultural Trainer | Traveller
3 年We all want a platform to meet clients, and industry/trade organizations play a key role in providing such platforms, but I agree with you that the “speed dating” model may not be the best approach. Maybe, if the goal of the event was changed- from “networking” (which relies on participants to take initiative- and a term that perhaps gives a sense of superficiality) to “collaborating” which pushes event organizers to understand the interests and expectations of their participants (CMMs and suppliers) in order to set the agenda- it would be helpful to all parties. Like in all relationships- new or old- a common meeting place plays but a small role in engagement. As you rightly said, trust-building should be at the core of the messaging and agenda in such events.
Talent Mobility Manager at Ford Motor Company
3 年Thanks Jack Jampel for posting. I agree completely. I also would encourage #naturalnetworking I am not always able to meet with every supplier who reaches out to me due to my calendar, but I try to meet with many of them. It is the way you learn about the latest and greatest in the industry. Plus you meet new people too - win-win!
Global Mobility Industry Leader ?? | The Most Admired Global Mobility Professional in the World | | Strategic Planning & Execution | Innovation, Growth & Transformation | Conference Speaker | Multi-Lingual | Blader
3 年I am completely onboard with everything you said Jack. While I completely understand that ERC wants more conversation between CMM and suppliers; they missed the mark by miles (or km). "Forcing" the CMM and suppliers to connect may be a waste of time for all. As a CMM, it is our responsibility to always look around the corner and continue engaging our current providers (and prospects) to find innovative solutions so we can continue elevating the employee experience. These purposeful conversations is what will drive CMMs to attend events and engage with the amazing partners in our industry.
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3 年Teamwork makes the dream work!
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3 年Great write up Jack. I think it was genuinely a well-intentioned attempt to bridge the gap but it also shows how heavily driven this industry is by the suppliers. I wonder if any CMMs were consulted on this idea. Personally, I don’t care about the free stuff. I either turn it down or give it away. That’s not what drives me. What drives me is thoughtful conversations and collaboration, like you said.