Ditch the job title.

I never use my job title when I introduce myself. Job titles mean little to people outside our organization.

Instead of reciting your job title, tell others how you add value to the organization.

“I’m Judy, and every day I tell the Extension story.”

At this point of introduction, most folks don’t need to know how the organization classifies you; they just need to know how you might help them during their interaction with your company.

Sure, on business cards or staff directories, listing your staff title is appropriate, but when you’re engaging people for the first time, share how you contribute to the organization instead of the official title you carry.

It’s all about value.

Here’s what that may look like in real life.

• Leadership: “I manage people and resources for Extension.”

• Office Support: “I connect you with the right person to help you find answers to your questions.”

• Family Life Educator: “I help families thrive.”

• Natural Resource Specialist: “I inspire others to understand and protect this world’s natural resources.”

All of us elevate the work of our organization in some way. Determine your part of the whole and lead with that.

Judy Bingman, owner of Storywriter Solutions
creator of Extension Insider and Like My Life

Read more blogs on the website. Share this blog.

If you’ve forgotten who I am since last week, I’m Judy Bingman, and I live and tell authentic stories so people feel connected and supported and empowered — people just like you. I know you because I was you, for more than 30 years. And when I wasn’t working for Extension, I was volunteering for Extension. Every now and then, I hope to deliver some inspiration and tips to your inbox — not too often to be a pest, but often enough to remind you that you matter. For the first month, you’ll hear from me once a week; less after that.

You can learn a lot from out-of-office replies

After last week’s newsletter, I received 453 out-of-office replies.

I read every one of them. Sure, I read them so I could tidy up the mailing list, but it also let me get to know you all a little bit better.

• I can tell Maggie was a gracious colleague: “I no longer work with Cornell Cooperative Extension, and I’m writing with gratitude for the opportunity to have worked alongside this community. While I won’t be checking this inbox going forward, you’ll be in excellent hands. Thank you for the collaboration, support, and shared wins — it’s been a joy.” Sweet gratitude and a reassurance that Extension goes on.

• I want to hang out with Eugene: “I'm engaged in a short marathon of out-of-state travel commitments. I will be in remote places, endeavoring to catch fish for my personal amusement.” And, what’s cool is that he works in the aquatic ecosystem department!

• Joe models what it means to believe in the work we do, working hard even as the end of the SNAP-Ed program nears: “Over the past 20+ years, it has been an honor to serve our community through nutrition education, outreach, and support. I’ve truly valued the opportunity to work with partners and program participants like you to promote healthy living and food access. After Sept 30th I will no longer be available at this email address. Until then, I will do my best to respond to any inquiries or help transition any remaining matters related to the program.”

• Lynne gets it: “Living the land grant mission is what I did every single day of the 12 years that I have called Iowa State University my work home.”

• Amy’s AI Bot Chad just made me laugh: “I am the AI Bot for automatic replies. Amy is away from email for a while. After sifting through all the junk emails, I'm certain she will return your email as soon as possible.”

• I appreciate that Kathleen understands that there is life after Extension: “It has been an incredibly meaningful chapter, and I am deeply grateful for the relationships and experiences I have had during my time here.”

You may wonder, what is the best text to use when you’re going to be out of the office. I think your out-of-office reply should be authentically you. If you typically interact with people in formal settings, then be formal in your out-of-office reply. And, if your regular engagement is more relaxed, so should your reply. Of course, if your department for a template they prefer you use, do that.

The hardest replies to read were those from our SNAP-Ed colleagues because last week’s message was meant especially for them. I hope, like Kathleen, they look back on their time in Extension as an incredible meaningful chapter of their life.

This week’s free offer is a bonus story,
something perfect for playoff season!

It just depends.

The mother arrived late in the third inning of the softball game.

“How did you do the first time up?” she asked her 10-year-old daughter.

“That depends on how you look at it,” the girl replied calmly, and I had to admire her outlook. The young batter had made an out, and most people, especially parents, would consider that pretty bad.

But, as this girl saw it, she didn’t strike out or pop it up. She didn’t get hit by a pitch. She didn’t get caught looking at a called third strike.

She made a level swing at a good pitch and made contact. She just didn’t make it to first base before they threw her out.

That young lady knows the secret not many know: You don’t always have to win to win.

It just depends on how you look at it.

You can find failure in everyone you meet, or you can find success — just depends on how you look at them.

The choice is always up to you.

The worst of days still have some redeeming quality if you open you eyes to find it. The worst basketball game always has some moments of brilliant play. The saddest moments of life can still hold power for growth and love if you allow yourself to truly experience their fullness.

Whether you find happiness or sadness in life really just depends on how you look at it, so live this day well.

We are on week 2.
Give me 4 more tries to win you over.

Last week I asked you to wait six weeks before unsubscribing to this newsletter. Thanks to all of you who stuck with me. Let me know if this issue hit the mark or was a disappointment. Last week, 84% of you opened and read the newsletter. I am humbled and grateful.