PPMT President’s Message-April, 2017

Getting Going is Half the Battle

By Donna M. Butler, PPMT President

I can’t believe one third of 2017 has passed by. Where, oh where, does the time go? While we have accomplished much already, there’s still a ton of things I would like to see happen for our association. We are setting goals and exploring new ways to improve PPMT and attract new members. We have to make our association a fun, exciting and great resource for Middle Tennessee Photographers. We have to make joining PPMT a “no-brainer” and we aim to provide a plethora of additional member benefits and resources in the coming months and years.

If I were to pick a theme for this year, it would be centered around growth, innovation and momentum. While it’s true that innovation is all about creating new and unique ideas and designing better methods or systems that keep pace with an everchanging industry, it’s, really, only part of the equation. Positive change with substantial growth is the long-term goal. A crucial element, which is as important, if not arguably more important than innovation, is the ability to create momentum along the way. According to Newton’s first law of motion, an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. This is as true in any endeavor as it is in physics. Getting going is half the battle but a long-term momentum strategy will keep us going and help us get the results we planned for. Generating new ideas or crafting unique strategies are futile if we don’t have the tools, techniques and commitment to drive change and continued, sustainable growth.

It is equally important to remember that the initial enthusiasm, effort and drive associated with innovation are difficult to maintain without a way to “keep the ball rolling”, so to speak. Often times, our energy and motivation start to wane as setbacks occur, frustrations set in, or plans get diverted. So, how do we create momentum?

First of all, everyone needs to be involved. While the board is working diligently behind the scenes, a healthy organization is not run from the top down. Together we can foster a culture of innovation and embrace real change but we need greater member support and participation in the affairs and functioning of PPMT. We cannot expect the work to be done solely by a few elected board officials. Attending meetings, participating in activities, providing feedback and volunteering on committees are a few ways members can gain a greater sense of camaraderie or “purpose” and help make PPMT a remarkable experience for everyone. Furthermore, if each member gives a little of their time and talents, no one individual is spread too thin. And, since we live in a “digital” age, so much can be done online, using technology as a tool of communication, creativity and coordination.

Secondly, as we move forward, we start to see the fruits of our labor. Confidence builds. Pride in our accomplishments and positive reinforcement go a long way in building momentum. Action drives more action. Little victories lead to big victories. Small accomplishments lead to larger ones. As the word spreads about how awesome it is to belong to PPMT, we gain more traction in our membership base and create momentum by building on that energy and enthusiasm. As momentum builds. We begin to feel a sense of great achievement and the impossible becomes possible. Please consider the skills, knowledge and abilities you have to offer PPMT and help in any way you can within your comfort zone.

Finally, in order to sustain momentum for the long term, communication is key. We must discuss what is working and what is not. We must then tackle challenges with originality, measure our results and respond to feedback, periodically review and adjust the goals and targets to be met and keep an eye on the big picture.

So, in the coming months and years, expect more! Expect some positive changes and get involved! In the mean time, I look forward to seeing you at our next PPMT meeting April 11th featuring speakers Bert Behnke, Hanson Fong and Michael Taylor. You don’t want to miss this one!

***Don’t forget to bring your 8×10 or 8×12 Print (up to 2) and the $3 entry fee per image for the Peer’s Choice Competition April 11th.

You can find out the details here:

https://ppmtonline.com/ppmt-peers-choice-photography-competitions/