At the risk of getting straight to the point, the answer is YES.
Are you familiar with your trade / industry association?
Are you a part of one ?
If you haven’t, here’s a few reasons why you should consider being a part of your industry association.
As the recent pandemic has shown, external forces outside of our control can often disrupt our business lives (let alone our actual lives). Now more than ever it is [super important] to be efficient and smart in the way we run our businesses. Industry Associations can help with that.
Trade associations are business organizations founded and funded to serve your industry. Trade associations participate in a host of activities, such as public relations, marketing, advertising, education, advancement of the industry, and collaboration between the companies within the association.
No matter your industry, there’s likely several trade associations dedicated to serve you and your customers.
Depending on the size of your association, local chapters are typically available to help serve your local area. A key benefit of being a chapter member is the ability to network, build relationships and learn from other business leaders in your industry.
One of the biggest challenges business owners express is not having a mentor or community to bounce ideas off of. This is where trade associations and chapters shine. Building relationships within your industry has numerous benefits. Industry associations hold chapter meetings where members discuss trends, new happenings within the industry, challenges, career opportunities, and much more.
Attending chapter meetings enables participants to share valuable insight – such as best practices, tools, resources and expertise – with other professionals in your field.
In addition, trade associations often host training events like annual conventions, seminars, online and on-site training opportunities, certification and much more.
What trade association(s) should you join?
That decision fully depends on your industry, and your specific career field. You can select a trade association associated in a profession you’re already in, or a one you’re seeking to get into.
- A human resource manager may choose an association like the National Human Resources Association.
- An asset manager, compliance specialist or a fleet vehicle manager may choose the National Property Management Association.
- A contracting professional may seek out the National Contract Management Association.
- A software engineer may choose the Association of Software Professionals.
As you can see, no matter your niche, your career field, there’s an association geared to help you advance in your profession through shared values, resources and collaboration.
Do you know your profession’s leading industry association?
Why or why not?
What additional benefits or drawbacks should be considered?
Lets continue to discussion, comment below 👇🏾