I resigned from VANA (the association representing Victorian newsagents) in the second week of February because of their misguided Futures Project.
I have not announced my resignation until now because the Board asked to meet with me to discuss my concerns with the Futures Project. I am not sure why they felt a need to talk to me when so many others had expressed concerns yet were not invited to a Board meeting. My meeting with the VANA Board took place two weeks ago and I’ve heard nothing since so I suspect I have not changed their plans.
The Futures Project is about getting newsagents to operate their back offices according to strict data and other rules on the belief that this will drive better business decisions. While there is no doubt that good data is essential to good business decisions, this does not, of itself, drive good business decisions. This is where the Futures Project is misguided and why it will fail.
I have other concerns about the Futures Project:
- Cost. This will cost each newsagent thousands of dollars a year with no guarantee of return. It will cost VANA hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am told they are contemplating borrowing this.
- Poor due diligence. There is no science behind the Futures Project, no research. It is being driven by one or two ill-prepared people and has got this far more because of ignorance and bluster rather than professional assessment. Without wanting to disrespect the VANA Board, they do not have the knowledge or background to reasonably assess whether this project, as presented, is right for their membership.
- Newsagent outcomes. The goals of the project and the project plan as outlined to me do not match. It will fail in its present form. The consultant to the project is, in my view, the only winner.
- Not association work. The Futures Project is a commercial project. VANA should get their association offering right before they borrow on behalf of member newsagents to fund this folly. Where were they on Alpha? What did they do about Bill Express? Nothing.
So, I resigned from VANA. The $1,800 a year I will save will be better invested elsewhere in my business.
Sometime in the future, VANA members will realise that the Futures Project was a folly, just like the failed accreditation project which cost a ton of money and wasted years.
In resigning from VANA I also resigned from the ANF. The new CEO was keen to meet and talk when I was introduced to him twelve weeks ago and I’ve not heard from him since. While I was but one member, he asked for me to set aside half a day a week or so later.
Once the QNF/NANA secretariat model is released I will look at that with considerable interest. I like the idea of a lean non-commercially focused association.
Footnote: If I am wrong I will be waiting for the I Told You So card.
I jumped ship six months ago, but I still try to look at any progress VANA have made. Nothing seems to have change except my bank account has more in it. I dont know what this Project you speak of is and dont care. As you say the real issues we have ( Bill Express, Alpha, home delivery costs) Vana achive nothing. To me they are trying to represent too many area’s and please too many people, and that can never be done. You can be a member if you are a Newsagent, Newsagent/Post Office, Sub Newsagent, looka like Newsagent and probably a lolly shop, providing you pay there membership. They have to look at something completly different like E-Vana or this Futures project, to make it look like they are doing something other than organize a golf day. We have no represenative in Victoria and the Publishers know it.
I might be overly cynical but I think that some people, when they get on a board, forget the boring stuff, like looking after their members and want instead to have a chance at corporate power by building a monument like a Big Project perhaps. Serving on a board carries significant responsibility and members should be selected and serve with that in mind. A board is there for the majority to benefit from, not for personal agendas or egos.
Guys, I think Mark feels your dissapointment also.
It would not be easy to resign from any association, as you guys know. It should not take resignations to help see the light.
Their are current and outstanding fundamental issues amongst Newsagents and co that need addressing yesterday, it is apparent that these core outstanding issues are still their.
The opportunity to draw a line in the sand regarding ALPHA has not been heeded by any Association. Like many have said this was a chance to show leadership and in my opinion the Newsagency Channel was let down by letting this ALPHA doublecross go without a fight.
If you are thinking Mark of heading up an association let me know.
Derek
Association boards need to be made up of smart people who understand the importance of robust debate and the value of transparent due diligence. On the Futures Project, VANA has failed Victorian newsagents.
I agree with that Mark and like Derek said problems we have today should have been fixed yesterday.
If you’re forming a posse let me know too.