Networking will never be the same!
Edward P. Salek, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report September 2009
The STLE community has created two online tools to help members more easily and efficiently connect.
There’s no charge to use or be listed in STLE’s searchable Speaker Database.
Ask any STLE member to name the benefits they get from being part of the society, and he or she will likely put business networking at the top of the list. For readers who agree, please take notice that this benefit is changing—for the better—thanks to two new online resources that are proving to be both popular and valuable.
The first of these tools is STLE’s new Speaker Database, a common ground where groups in need of speaker ideas and people willing to take on a speaking assignment can link up in an easy and efficient manner. When fully implemented, the database will be fully searchable by subject matter and speaker name, making it an especially valuable resource for local sections and other groups looking to identify speakers and topics for meetings.
Individuals who would like to make themselves available as a speaker can register using an online form and become part of the database. This is a significant new membership advantage for people who can use this as an opportunity to support STLE’s education mission and, at the same time, use their skills to enhance the industry’s awareness of their company or organization. It’s also a good way to earn recertification points for people who hold the CLS, OMA or CMFS credential.
There is no charge to use or be listed in the database. Log on to
www.stle.org and click on the Speaker Database menu button under the Resources tab.
STLE also is encouraging interaction among members and potential members via the free business networking site LinkedIn. Founded in December 2002 and launched in May 2003, this site is mainly used for professional networking. As of July 2009, it had more than 43 million registered users from 170 industries.
There are at least three STLE groups on LinkedIn. One is a general STLE group that includes 100 people and is growing daily. The other two, covering metalworking fluids and tribology and tribochemistry, are more specialized but still have a combined membership that also exceeds 100 people.
How are people using and benefiting from this online network? Postings currently on the STLE page include sample TLT articles, several requests for assistance or comment on a technical problem and job listings for either permanent or temporary assignments.
There are, in addition, subgroups serving the particular interests of those involved in one of STLE’s three certification programs or in a local section. The Certified Lubrication Specialist subgroup, for example, is useful for those who already hold the designation or those who many want to know more about the value of the credential and the process of getting certified.
If you are already registered on LinkedIn, search for the STLE group or groups and make a join request. If you are not on LinkedIn yet, simply log on to
www.linkedin.com and create a profile. You then can search for interest groups.
Need help getting started with either the Speaker Database or LinkedIn? Just contact STLE headquarters, and we’ll be glad to assist as needed.
You can reach Certified Association Executive Ed Salek at esalek@stle.org.