How can you make the most of your professional association membership?

I have and only consider professional bodies that are closely associated with my profession keeping in mind two key objectives :(1) professional networking and (2)career opportunities. Yes it would appear to be self-centred but the honest truth is professional memberships are expensive and hence one needs to get value in return ??

First and foremost, select an association that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Once you've joined the association, what you put into it will determine what you'll get out of it. If you're actively involved, you'll organically build strong relationships and want to help others in your association. They'll want to do the same for you. Those connections naturally lead to networking and career growth opportunities. Some individuals may help you in other ways, such as providing advice, support and words of encouragement. Everyone has something to contribute to your personal or professional growth. Make sure to reciprocate, don't always expect something in return. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint... Good luck!

Define your objectives. Memberships should help you to reach your and/or your organization's goals. Hence, it is key to understand which membership supports which goals. This analysis helps selecting the right association(s). Is it about brand building, lead generation, market intelligence, etc.? For lead generation for example the member list and the networking opportunities are critical. Then define the number of leads you wish to generate and your success determines whether the membership is worth its price. My experience taught me that you only get out of memberships what you put in. Hence, be as active as possible. If you have your objectives and selection right, every effort should pay off.

- Attend their networking events, conferences, and workshops. - Engage actively in online forums and discussion boards within the membership community. - Participate in committees interest groups to expand my network. - Stay updated on industry news, trends, and research shared by the membership. - Take advantage of mentorship or coaching programs offered by the membership. - Seek opportunities to showcase my expertise through speaking engagements or publishing in the membership's publications. - Connect with other members, build relationships, and collaborate on projects or initiatives.

Being part of a like minded association is key. And part of this is by doing your due diligence and also asking those who are no longer members why they are not members. Your vision should align. Part of your due diligence should focus on a google search to see what articles have been written about the organization within the past 2-5 years and also any social media to ensure you want to be aligned. Ask to attend 3 meetings, preferably back to back so that you can see the consistency, the communications and the resources of the organization. Connect with the members and ask the questions to see if it is indeed the right fit for you.

I actively got involved after joining the two associations I belong to. By attending events, joining committees, and participating in discussions or special interest groups, I showed that my focus wasn’t simply what could I extract from the relationships I was making, but also what I could provide to others. Volunteering for projects and leadership roles will expand your network, enhance your skills, and increase your visibility within your profession and industry. Engaging in this way also helps you stay informed, build relationships, and leverage opportunities for further professional growth.

Reaching out to members to hold one-to-one conversations via zoom or in-person helps you get to know fellow members. Getting to know people allows you to help individuals more effectively—and allow yourself to be helped when needed!

Serendipity should be the spirit that guides you when you get involved in an Association, coordinating a working group, participating in its training sessions, conferences or writing articles. It is the best way to broaden the knowledge of the people involved, opening access to networks, collaborations and often unexpected opportunities. By getting involved you also gain knowledge, friendships and a greater sense of belonging to the Association.

Getting involved in your professional association is essential to making the most of your membership. Take, for example, my experience with the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). Rather than just paying my dues and passively receiving their newsletters, I decided to get actively involved. I attended ACC's regional conferences and participated in their webinars. I took it a step further by volunteering for a leadership role within my local ACC chapter. This allowed me to showcase my leadership skills and collaborate with like-minded professionals in a meaningful way. Additionally, I actively participated in online forums and surveys, providing input that helped shape ACC's direction and policies.

Her involvement paid off at a networking event organized by the association, where she connected with a senior marketer who appreciated her initiative and later mentored her. By actively engaging, Sarah not only enhanced her knowledge and skills but also expanded her professional network significantly, which opened up new career opportunities.

Networking strategically within your professional association is key to making the most of your membership. Take my experience within the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), for instance. Instead of merely collecting business cards and connecting on LinkedIn, I approached networking with intention and authenticity. I reached out to seasoned in-house lawyers within ACC. Maintaining regular communication and showing appreciation for their guidance not only strengthened our relationships but also led to valuable referrals and collaboration opportunities. I also participated in specialized interest groups within ACC that addressed specific legal issues relevant to my role. This allowed me to connect with peers who faced similar challenges.

Networking can result in the creation of long lasting partnerships and collaborative relationships between organizations. I have a few examples of such relationships in my career that were born out of networking.

Following the conference, Sarah maintained the connections. She regularly shared relevant articles and insights via email and LinkedIn, and occasionally met for coffee to discuss industry developments. Six months later, one of these connections recommended her for a speaking opportunity at an upcoming digital marketing workshop.

Recently, I joined a professional organization that has skyrocketed my professional brand by providing me recognition within my organization and piers. I have done so by offering to host meetings and events at our offices that bring value to the organization and its members while promoting the services offered by my company to its members.

Building strong, lasting connections requires genuine interpersonal skills and a friendly, approachable demeanor. People are more inclined to collaborate and support those they genuinely like and trust. Respect for others' perspectives, active listening, and courtesy are the cornerstones of successful networking. In a world driven by relationships, being likable and respectful is not just a social nicety but a strategic advantage in achieving one's goals and fostering meaningful connections.

Sarah saw an opportunity to further cement her reputation by contributing her expertise to the association's quarterly newsletter. Upon publication, her article received significant attention, sparking discussions on the association’s online forums and at networking events. Encouraged by this response, Sarah offered to host a webinar to dive deeper into the topic. The webinar was a hit, attracting a large audience, including potential clients and employers.

Let me illustrate this with my experience in the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). Rather than being a passive member, I actively sought opportunities to contribute and establish myself as a credible authority in the field of in-house legal practice. I began by writing articles and sharing insights in ACC's publications and blogs. This allowed me to share my knowledge and experiences with a wider audience, positioning myself as a trusted source of information. Additionally, I pitched and presented my ideas at ACC's events and webinars. This visibility eventually led to invitations to collaborate on projects, speak at conferences, and even receive inquiries from potential employers and clients.

Firstly, actively engage in discussions, contribute insightful comments, and share valuable content related to your field of expertise during meetings or online forums. Secondly, volunteer for leadership roles or committees within the association to demonstrate your commitment and competence. Hosting workshops, webinars, or giving presentations on topics you excel in can also spotlight your knowledge. Furthermore, don't underestimate the importance of one-on-one connections; build relationships with fellow members by offering assistance, mentorship, or collaborating on projects.

Most associations publish a regular newsletter/blog, and it's a frequent struggle for leadership to get timely and regular content. I like to offer to write articles/contribute content which is almost always met with a "THANK YOU!!"

I love this idea.. and it needs to be said more often! I was asked by the CX Network group on LinkedIn to offer my insights on a particular topic and I was overjoyed! Through that article, I was introduced to other CX professionals who have provided valuable insight and methodology over time. It's great because I can couple that with my professional experiences and thought processes and continue to evolve.

Let me share my approach within the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) as an example. I actively sought feedback from my fellow in-house lawyers and ACC leaders to gain insights into how I could enhance my skills and contributions within the association. This feedback helped me identify areas where I could improve, whether it was in my communication skills, leadership abilities, or legal expertise. By being open to constructive criticism, I was able to grow both personally and professionally. ACC offered various training, coaching, and certification programs designed to boost members' qualifications and competencies. I took full advantage of these resources to upgrade my skills and credentials.

In my experience, the best way to make the most of your membership is to say yes. Learn in and try new roles - on committees or tasks. Volunteer to take on leadership roles. Learn governance and guidelines.

After hosting her successful webinar, Sarah sought feedback from participants and senior members of the association to gauge her performance and identify areas for improvement. The feedback was positive, but several members suggested she could enhance her delivery by incorporating more interactive elements like live polls and Q&A sessions to increase audience engagement.

The value you expect can only be attained if you engage with other members, participate in events and programming and contribute so that you learn and others can learn from you.

Feedback is one of the most indispensable team leadership strategies. It is a tool used by managers to guide the progress of employees, recording positive and negative attitudes, actions and behaviors. In this way, the tool provides employees with an external view of how they perform their tasks, which can help guide them in the constant improvement of their skills and abilities.

I can make the most of my professional association membership by actively participating in networking events, joining committees, and staying informed about industry trends. I should utilize resources like conferences, workshops, and online forums to connect with others, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest developments in my field. It's also essential to seize any training or certification opportunities provided by the association to enhance my skills and foster professional growth.

I’d be first talking to the association, letting them know what my goals were and asking them what they think I should be utilising. Also if there’s things that I thought would be helpful I’d also ask them if it was possible for them to provide that service. For example, my goal is to gain more clients. I notice they don’t have any networking opportunities so I ask if I can organise meet ups through the association.

Get on a committee! I started my long association with PRSA-NY by getting involved with a committee preaching the benefits and pride of having an APR certification. Helped rewrite the national Code of Ethics & Professional Standards (passed in 2000). After a few years, I was lucky enough to be elected as President of the nearly 900-member NY chapter. Find a committee... then find your passion!

I found it very useful to participate in related fields from three different academic disciplines while teaching in a graduate international and public affairs program. The American Society for Public Administration, the Academy of Management, and the International Studies Association together broadened my knowledge, research and teaching skills. They each were very helpful for providing a wide variety of publishing opportunities and exposure to a significant number of helpful colleagues and friends.