October Featured Community Member 2021
The LenovoPRO Community is pleased to spotlight our fourth Featured Community Member, Alan DeYoung with Wisconsin EMS Association. Alan is always contributing to the community via insightful recommendations, replies and suggestions on a variety of topics. His sound advice, vast knowledge and varied background make him a special member to interact with. Read on to see why we are so thankful to have Alan in the community.
About Alan DeYoung
I started in remodeling as a small business owner, moved to a Fortune 100, then to a startup, then to a non-profit. I've held multiple positions across many industries, everything from CEO to Regional Sales Manager to Senior Business Analyst to Compensation Analyst to Automation Programmer. I believe everything happens for a reason including how we 'happen' upon a new job or opportunity or connection.
I've been an introvert most of my life, avoiding conversations and sitting mostly behind a computer. I have forced myself to learn how to be social, how to network, and how to get up in front of an audience by getting into roles and positions, like sales, that force you to talk to as many people as possible, develop relationships, and understand your audience. This has helped my personal and professional development.
Day-to-day Operations
My day-to-day is mostly emails and Zoom meetings, and running operations for our non-profit. However, it can involve creating social media graphics in Canva, posting on our different social media pages, working with data and data management systems, evaluating our financial positions, expenses and incoming revenues, or updating our website. That's just the tip of the iceberg for a typical day.
Q & A
How long have you been a part of the LenovoPRO Community and what is your favorite Lenovo product?
We ("I") have been a part of the LenovoPRO community for a few months now. My personal favorite Lenovo product is the Lenovo Legion Y545 mid-gaming level laptop that is used for work and personal use and the Lenovo Backpack that I won in this community (I use it every day!).
What is one of your greatest professional successes?
One of my greatest successes in my professional life would be my current role/position/job. It's been my greatest success and my greatest challenge.
What is one of your greatest professional challenges?
Our non-profit was not doing well both financially and in public relations when I was promoted and has been my biggest challenge through this on-going pandemic to get us to a stable position, have accurate data, and processes in place for the future.
What was one piece of advice that you got along your business journey that helped you?
Don't always expect to be paid for what you provide. Sometimes just having the connections holds more value than money.
What is one piece of advice you would give other small business just getting started?
3 Rules: Don't be stupid, don't have drama, and always be educating. These rules have helped create a work environment that individuals can ask questions since everyone should be educating: educating themselves and educating others. In addition, we hold each other to a base standard that we should use what we learned. No drama helps keep drama out of the workplace and focus on getting things done and feeling good about those accomplishments both individually and as a team.
Connect with Alan & Wisconsin EMS Association
In the community: Alan
LinkedIn: Alan DeYoung
LinkedIn: Wisconsin EMS Association
Thank you for being such a valued part of the community, Alan and congratulations on being October's Feature Community Member! 🎉
"Don't be stupid, don't have drama, and always be educating."
- Alan DeYoung, Wisconsin EMS Association