Becoming the Industry Liaison for the ASQ Inspection Division was one of the most impactful opportunities and rewarding steps I have made. I was originally informed by a work colleague that this volunteer position had become available and it would be a great fit for me. I first thought about it for a while and a few weeks later, I said "Yes." This decision was determined by wanting to become that link that plays a crucial role in enhancing quality and productivity across various industries.

First, what does an industry liaison do and why is this role needed? The key objective is to foster partnerships that could benefit both the Inspection Division and the partner organizations, while enhancing the value that they deliver to their respective clients. My role as an industry liaison was primarily focused on creating "win-win" situations by establishing collaborative relationships with external organizations. These relationships were not only about networking but also about generating revenue and providing valuable content for the Inspection Division and its vast global membership. The collaboration aimed to mutually benefit both sides by promoting professional growth, increasing visibility, and ensuring continued success in the industry.

The initial and crucial task in this role was to develop a robust plan to engage industry partners. A well-crafted plan involved reaching out to organizations and individuals whose clientele may have an interest in various activities, such as attending webinars, contributing to newsletters and exhibiting at conferences. These new and ongoing partnerships produced growth and resulted in the form of them hosting webinars, writing technical articles, placing advertisements in newsletters and/or conference programs, sponsoring events, or offering educational training courses. Setting clear goals for these initiatives allowed both the liaison and the partners to measure the plan’s success and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

It was also my responsibility to identify potential candidates for collaboration. This involved building a list of potential exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers who would benefit from participating in the Inspection Division activities. I worked closely with other committees to coordinate these partnerships including collaborating with the Webinar Coordinator and Conference Committee to find suitable presenters, and the Newsletter Editor to identify potential article contributors.

Maintaining effective communication with external organizations involves clearly articulating the benefits and helps organizations understand the advantages of sponsoring, exhibiting, or advertising within the division. Ensuring a fair and reasonable fee structure for these activities is vital for building lasting and fruitful participation.

Time management is a significant factor in fulfilling the duties of an industry liaison, particularly when balancing work and family commitments. In the beginning I had to dedicate a significant amount of time (up to eight to 10 hours per month). This allowed appropriate development of relationships and managing various tasks. I also represented at the ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement and various exhibitions. However, as the role became more familiar and relationships strengthened, the time commitment decreased and efficiency increased, as I relied more on the established network to streamline tasks.

The most rewarding aspect was where learning and mentorship played the most significance in the growth of this role. In the early stages, one may need guidance from experienced mentors who provide advice and insight into navigating the liaison position successfully. This mentorship helped me build confidence, foster industry connections, and understand best practices. I gained invaluable knowledge from the successes and challenges faced by others. Additionally, attending conferences, reading industry publications, and relying on word-of-mouth recommendations helped me expand my network and deepen the understanding of the quality industry.

Throughout the experience, the role was highly rewarding for me. It offered the opportunity to work with a variety of startups to established companies, while promoting collaboration and fostering growth across a multitude of industries. The position required a unique blend of skills, including communication, strategic thinking, and event coordination. The satisfaction of seeing the successful outcome of collaborative efforts, whether through a well-executed event or a newly established contact, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the role. Fast forward eight years later, I have taken on the leadership role of the Chair of the ASQ Inspection Division.

An industry liaison is a key player in fostering relationships that benefit both the Inspection Division and its external partners by continuously learning, networking, and refining skills. They will contribute immensely to a dynamic and thriving professional Quality community. This role helps grow the Inspection Division and enhance its membership offerings to truly symbolize what Henry Ford called success.