Golden Path to Success

Greetings GNW Region chapters:

Success is measured in many ways in every facet of our lives. How does success look? When do you know when you have reached the “Land of Oz” after journeying down the long golden path through the many trials and tribulations that meet you along the way? Success has a different meaning to each individual. Many quotes have been written trying to encompass what it means both personally, professionally and on a spiritual level. One quote that I find meaningful is:
”To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you” - by Tony Dorsett.

However I firmly believe that to be truly successful, you must find a sense of balance in all aspects of your life. Another quote that helps me to find that balance is:

“To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one's self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--this is to have succeeded" - by one of my favorite poets, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

No matter how success is defined, I encourage you to look to ARMA to start down that yellow brick road and develop your own definition. I want to encourage you as an ARMA member to consider what ARMA and your chapter specifically can do to help you gain the knowledge, courage, confidence and heart to be a RIM leader.

There are many options currently available to you as an ARMA member to enhance your skills and increase your value as a RIM professional in the workplace. Starting at the chapter level, make sure you take the time to attend the meetings offered by your local chapter. Also, don’t hesitate to check the meetings put on by our neighboring chapters. The chapters in our region work hard to offer an array of topics, so I am confident you will find something of value to you. Another option is to attend the ARMA International Conference in Las Vegas running from October 20th through the 23rd. It is a powerful networking opportunity, considering ARMA members worldwide attend this conference!

As a final note, one of the most important resources we have in our region is the power of networking. Keep in touch with your local chapter and your ARMA friends. I don’t know how many times I have contacted someone in ARMA when I have a problem at work to solve or just need to connect to others in RIM. It is this connection that makes our region and ARMA so special!

Also, don’t forget…if you plan to attend the ARMA International Conference in Las Vegas, please check the information board in the Registration area for the time and date of our no-host region luncheon. Marc and I will scope out the perfect spot! Also, there is a region reception on Sunday, October 19th in the conference hotel. Again, please check the information board in the Registration area for the time. It is an excellent opportunity for networking with other members of our GREAT! Northwest Region.

Hope to see you there!

Fran Blaylock
GNW Region Coordinator
Posted by: Andrea Bettger, Greater Seattle President