Another Day, Another Lesson Learned
Not only is every day a job interview, every day is also a chance to get better. If I didn't learn something new today or have the opportunity to teach someone, then today was a failure. I base my daily success on whether or not I learned something new or taught someone something new.
After spending four days in Orlando at the 2013 CoSIDA and NACDA conventions, I go back to work Monday knowing more than I did when I left last week. One of the greatest things about this week was interacting with NACDA and NACMA members.
I was humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of two great panel discussions during the CoSIDA Convention - "Media and Social Media Training for the Student-Athlete" and "Streamlining". I learned so much more from my fellow panelists in each discussion than the information I tried to impart on those in attendance.
While I loved talking about all the things we're doing at The U, I spent the majority of my time in Orlando learning and engaging with what others were doing at their schools.
Starbucks in the lobby of the Marriott Orlando World Center was the epicenter of all the communications and social media chatter for the week. I was humbled to meet and interact with those in the profession that I admire and try to emulate. Social media allows for all of us to engage and share ideas on an entirely different level.
I can recite my notes from all the panels I attended, but that would be boring. Instead, I'd rather share the five things I took away from this week's conventions:
We're all in this together. I write this blog because I love what I do, I love to write, and I love to share ideas and my experiences. That's the only way to learn.
Never underestimate what you do. With CoSIDA and NACDA conventions now in one place, it was a great opportunity to interact with others in athletics outside of communications. Be proud of what you represent..
If you have a good idea you want to share, then share it. The only way we can get better is by sharing and exchanging our thoughts and ideas. Don't be afraid to share something you think would be beneficial for our industry.
You don't have to join every social network just to do it. Some networks work School X or A University, but they may not work for you. Stick to what works best for you.
"The secret sauce to happiness is gratitude." I thoroughly enjoyed John Foley's presentation Saturday on "high performance leadership". Don't take anything for granted. Be happy you're here. #gladtobehere
Unfortunately, one other lesson I learned during my time in Orlando was possibly the toughest of them all. There are some people that will always mock you or try to hurt you when all you want to do is help others. At the end of the day, my callings in life were to work in communications and to be a teacher. That's all I want to do and yet there were a few (the 1%) that decided to tear me down instead. And that's a shame because we're all in this together. I won't let that 1% overshadow the opportunity I had to share ideas with others and to learn from others I admire and emulate in the profession.
I'm glad to be here.
Thank you to everyone who made CoSIDA and NACDA a tremendous success this year. And thank you to all the great people I met for the first time - you have me a better professional and I hope to continue learning from each and every one of you.
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If you don’t mind me tweeting about my wife, my kids, my dog, sports, social media, athletic communications and The U, then follow me on Twitter at @ChrisYandle.
