Good Stuff from Joan Eisenstodt

A colleague today posted this as part of a response on another listserv:

>>Even though I am a member of MPI, it really doesn't tell you anything about my ability to plan meetings. The fact that I have been active in the chapter probably says a lot more. But how does one tell? What is the "credibility" benefit of being a member ...and what makes me legitimate? <<

I asked permission to post it because it begins a discussion, an important discussion, about those we hire and with whom we do business. 

Over the years, since the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation was instituted there were many who assumed (uh huh ... bad idea) that by having that designation that one also had experience, credibility and knowledge.  Many CMPs (and those with other industry designations or degrees) hold themselves out as being smarter, better, etc., and use that as a way to market their services or their companies, or to get better jobs.

Does having a CMP or a degree make you more credible? Does being a member of one of the industry alphabet soup of organizations indicate more about you than someone who is not?

Maybe.  In some cases.

Taking that extra step to join an industry organization, to put money and time into getting a degree and/or certification in a profession, might say something about you.

Would that be enough?