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Lessons From the Trail: From Rocks and Roots to the Big Picture\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cDid you have a nice trip?\u201d<\/p>\n If you were to go hiking with my spouse and me, you\u2019d probably hear this punny phrase after one of our toes hits a root or a rock, sending us slightly airborne. That phrase never gets old\u2014unless you\u2019re the recipient of said pun. Usually, it\u2019s me. And usually, it\u2019s because I\u2019m looking further up the trail rather than at what\u2019s right in front of my feet.<\/p>\n But often, when I\u2019m at my desk, I feel like the opposite is true. I\u2019m sure you can relate. In our industry\u2014and as marketers, business developers, and firm leaders\u2014there\u2019s no shortage of immediate tasks and pop-up issues to address. Over the past two-plus years, between the you-know-whatic, the abundance of professional opportunities, and the return of going places, it has been challenging to look too far ahead.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to have a solid plan. Much like having a quality trail map, knowing your ultimate destination helps you decide where to take your next step.<\/p>\n From an SMPS perspective, the board of directors has been working with staff and a strategic planning consultant to develop a new plan for 2022\u201325. During Bernice Bako\u2019s term, we had rich discussions about challenges, opportunities, what has been changing in our world, and what we anticipate in the years ahead. Those conversations\u2014as well as the feedback provided in our survey and focus groups\u2014are guiding our aspirations for the next three years.<\/p>\n As your 2022\u201323 Society president, I\u2019m excited and grateful to move this work forward with the SMPS board<\/a> and HQ staff<\/a>. It has been great to hear from so many SMPS chapter leaders who have been developing or advancing their plans, too. At our firms, it\u2019s the time of year when we start thinking about our objectives for the coming year (ideally, in line with our company\u2019s strategic plan).<\/p>\n In addition to having a plan, here are a few other lessons from the trail that help me keep an eye on the bigger picture without tripping up on the details.<\/p>\n Unlike a hike, the journey to better is never-ending. I will always be a work in progress, as will our firms, our industry, and SMPS, because there\u2019s always room to grow, and our world is ever-changing. How can SMPS continue to support you along every step of your career path? Drop me a line and let me know. I\u2019m grateful to experience this journey alongside you.<\/p>\n\n