Presidents Bootcamp

By Yash Sharma, Illinois FBLA President

Hello Illinois FBLA! Today I will be walking you through some of the overlooked steps of how to preside like a pro! This bootcamp will be a summation of the process of how to become a president with a leadership style that reflects your values.

1. Deciding to run
Your decision to run should be based on one primary question: am I running for the right reasons? Running to serve the members is a priority and should be acknowledged as the primary objective of each officer.

2. Set your platform
Make sure that your platform and goals are a reflection of yourself! Your campaign promises should be presented so they are achievable and characteristic of the changes you want the make! There is no singular best practice or improvement.

3. Conference Day
Do not only interact with voting delegates! Spread your efforts to as many members, advisers, and guests as possible. In the long run, your impact will be monumentally more effective if you consider the needs of a more diverse population

4. First Steps
Immediately connect with your membership once elected! Build comfortable spaces in which members can suggest improvements and provide feedback so you are able to continuously learn from as many members as possible

5. Program of Work
Continue to refer back to your program of work as a basis for improvement and goal setting. These objectives that were set on your program of work reflect your promises to your membership and will build a great reputation for your team’s contributions

6. Transition
​Start your transition early! Even though the next president may not take office for months after their elections, start to acclimate them to the practices for a president. This will ensure your legacy and efforts continue past your term.


Feel free to reach out to me (president@ilfbla.org) with any questions! More information is also available on the National President’s Executive Council Instagram (@fblapres)