NETWORKING

I Hosted a Webinar and You Can Too

One of the biggest blessings that comes from being a member of NAEOP is having the opportunity to learn from and brainstorm with colleagues across the nation. Generally, this occurs at the Annual Conference and at Area Professional Development Days. However, NAEOP has embarked upon a new technology which allows us to learn from one another throughout the year and at our convenience. This new way to collaborate is via Webinar. Webinars are a highly effective and efficient way to provide professional development, especially when those gaining the information are not all located at the same place. Most of us have watched a video on YouTube to teach us how to do something, so this is nothing new. The biggest difference is this is interactive. You have the ability to communicate with the Webinar Facilitator as well as with the other participants on the Webinar. For NAEOP, this addresses several tenets of our mission (L.E.A.R.N.) in that we are receiving Education and Networking at the same time. For the facilitator, in this case moi, I also gained some Leadership skills and Achievement, in that I was able to complete a goal I had set for myself.

Most of us mentor, train and/or lead as part of our current responsibilities. Hosting a Webinar is another means by which we can share our talent, wisdom and passions with our colleagues. I will admit, I was pretty nervous at the prospect of hosting a Webinar initially, but I love to share, motivate and train so this provided another avenue to do just that. Sitting in a room with a computer and a camera takes a little getting used to, but I can see how this could really be a fun and engaging way to collaborate on a regular basis. In the process, I was able to learn a new technology as well, so now I have something else to add to my resume’.

Hosting the Webinar was so much fun. We did polls and communicated via the Chat Box. Participants received answers to their questions immediately and directly from the source. It was great to see the participation from around the country and the enthusiasm surrounding the topic. If you can hold a conversation, you can host a webinar and if you choose something you have mastered or have a passion for, it is even easier to do. If given the opportunity to host a webinar, I hope you will take advantage of this fun and rewarding way to connect with your peers, to meet new people, to share your wisdom, and to Let Your Light Shine with NAEOP!

Georgette Council, CEOE

Administrative Council Chairman