Board’s-Eye View: The Benefits of TCA

By Nancy Ridge

Earlier this year I was contacted by good friend and esteemed colleague Jeff Ponts of Datatel Solutions asking if I would join the TCA board. Like most telecom professionals, my “cup runneth over” but I was eager to accept. My willingness came not only from my admiration for Jeff, the founders and other board members, but from gratitude for the vision of TCA and the difference it is making as an organization in the channel.

Having an opportunity to collaborate with such an impressive group of people is one I embrace. It’s funny, because if you ask just about anyone in the channel if they set out to be a telecom professional, most say “no.” We all relate to the fact that somehow we were attracted to this industry and in particular, the channel, without the intention to make a career here.

My early career was in the energy management industry as a partner in an electrical contracting design and build firm. After 11 years in that business and a very fun and successful run I found my life changing and felt the need to redirect. I carefully evaluated a number of opportunities and chose a sales position at a telecom reseller. I remember having a fair amount of trepidation about this, including a fear of becoming “one of those people” who always called at the wrong time asking me to buy long-distance services. It just didn’t seem like a very honorable profession.

Nonetheless, I was attracted to the technology and the possibilities so I swallowed my pride, put my fears aside and dove in. Today looking back, I know that was the best decision I ever made.

One of the things I appreciate about TCA the most is its acknowledgement that we are in fact professionals who offer a very important service to the telecom and IT industry and the business community at large. The commitment to ongoing education — in particular through excellent monthly webinars and the CTP program — are evidence of how we, as a community, can grow and shape not only our own careers and companies but the industry as well.

In my busy day-to-day activities I can forget that there are others who face the same challenges and who are just as eager as I am to find solutions. TCA reminds us that although we operate in a highly competitive environment, we all benefit when we support each other and share knowledge. I am grateful for the relationships I am beginning to develop by serving on the board and also for the opportunity to give back to an industry that has served me, my company and ultimately my family so well these many years since I started selling long-distance.

It’s exciting to be on the forefront of technology with peers. I’ve just begun to experience all that TCA offers; I hope to enroll others to use this organization not only to recognize and build on their identity as professionals but also to attract others, acknowledging from day one the channel is a great place to be.

Nancy Ridge is vice president of Telecom Brokers, co-founder and president of Women in the Channeland a member of the board of trustees for the Technology Channel Association (TCA).
Twitter: @nancy_ridge
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/pub/nancy-ridge/a/988/85