By IVAN SINDELL

 

 

Ivan Sindell is the STC’s immediate past-president and currently serves

on the STC Board as chair of the Membership Benefits Committee.

 

 

    The words “meaningful membership benefits” certainly describe an important advantage of STC membership, but member associations use words like these so often that such phrases often sound worn-out and a little empty.

     Instead, how about turning the whole idea of membership benefits inside out? Here is what I mean. Right now, STC consultant members locate a listing of benefits on a consultant intranet web page. That is fine for the purpose of  accessing a comprehensive list, but it also establishes benefits as just one of several web site categories.

     When you think about it, though, the relationship between the STC and its members is all about benefits. After all, the whole reason customers choose one telecom supplier over another is for the sake of comparatively greater benefits. From the supplier perspective, it’s all about providing more benefits to targeted customers than one’s competitors.

     In the same way, the STC seeks to provide benefits for its members that are unavailable anywhere else, and STC members remain members for the sake of membership advantages.

     In the months ahead, look for benefits announcements that reflect this perspective that “the benefits are the message.”  For example, when the web site revisions are completed in a few weeks, you’ll see the value delivered by benefits reflected in information displays throughout the site, as well as on a separate benefits listing page.

     Another way to view the meaning of STC membership is in terms of the value it delivers. For example, take a look at the following statements:

     STC membership is a portal that .  .  .  .

¨   Makes it easy for me to find qualified project partners.

¨   Enables me to raise my visibility nationwide.

¨   Creates opportunities for me to make important industry contacts.

¨   Delivers insights to help me increase the profitability of my practice.

¨   Gives me access to a broad base of industry knowledge.

¨   Keeps me current on technical advances.

¨   Provides me with a resource for understanding regulatory issues.

¨   Entitles me to customized errors and omissions insurance coverage.

¨   Establishes a referencable code of ethics for me with my clients.

     At this level, benefits are an integral part of what it means to be an STC member. So really, it’s all about the benefits. The membership benefits committee looks forward to making 2005 the year of benefits enhancement for STC members, and we welcome anyone who would like to join our committee and get to know what it means to be an STC member. This committee is a wonderful way to get to know this truly unique organization from the inside out.

STC & VAC Boards

STC Board of Directors

2004-2005

 

 

 

President

Joseph Webb

 

Executive Vice President 

Byron Battles

 

Senior Vice President, Treasurer  David Grill

 

Vice President, Secretary

Martha Buyer

 

Vice President

Bruce Burgess

 

 

Hugh Cash

Elizabeth English

Robert Harris

Shelley Miller

Timothy Proctor

Ivan Sindell

 

 

Vendor Advisory Council

 Board of Directors

2004-2005

 

 

President

Kathie Poelzl

Chatsworth Products, Inc.

 

Executive Vice President

Nelson Giles

Mitel Networks, Inc.

 

Vice President, Secretary 

Nancy J. Gates

HigherGround, Inc.

 

Kari Aguinaldo (Benefits)

SBC

 

Frank Budelman (Education)  Homisco, Inc.

 

Ron Contrado (Membership) Homisco, Inc.

 

Barry Hays (Public Relations)  TeleVoice

 

Patrick Smyly (Internet)

Alcatel