Welcome to the February 20, 2018 edition of the Heartbeat where you will find information about the Heart of Birmingham Chapter and its activities. Each month the chapter presents a speaker or a program geared to the Birmingham business community. We welcome guests and encourage everyone to attend! Information about our chapter is always found in the Heartbeat.

February 20, 2018 Meeting

“What’s Your Exit Strategy – The What Ifs”

Carol Skelton caught our attention by defining “exit strategy” as extricating one’s self from a situation that is likely to become difficult or unpleasant.  What does that mean and why is it important for me?  She explained that it is a contingency plan for how you transition from one part of your life to the next.  It’s your plan for the “what ifs” that occur in everyone’s life.  She stated that the average person today changes jobs twelve times during their working career by choice or because of changes beyond their control such as downsizing, business closure or job transfer.  How you have prepared for and adapted to change determines how well you will transition when these changes occur.

She encouraged us to look at items that impact our current position such as the list below as well as many others.

• What are the drivers of change in your industry?
• What if my company losses a major contract?
• Can my position be outsourced?
• Will my company be bought by a competitor?

She then urged each of us to look at our personal economic situation to determine or predict how we would likely fare if an event occurred.  She also stated that planning your retirement is also an exit strategy.  Are you ready financially and how will you spend your time?  She encouraged us to seriously ask ourselves if we have a viable exit strategy and reminded us that ‘You really have a choice, either you answer the “what ifs” or the “what ifs” happen to you and your family.

Carol Skelton is a Business Analyst with BBVA Compass Bank in the Engineering Division in Birmingham, Alabama.  She is a firm believer in backup plans and loves working with people.  Additionally she is actively building a real estate business.  She is a member of the Heart of Birmingham Chapter ABWA having served as Treasurer, Secretary, President since becoming a member in 2006. She has served on Regional and National Conference Teams each year since 2013 and served as a Co-Lead of the National Credentials Team in 2014.  Additionally she has served as Financial Officer, Vice Chair and Chair of the Alabama Council ABWA. She was selected as a National Top Ten in July 2017.  She is a graduate of the University of Alabama  and received her MBA from University of Alabama in Birmingham. She is a currently participating in the 21st Century Leadership Program though ABWA.

Updates from our Business Meeting

• December 2017 and January 2018 minutes were approved.
• Treasurer’s Report was approved to file for audit.
• Materials were distributed to members which included the flyer, Souvenir Book form to be completed by individuals wishing to place ads, Sponsorship Letter and detail on Sponsorship Levels.  Members are encouraged to use the materials when inviting guests to the event.  Additionally, the event will be boosted on Facebook prior to the event.  The event will also be listed on Eventbrite and 365.org.  Tickets can be ordered online using Paypal. Everyone was reminded that all ads needed to be turned in by February 26, 2018.
• Bell Rogers and Carol Skelton attended the Harris County ABWA Anniversary Event on February 17, 2018.  They updated the chapter on this special event and commented on how informative the event was for all members of ABWA.  They recommended that our members visit and support our sister chapters’ events whenever possible.

Upcoming Events:

Join us on March 3, 2018

Regional Conference – Alexandria, Va  April 12- 14, 2018

You still have time to register!