You’ll get many benefits from taking an active part in a respected industry association, including formal and informal mentoring and guidance, tapping into industry trends, and being a voice for your profession.
Another benefit of being involved with an association is the mindset. You’re associating with people who are where you want to be. You become the company you keep. A small business owner often faces isolation, but you needn’t be an island. You needn’t go the distance alone.
I’ve just become the Marketing and Membership Manager for the New South Wales Chapter of the National Speakers’ Association of Australia. Apart from being a long title, it’s an important one for me: I’m investing in an association of likeminded business owners with the opportunity to contribute to a profession I value. I joined the committee to develop two areas of professional development: leadership and delegation. I’ve also gained an engagement.
Look out for your local industry associations, and see if they’re good for you. They often have an introductory night, or visit casually before signing up. Be clear on why you’re joining the association and what you want from it, but also be prepared to give. It’s an opportunity to both display and hone your expertise, but you need to treat it professionally, just as you would any position.
Be clear on why you’re there, what you’ve got to offer and what you want to learn, and use the power of the association to broaden your network. I read recently that freelancers need lots of friends. As a business owner or freelancer an association is a great way to gain more friends and business contacts with similar goals, challenges and desired outcomes.
To your success
Michael Neaylon
michael@mcme.com.au
Authour of the forthcoming book, 'True Brand Toolkit: How to Bring in Big Money For Your Small Business.'
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