To start off here is the underlining details to this trip. As most know I have recently started doing buying for a local family run office supply company Mills Basics. Being a Health Science and Psychology student for 5 years and coming from the labour industry the whole business world was, to say the least, out of my mind set. I have always wanted to be in the industry of helping people mainly in a health field, this has always been my passion.
Originally I had found it hard to find a passion in this new field. But thanks to a work ethic (which I can honestly thank 110% to my parents, with an emphasis on my father) I was able to still come in and do my job the best that my abilities and knowledge would let me; and learn from the people around me.
So when I was asked, 8 months into being a buyer, to go to Toronto for a national meeting and take part in the purchasing meetings. I thought it would be a good experience and a way to further find my way in an industry that was initially not that best fit for someone so quiet and shy (I would later realize I could not be this way to take part in these events)
Upon arriving in Toronto and at the hotel I immediately became nervous of what I had got myself into. If you know me you know socializing isn't my forte. But as I write this I realize it didn't kill me; it actually went quite well; I am probably a little changed in this aspect because of this (Success #1)
The first night was a small welcome dinner with all the groups (to give an idea the whole weekend event had 300+ people). This was simple enough, just a little explaining of why a 27 year old with a Kinesiology/Psychology degree who transferred from the labour industry, was a buyer of office supplies. Again, after the first few times, simple enough.
(To ease the stress this was followed by an extended stay at the hotel bar)
The next day is what I felt overwhelmed going into, group purchasing meetings all day long. Going into it I felt like everyone involved knows so much more ( understandable because I have only been doing for a few months). Again, it wasn't that bad; I survived; I have a greater respect for my ability to pick up something new and run with it (Success #2)
This was again followed by a dinner/cocktail event, which involved more business socializing although easier still brings up the normal anxieties of who I am. (This wasn't helped by the fact that my name was missed on the seating list). Again I survived; had a blast; met some awesome people; got to know some people for who they are outside of work. (Success #3)
(Again the stress was eased by another extended stay at the bar)(With some details that will need be shared) :)
The third day was which led me to start this whole post in the first place (my lack of a passion). It was a trade show in which all our vendors present new products. I took part in this event with the senior people which I work with. I was told. "we are going in here and only talking to people about Eco-friendly products" which I thought was cool; this is something I could get into. After making our way through most of what we thought would be viable Eco-friendly products we could buy we came across an ergonomics display in which my boss took great enthusiasm towards. Which again I thought was cool; being something I took part in school for years. The last event that stuck out was my boss bringing up a customer complaint that had been emailed directly to him, with one of the vendors. All he cared about was making the customer happy and not the money it would cost to fix the problem.
This all combine to make me realize a passion in this I could get behind. Working for people who care more about doing the right thing and for the people around, then for money. (Success#4)
So in a whole I'm glad, although all my initial angst to the idea, that I took part in this event.
And to make it even better I'm about to board a airplane to Saskatoon to see the woman who makes all this (everything) seem worth while.
On that I say goodbye!
- Posted from my iPhone
Location:Mississauga,Canada
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