Get organised:
There is a lot of work to do as VPEd, so good time management and organisation skills will assist. Send requests out early for long-term planning of meeting availability, create and maintain meeting schedules well in advance, and disseminate with plenty of notice.
Get familiar with VPEd tools of the trade:
First and foremost, make sure you have, or develop a strong working knowledge of Pathways – for tracking all requests and club achievements, Toastmasters International – for submitting awards, and (if your club uses it) EasySpeak or its alternative to manage your Club meetings.
Get to know your Club members:
As VPEd you are closely linked to each club member’s Toastmasters journey, and indeed responsible to ensure their progress is recognised. Maintain a very thorough spreadsheet to track progress, engage with members to discuss their goals and any areas they want to focus on, and make sure awards are submitted (and recognised) asap. Work with Mentors to ensure newer members are provided with the necessary information/evaluations for their speeches and roles.
Be fair and equitable:
You will invariably have some club members more proactive or eager in wanting to complete roles and especially speeches, more so than others who will be less enthusiastic. Manage this with a default of a fair and equitable share of opportunities to all.
Get help:
Leverage off the assistance of past VPEds, other Committee members, or other senior members of the club who are willing to help. Consider identifying your replacement VPEd early in the year and get them involved by delegating roles.