Welcome to the Future

Happy 2012 to all!  I hope everyone had a great holiday filled with plenty of relaxing time with family and friends.  2012 already, how can it be?  Time flies when you are having fun, right?  2011 was not all fun, but I guess I managed to squeeze enough good times in, because it did certainly fly.

I have never been one for New Year’s resolutions, so I am not about to propose them for the Bar Association.  Plus, I am already halfway through my term, so it would be a little late to propose any major resolutions.  I am sure our next President Janice would really appreciate it too, if I suddenly roll out a list of major initiatives and hand the work off to her.  That being said, I would like to celebrate the New Year by introducing our Association’s latest technological advancement and member benefit.

It has been especially challenging over the last few years to keep up with the incredible growth in communications technology.  We took a very significant step a few months ago with the implementation of our new website thanks to our Technology Committee Chair Janice Heinold and Executive Director Kara Edens.  If you still have not explored it, please do.  One of my goals was to take advantage of our new website and utilize it to open the level of communication amongst our members.

I am proud to say we are now ready to do just that with the introduction of our new Member-to-Member Directory.  Have you ever met someone in court or at one of our events who you think would be a good contact?  Well of course you have.  Problem is you did not get a card, and by the time you get back to your office the next day, the name completely escapes you.  At least you remembered the next day, so that is a good start.  How many times do you not remember at all the next day?

Either way, our directory can now save you!  In either scenario, as forgetful as some of us can be, yours truly included, you almost always at least remember their practice area, because that is what you discussed.  So fret no longer.  Simply go to our website and click on the directory, search that practice area, and you will instantly have a list of not only names, but photos!  Exactly what you need, because what else do we remember – the face!  This will hold true for most us even if we don’t remember the next day.  How about months later when that referral is sitting in front of you?  You want to appear “in the know” and give it right away, and not do the old, “Oh yes, I can refer you, but I just need to check with them first.”  That is code of course for the day it will take you to call and email around to find someone.

Now I don’t mean to assume you all join me the forgetful club, but even if you are fortunate enough not to, this directory is still for you.  For those in the organization club, when you get back and diligently enter the contact info, our directory will allow you easy access to ensure that your contact is not only entered, but entered with all the necessary details.  Or maybe you want to do the reverse and plan your attack before the next big event by researching the potential players.  Or back to the forgetful, maybe you know you are going to meet that person for the tenth time and forget the name for the tenth time.  Take a quick look at the directory and forget no longer.

I think I have made my pitch long enough.  Of course, there is a little work involved to ensure you do not remain among the forgotten.  You will have a basic profile, but the fancy part (like the photo) will be up to you to add.  As far as directions for the directory, simply go to our website, burlcobar.org, and you will find directory under the “For Attorneys” section.  Again, Happy 2012, and welcome to the future!