A Message from the 2009 SOCAP Chairman:
Doing More With Less
Dear SOCAP Member:
As we start the New Year, we know that many of us are approaching 2009 with fresh perspectives and new resolutions coupled with a fair amount of cautious optimism. SOCAP International shares these aspirations for 2009, as we manage through a tough economy while striving to be excellent stewards of our resources.
The phrase "doing more with less" seems to be the clarion call for everyone in today's business world, and SOCAP is no exception. Our search for positive economic signals intensifies with the knowledge that we are not immune to the effects of declining financial markets, budget cutbacks and other economic variables this year. Despite the current outlook, we want to assure you that SOCAP will continue to deliver essential programs and services that will benefit you as customer care professionals.
We are mindful of the challenges you face in these tough economic times with shrinking budgets and limited resources. To better serve you, SOCAP is developing new programs in 2009 tailored to your constantly changing business and professional needs. We believe these new programs—in addition to existing member benefits (such as our member directory and national conferences)—will enhance the value of your SOCAP member experience.
SOCAP is pleased to offer you these new resources in 2009:
- Industry Benchmarking Study—Through a partnership with the Customer Operations Performance Center (COPC), Inc., SOCAP will be developing industry-specific benchmark studies organized around SOCAP's new Industry Communities. The results of this original research will be presented at our 2009 Symposium, April 19–22, in Chicago, IL. SOCAP recognizes the value of having good benchmarking data in a rapidly changing business environment and our partnership with COPC will allow SOCAP to provide this benchmarking study (valued at over $10,000) at no additional cost. Your participation at the SOCAP Symposium and in the benchmarking survey will put this valuable study in your hands. For more information about the SOCAP Benchmarking Study, please visit our website at www.socap.org.
- Industry Communities—Through SOCAP's new Industry Communities, you have the opportunity to network and share ideas with colleagues within your specific industry. Our five communities are Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices, Travel & Hospitality, Household & Personal Care and Retail & Consumer Goods. As a member of an industry community, you will have real-time networking with industry colleagues through online discussion forums as well as access to educational materials to pinpoint industry trends and best practices. These Industry Communities are an added benefit to your SOCAP membership, so don't miss an opportunity to get connected in our communities. Visit the SOCAP website for more information on how to join a community.
- Online Learning Activities—SOCAP is launching a new webinar series in 2009 that will bring educational resources and leading experts right to your desktop. Through the SOCAP webinars, you can experience convenient online learning focused on specific ways to do more with less in a challenging economy. Look for details about SOCAP's first webinar coming soon!
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Magazine—SOCAP's quarterly magazine will continue to deliver major educational benefits to you. Look for issues in 2009 focused on strategies and tips for doing more with less in today's lean economic times. Also, the magazine will feature interviews and articles on SOCAP's new Industry Communities.
- SOCAP Chapter Programs—SOCAP's local chapters are developing new and exciting programs for 2009, so visit our website for a calendar of events or contact your local chapter president for an upcoming program. Participating in local chapter events is a great way to leverage your SOCAP membership and to network with your peers.
As we face 2009 together in these uncertain economic times, there will be many opportunities to fortify the position and contributions of the customer care profession. SOCAP is committed to providing you with the knowledge, resources and skills to succeed now and in the future. We appreciate your membership and your engagement with us. Rest assured that SOCAP stands ready to support you and to help you navigate through these challenging times.
Pete Edghill
Chairman
SOCAP International Board of Directors
