10-Year Reunion

The process of PR is a new one for me. I have never worked for a company that chose to have my picture taken, write my bio and hire a PR professional to advertise me across the city. I must admit, it is a nice feeling. Little did I know the impact the press release would have in only a matter of days.

I received a message from my high school principal, stating that he received my press release and would like to speak with me. After returning the call, we arranged a day to meet at my high school. Even though I drive past my high school on a regular basis, there is a definite nostalgic feeling about setting foot on those grounds and meeting with the principal. Fortunately for me, I was not a “trouble-maker” in school, so this was an easy reunion.

After forty years of serving as high school principal, this great man is now acting as Director of Alumni Relations. So, it was fitting we should reconnect in this manner. Our meeting also included the Director of Institutional Advancement, who expressed a need for the school to pursue additional funding through grant proposals.

Before I knew it I was selling the wonderful resources of Parmelee Consulting to my high school. I am a little surprised by my own new sales skills. When you truly believe in the product and couple those beliefs with a desire to help an organization achieve their goals, the selling part can be pretty easy. This also is a new phenomenon for me. (Although my dad might say he always knew I could “sell”, coming from the salesman himself.) And I plan on continuing these efforts of connecting a need with an appropriate service and connecting people with people. I am learning that the process of consultancy is more relational than I realized. This works well for me.

Finally, being the willing soul I am, I agreed to plan my class’ 10-year reunion in 2009! Come on, who argues with the principal? I figure I’m either a glutton for punishment or truly willing to help people connect.

From Past to Present

My experience in the non-profit world could be described as working in the trenches of social services. These were years I highly regard, as I feel it best prepared me to do the work I’m doing today. And as I transition to a new career and a new way of life, I remember those experiences and use them to the best of my abilities.

Finding your niche in any place of employment is incredibly important. I’m just fine with being the social worker turned consultant. The abilities I can provide are unique. During a recent interview with a non-profit client my educational and professional background was greatly appreciated, I consider this progress. The Executive Director, who also has a Master of Social Work degree, appeared pleased and relaxed by our similarities. By having the chance to explain my non-profit background, I believe I gained more credibility as the “new consultant”. I am now a consultant who can truly relate to the direct service providers.

Instead of moving away from my past professional experiences, I am combining my past and my present. I believe this combination will help me better serve our non-profit clients. For example, my ability to “tell your story and fund your mission” comes from a very hands-on opinion. I understand the challenges the clients and the staff face in social services. Because I understand these challenges, I consider it a responsibility to first-handedly describe the need.

Networking and selling has never been one of my strengths or even my desires. But now I’m finding myself moving through those opportunities with more ease and assurance. I credit this to my confidence in Parmelee and finally combining my education and experience.

While my consultant skills continue to be honed, I will always rely on my social service background to guide my processes.