CONNECTIONS – By Jenn Lalli and Sara Riedel
Orientation assistance is for any LTEN member
As an LTEN member, you have access to a wide range of resources, publications, events and professional development opportunities, all designed to enhance your ability to deliver world-class learning. Few of these member benefits, however, are more custom-fit to meet your needs — or more misunderstood —than the LTEN Ambassador program.
If you’re not already in contact with your ambassador, you should know that right now there are volunteer ambassadors available to work with you one-on-one. These seasoned LTEN members have the expertise needed to field your LTEN-related questions as well as offer insights and advice about how you can navigate LTEN benefits and get the most from your membership.
Something for Everyone
Unfortunately, many LTEN members assume that the ambassador program is meant exclusively for new members. Not true! Though new members are automatically contacted by an ambassador within the first year, the ambassador program is designed to serve every LTEN member, no matter where they are in their career.
In fact, one of the outstanding features of the LTEN Ambassador program is that the scope and duration of your work with an ambassador is entirely up to you. Whether you have a quick question about the upcoming LTEN webinar, are looking for LTEN publications focused on a specific topic, or would like to develop an extended mentoring relationship, your LTEN Ambassador can help you.
All you need to do is ask!
Links:
Resources: www.l-ten.org/resources/
Publications: www.l-ten.org/focus/
Events: www.l-ten.org/events/
Professional development opportunities: www.l-ten.org/total-trainer/
Miki White: mwhite@l-ten.org
5 Tips for Working With Your Ambassador
To ensure you get the most from the LTEN Ambassador program, be sure to:
- Prepare: Take time before meeting your ambassador to frame your questions and decide what you are looking for. The more focused your questions are, the better your ambassador will be able to connect you to the LTEN resources best able to meet your needs.
- Respond to Outreach: If you’re a new member, be sure to reply to the outreach email your ambassador will send in your first year of membership. Too many new members let this opportunity pass — and then never contact their ambassador down the road.
- Keep the Cadence: Once you contact your ambassador, check in periodically. Don’t let the conversation lapse too long. The more your ambassador comes to know you over time, the better they will be able to offer insights to help you reach your unique goals.
- Introduce Yourself in Live Settings: Most conversations with your ambassador will take place online or over the phone. However, live events, such as the LTEN Annual Conference, are perfect occasions to meet your ambassador in person. You can be sure they will even have suggestions for how you can most benefit from the event!
- Don’t Hesitate to Make a Change: There are many reasons why a particular ambassador may not be best suited for you. That’s OK! Don’t let that keep you from using the program. Simply contact LTEN, and you’ll be connected toa new ambassador.
Take That First Step!
Even if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to begin your ambassador connection today. Simply email Miki White, LTEN director of member services, to express your interest in working with someone in the program.
It’s that easy! And making this connection now will ensure you have a resource in place when you need it.
Jenn Lalli is the senior director of business development and marketing for Encompass Communications and Learning. Jenn is an LTEN Ambassador, a member of the LTEN Editorial Board and was named the 2023 Provider Member of the Year. Email Jenn at jlalli@encompasscnl.com or connect through www.linkedin.com/in/jennlalli/. Sara Riedel is the founder and CEO of Engage Learning and Mentoring. Email Sara at sriedel@engagelm.com or connect through
www.linkedin.com/in/sara-a-riedel/.
