Tips to Boost Your Career with a Professional Business Association Membership
Professional organizational memberships, when done right, lead to valuable connections
Professional business organizations are an invaluable resource for professional development, a place to show expertise, and a place to network for collaboration and support. It can also be a place where entrepreneurs learn about potential new positions and create new business connections.
All industries have professional associations. Whether you join a local organization, a local association, or a group with a specific focus, they offer opportunities to learn and grow in your chosen field. Joining the right group can even offer a competitive edge when applying for a new position.
Professional organization benefits
Each professional organization is unique, but all offer some basic benefits, including:
Member-only online resources. Most organizations have a website with a “members only” section that offers resources, including message boards and listserv subscriptions that send notifications of events and exclusive opportunities. These sites also offer blogs or white papers on topics like building your business, how to run a business, and various career development resources.
Opportunities to network. Professional organizations can help people grow their existing relationships and identify new business connections. They often hold meetings and have mixer events. Being active and engaged is the key to success in a professional association. Seek out opportunities to join a committee, offer to speak on an area of expertise, and seek out introductions to those who share common interests. Lasting bonds can be formed this way, and these relationships can prove a great source of ideas, inspiration, and motivation.
Learning and certifications. Association members often have access to workshops, seminars, conferences, and classes that build on current skills or present the opportunity to learn new ones. Members may also have access to information, such as taxes, human resource management, and other important business aspects.
Discounts on professional publications. Many organizations have newsletters that members receive free and offer discounts on subscriptions to journals, video classes, and relevant magazines.
Support systems. Organizations often offer mentors and formal coaching. This builds confidence and offers invaluable information straight from someone who has “been there and done that.”
Picking the best organization to join is important. As a busy professional, time is valuable.
How to choose a professional organization
Associations in the U.S. hold over 315,000 meetings, with about 60 million people attending. This presents unlimited networking options and many opportunities to get involved. But how do you pick the right organization?
Define goals
People have different motivations for joining organizations, so deciding what provides the most beneficial experience based on whether that organization can help meet the defined goals.
Look at the organization from every angle
Attend a few meetings and speak with other members and leadership and ask questions. Sampling programs and meeting the people involved means discovering if the members are the right fit and whether the organization is worth spending time on. Also, find out more information about the leadership and board roles in leadership. What the association does and what they care about should also offer aligned values.
Talk to peers
Use a current network with colleagues or other business owners. Question them about any organizations they belong to and what they get out of the experience.
Reviewing benefit lists and comparing dues’ cost is not the best way to choose a professional association. Finding the right organization means finding the best pathway to achieving defined goals and career objectives. Avoid organizations that just look good on paper or those that might just look good on your resume.
Find an organization that fosters engagement and the opportunity to get involved with activities that offer real benefits for your career.
Get the most out of membership
Professional organizations offer many benefits. However, using them successfully requires time, and most professionals may not have much to spare.
It is all about human connection. To make the most out of a professional business association membership, follow these tips:
Attend several events in a short period of time. This creates familiarity with fellow members and helps build relationships.
Make high-quality connections with are personal touch. Work the room and listen in on interesting conversations. When meeting someone new, ask about their hobbies or families to foster a personal connection that they will remember.
Decide who you want to meet. This might include someone in a particular field or position and then build a relationship. When moving the conversation to business, ask how you can help them, ask for ideas, and inquire if they can make some introductions.
Follow through. After meeting someone send an email with something of value like a recommended article, an introduction to someone they might want to know, or an event they might like to attend.
Take a leadership role. If the opportunity presents itself, head a committee, or take another position of responsibility. This will show a willingness to work hard, and boost status within the organization, which will lead to more connections and more opportunities.
Build your network with Drive Talent
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Contact the Drive Talent team to learn about our customized approach to recruiting.