By Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD
This is my first issue as Publisher of Connections Magazine. It is an exciting time for me and represents a couple of significant milestones. For Connections, this is the 51st issue. Fifty issues have been successfully published by founder and former publisher Steve Michaels.
Now the baton has been passed to me as I embark upon the next fifty. This also represents a personal achievement. It was 19 years ago that I became a published writer with my first free-lance article entitled “All About Pagers;” it was published in the January 1983 issue of Radio Electronics.
When I saw my article in print, I was bitten by the “writers bug” and began envisioning one day running a magazine. Who says that dreams can’t come true?
This effort, however, is not a one man show; it’s a team effort. I would like to introduce you to that team. First there is Valerie Port. Valerie is our Media Rep; she handles all of the display, classified, and website banner advertising for Connections.
Another integral player is Dave Margolis. Dave handles all of the magazine’s layout and design. He can also develop ads or update artwork for those who do not have the means to do so themselves. Dave has been a designer/art director for over 20 years, designing magazines for the last seven years.
Steve and Chris Michaels are continuing to assist as consultants for the next few issues, acting as my mentors while I more fully learn the publishing industry.
Then there are our printer, mailing label, and Web hosting companies.
My role is as publisher and editor-in-chief. I work on obtaining articles, collecting press releases, and receiving your “letters to the editor.” I also write and edit articles; I look forward to receiving your submissions.
This may seem to about cover every one, but not by a long shot. You, too, are part of the team; our readers are the reason Connections Magazine exists. We are here to serve the industry; this means serving you. Thank you for your ongoing support and continued readership of Connections.
Those who write and submit articles, press releases, and letters to the editor serve to make my job as editor easy and keep the content of Connections fresh and varied; They, also, are important members of the team and critical contributors to our efforts.
Lastly, and most importantly, are our advertisers. Their advertising dollars generates over 95% of our revenue, making this all possible. Please join me in thanking our advertisers for supporting Connections Magazine. Beyond that, take time to really look at their ads; study an ad from a vendor you are not familiar with. And be sure to say, “I saw your ad in Connections Magazine.”
This is my team and I am pleased to introduce them to you. I welcome them on board and salute their efforts.
Now that you know our team, I encourage you to consider your team, those who play an integral role in your operation. Think about your management group and your front line staff, as well as your vendors and your clients.
They are all part of your team. So take a moment to recognize the players in your lineup, thanking them for the role they play in your organization’s success. They work hard and they deserve the recognition.
To all teams everywhere, I salute you.
Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Connections Magazine, covering the call center industry.
Read his latest book, Call Center Connections.
