Recently, we collaborated with Serenova’s VP of Customer Success, Jen Jackson, on the e-book, 5 Critical Actions for Successful Contact Center Leaders. In it, Jen, a former contact center executive, shares actional professional development tips gleaned from her successful career.
Jen’s insights inspired me to consider my own professional development goals.
I tend to devour new ideas and love the spark I feel when I learn something new. A former colleague once told me my commitment to self-improvement can be exhausting. I’m usually reading a book on my industry, another on leadership best practices and yet another on parenting. My gung-ho attitude sometimes makes me want to both charge ahead and take a nap.
But while I’m an enthusiastic learner, I tend to hesitate when it comes to conferences. It is only when faced with a few days out of the office that I let my growth and development take a back seat to the needs of the business. My thinking tends to go like this:
“Hey, there’s a great conference coming up. I should go.
Oh, it’s at the same time as __________. (Insert: that important company event, a planned customer visit, the launch of a new campaign, our monthly board meeting or any one of many constant conflicts)
Maybe I can still make it work.
Darn, I don’t think I can.”
Even as I write this, I realize how ridiculous my reasoning is. I strongly believe the only way to get better at what you do is to interact with others who do something similar. I’ve gotten my best insights from peers, and I have never walked away from an industry event thinking, “I’m sorry I made time for that.” And yet, every time I see an industry conference, I hesitate and think the business can’t possibly operate without me for a few days.
I’m guessing you may be a lot like me when it comes to feeling conflicted between the benefits of attending a conference and the need to be in the office. So, I thought I’d give you a few reasons to attend Enterprise Connect March 18 through 20 in Orlando.
Top 10 Reasons to Attend Enterprise Connect
The industry’s Biggest Event of the Year. If there is a question you have about communications and collaboration systems, you’ll find the answer at Enterprise Connect.
Unbiased Information. I know as you read this, you may be thinking “Wait, isn’t Serenova a vendor exhibiting at Enterprise Connect?” Yes, but as a vendor, I know you don’t want to hear from only vendors. You want to share with your peers on topics such as how to evaluate technology and real-life use cases. You’ll get that and more at Enterprise Connect.
Peer Networking. I’ll be the first to admit I’d much prefer an in-depth conversation with one person over twenty or hundreds. However, when I get out of my comfort zone and make the effort to talk to new people, I learn something valuable. Enterprise Connect will be full of peers who are facing many of the same challenges you are.
Contact Center and Customer Experience Track. I have known Sheila McGee-Smith for years and think the world of her. She’s super smart, incredibly connected and has been in the contact center and customer experience space for years. As a result, I pay attention when she’s the chair of a content track. This track will be loaded with actionable information you can take back to your contact center or customer experience team.
60+ Speakers. It would be difficult to find a session where you won’t walk away more informed, and with at least one good idea to take back to your organization.
It’s in Florida. I’m lucky to live in Colorado, and we weren’t affected by the polar vortex. But, some parts of the country recently got as cold as -40! If that was me, I’d be eager for a glimpse of sun and a few days over 0 degrees. Florida in March sounds delightful.
Women in Communications. This year, Enterprise Connect added a few sessions specifically designed for women. I’m planning to attend and cannot wait to meet a few new peers.
Vendor Showcase. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’m jazzed for Serenova to exhibit at the show and interact with current and future customers.
Contact Center Executives Panel. I am honored to join a few of my peers for a panel discussion about the pros and cons of cloud vs. CPE. It’s also chaired by Sheila McGee-Smith, so you know it will be a can’t-miss session.
A discount for You. If you’ve read this far, I hope you’re convinced Enterprise Connect should be the conference you attend this year. Not quite convinced yet? Click here to save $500 on your all-access conference pass.
I look forward to connecting with you in March!
