Channel Partners Blog
By Khali Henderson
Do you like to volunteer? Here's a cause you can really get behind — the Channel. Apply to be part of the 2010-11 PHONE+/Channel Partners Conference & Expo Advisory Board so that you can be the critical link between the channel community and its trade show and publication. Click here and submit your application today.
If you made it to this sentence, it must mean you are not sold on this idea and you have questions. That's understandable. Hopefully, I will have the answers. Here goes:
Isn't the board mostly ceremonial? Not at all. This is a working board that meets regularly and has specific obligations.
Don’t the same people get picked year after year? No. The board turns over completely every year; there has not been a repeat in three years. Every thoughtful application is considered seriously.
Will it take up a lot of time? That depends on your definition of "a lot," but the basic requirements are to attend monthly conference calls, submit a blog every other month and answer queries from the PHONE+ and Channel Partners Conference & Expo staff as needed.
What's the ROI? Good question. Among the numerous perks of membership is ongoing recognition in the magazine as well as online and at the biannual conferences. You also will have opportunities to provide input to the magazine and post your views on the Peer-to-Peer Blog on the PHONE+ Web site. And, you will have influence over the conference agenda and speaker selection. Most importantly, you will have a role in helping us to shape new products and services for the channel.
Still not convinced? Don't take it from me. Ask a board member:
"Being on the board gave me the ability see the channel from a 50,000 foot view." — Greg Howard, US Telecom Group
"It helps when [suppliers and customers] have other avenues like this to see who you are professionally. This alone is worth the time and energy required in serving on the board." —Dan Vidal, TELECOM ADVISORS
"The all-volunteer advisory board members are all accomplished industry professionals with very busy schedules. Yet they use their knowledge and energy to support the needs of others -- both experienced and new to our profession — to strengthen the channel." — Jeffery Ponts, Datatel Solutions Inc
"Not only was I able to provide some good input on my understanding of the industry, it was good to see others views on where our industry is heading." — Matt Duray, The Connect Group
"It’s been rewarding to help set the tone and agenda for the shows and then to see the agenda that we have discussed come to fruition." — Michael Machonkin, GLOBALINX
"The contacts and 'insider' information that I have gleaned from this experience is irreplaceable and will benefit our efforts going forward. I would recommend for anyone who desires to improve business partnerships or enhance market awareness to consider this as a significant professional step." — Cary Bush, Logista
Are you finally inspired? I hope so. We need you! Click here to apply today. Selected applicants will be notified by July 31.