| Master networkers are individuals who realise that networking is a life skill, not just something you do when you want something. (Henderson, 2005) This thought is underscored for me at every PDD. The PMI mission is centered around growing our PM community and the one thing we have as individuals that we can share with each other is our knowledge. Wise networkers realise that their potential influence is directly related to the size of their network and base of connections. (Henderson, 2005) That said, we in the PMI Central Iowa Chapter have the options not afforded to many other chapters. First our chapter size is such that it is possible to meet and get to know a large number of other members. Second our chapter has a variety of local talent that is the envy of other chapters. So what makes up our chapter? If you were at PDD Oct 3rd you heard we are 653 members strong with 4 CAPMs and 350 PMPs among our members. What you didn’t hear is we represent more than 150 companies across central Iowa. 19 special interest groups share members with us ranging from ‘Aerospace and Defense’ to ‘Women in PM’ with the largest group belonging to the IS SIG. Our membership comes from over 80 Industries and occupations with Financial Services holding the largest group. What a rich and diverse group to network and be active with. It’s been said “It’s not what you know by who you know…” We have an envious place among chapters in that we have a number of people in the chapter that are known as national speakers and trainers. Furthermore, we have not one but at least three published authors as chapter members. Lee Towe’s “Why Didn’t I Think of That?”, premiered at the 1996 American Society for Training and Development national conference. Tim Johnson has two published works “Gust: The "Tale" Wind of Office Politics” and “Race Through the Forest: A Project Management Fable” with his latest, debuting in early 2009. Shelly Brotherton’s new book “Work Breakdown Structures: The Foundation for Project Management Excellence” is being unveiled at PMI’s Global Congress this month . All three individuals have been board members and are still active chapter members and all three are great networkers. There are many great reasons to be a member of the Central Iowa Chapter and great networking opportunities is just one of them.
Works Cited Henderson, R. (2005). The Power of Networking. In A. I. Management, Understanding Influence for Leaders at All Levels (p. 300). McGraw-Hill Education . Management, A. I. (2005). Understanding Influence for Leaders at all Levels . McGraw-Hill Education .
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