We are entering the Fall conference season, when all the major industry associations are having events to discuss the current state of the industry and future opportunities. These conferences are usually attended by management and team leaders. However, originators can also benefit greatly by participating in these events. Originators are the front-line representatives for their companies and can learn tremendously from the informative sessions provided at these conferences.
I was a young originator with only a few years of experience when I asked my manager if I could attend an annual ELA (now ELFA) conference in Chicago. The conference greatly changed my perspective of the industry. The conference energized me to learn more, compete more aggressively, and strive to reach new levels of production. I was formally introduced to the true capabilities of the industry. Being an originator was no longer just a job, it became a lifelong career opportunity.
Several years ago, I was coaching an originator who approached his manager and asked to attend an annual association conference. The manager explained that his attendance was not in the budget and perhaps the following year would be a better option. I encouraged the originator to make a personal investment in himself; and to offer to pay his own way or at least a portion of the entrance fee. His manager accepted the originator's offer (and the company ended up paying the fee). This young originator had a wonderful learning experience. His production increased significantly and today he manages a highly successful team of originators for the same company. This manager continues to attend and participate in association events. More importantly, he encourages his team to attend and be involved with industry associations. He believes that the association networks provide meaningful insight to new opportunities that cannot be obtained through isolation.
To find out more about the Fall events see the links below:
