Successful managers network 70% more than unsuccessful ones, according to Deloitte Research. How about you? In a recent study by Contacts Count of 800 people, only 15% said, "Yes, I have the network I need to get the job done."How will building relationships internally and externally help you get stakeholders engaged, expand your influence, and shape the culture of your organization? Lynne Waymon, CEO and co-founder of Contacts Count, will show you how to activate your network so you can easily uncork bureaucratic bottlenecks, tune into the big picture, round up talent, expand your knowledge base, and become part of the "inner circle."

HRA-NCA members are invited to take part in the most comprehensive and highly respected compensation and benefits resources in the region: the 29th Annual Compensation Survey and 3nd Annual Benefits Survey. Participation is FREE and qualifies you to receive up to 40% off the survey results on top of your membership discount. Participate in both surveys to qualify for bundle price-breaks. Submit your data for both surveys by March 28th for an extra $100 off! Remember, those who participate in the Compensation Survey and purchase the results get FREE access to the Online Survey Query Tool. For more information about how to participate in the surveys, come to the 2008 Surveys Participation Seminar (see next article). Both surveys are being conducted on-line at http://survey.akroninc.net/hrancaportal.

Come join us for an informative seminar on how to participate in the 2008 Compensation Survey and the 2008 Benefits Survey. Registration and participation are free, so don't miss this opportunity to learn time saving tips from Survey Committee members and to find out about the latest survey improvements. An overview of both surveys will be presented plus a detailed presentation on job matching. There will also be a demo on how to use the on-line survey portal to make participation even easier. For your convenience, there are two locations for this breakfast seminar: Thursday, March 6th in Downtown DC and Wednesday, March 26th in Bethesda, MD.

Click here for more details and to register.

Creating a World-Class HR Department: Focus on Industry (Nonprofits/Associations, Corporations, Government Contractors)

In a competitive market where many organizations aspire be an 'employer of choice', how can you as an HR practitioner help to distinguish yourself as a leader among your peers? How does your organization's industry play a role in defining your position?

In this engaging half-day conference, spend some time focusing on your niche in the world! Alongside two inspiring breakfast and lunch keynote speakers, we will have 3 cutting-edge breakout sessions where you can hone your skills.

Dying to Serve - Managing Professional Crisis Without Losing One's Job, Health or Sanity
Thursday, March 27, 2008
6 - 8 p.m.

Speaker: Mary Santuli, National Account Manager, DBM and The International Center for Executive Options

Every day we are faced with sometimes small and sometimes horrific professional challenges. Whether the situation is truly a crisis or not depends not only upon the perceptions of others, but the way we view the situation ourselves. Discerning the truly important issue from simply an urgent one is an important professional skill. Knowing how to respond effectively is just as critical. In this session, Mary Santulli addresses these challenges and the strategies that can help to successfully manage them.

This is a free event. Dinner will be served.

Please contact Stephanie Simpson at 202- 220-0767 or via email at
ssimpson@f mi.org if you would like to attend.

The Human Resource Leadership Awards of Greater Washington is now accepting applications for its 2008 Scholarship Program. Three $4,000 awards will be given to area students pursuing either an undergraduate or graduate degree in Human Resources Management.

Complete guidelines and eligibility requirements can be obtained online at www.hrlea dership.org. Download the application here.

The SHRM Foundation book, Making Mergers Work, made headlines! Based on a joint study with Towers Perrin on the role of human resources in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the book clearly demonstrated that HR's early strategic involvement in the M&A process directly impacts its chances of success. If your organization is planning a merger, be sure to pick up your copy of Making Mergers Work, the Strategic Importance of People from the SHRMStore. The book provides detailed information on how HR can add value at every stage of the M&A process. A review in Soundview says "this book gives [HR] the tools necessary for creating careful planning and implementation, realistic expectations, and consistent, well-conceived communication with employees." Visit the SHRMStore to order your copy.

The SHRM Foundation: 40 Years of Advancing the HR Profession

You may look up these and other members' information in the HRA-NCA online membership directory, using various search categories. Log in through the "Member Login" on the HRA-NCA website home page. Keep your membership record up-to-date so we don't lose touch!

HRA-NCA Welcomes These New Members

HRA-NCA invites organizations to sponsor our newsletter - or any of the following: monthly speaker presentations, our website, special events, etc. Interested? Contact Chris Cramer, HRA-NCA's PR & Sponsorship Chair, or access our information on the website. For this issue, sincere thanks to the following sponsor.

What Did You Want To Be When You Grew Up?

The Dream Job Auction offers a unique opportunity for bidders to live out their childhood dreams by bidding on some of the region's most exciting, powerful, and influential jobs.

The Dream Job Auction, comprised of both live and silent auctions, hosts a wealth of bidding options, including shadowing DC Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, becoming a Kennedy Center stage star, training as a fighter pilot, managing the Washington Nationals, and many more.

All Dream Job Auction proceeds will go toward fulfilling WORC's mission - providing the chance for thousands of people in the Greater Washington region to have access to jobs, ultimately allowing them to create a better life for themselves and their families.

For more information, contact David Remick at 703-769-3712 or
remick @worconline.org.