How do you find and join the best landscaping and grounds maintenance associations and networks?

1 Benefits of joining associations and networks

Joining associations and networks can provide you with a range of advantages, including access to educational resources like webinars, certifications, and courses. It can also offer you the chance to network with peers, mentors, and potential clients. Furthermore, it can give you recognition and credibility in the industry, as well as an opportunity to explore new markets and trends. Associations and networks can also provide advocacy and representation on issues that affect your profession and sector. Additionally, they often offer discounts and savings on products, services, events, and insurance.

2 How to find associations and networks

Finding associations and networks that fit your interests and needs can be done in a variety of ways, such as searching online with relevant keywords, asking for recommendations from colleagues, clients, or suppliers, or checking out directories and databases. Additionally, attending trade shows, conferences, workshops, or seminars related to your field and following social media accounts, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters of influential figures or organizations in your industry are also great options. For example, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) all provide useful networks.

3 How to join associations and networks

When wanting to join associations and networks, you need to follow their application and membership processes, which may vary. Visiting their website and reviewing their mission, vision, values, goals, and activities is important. Additionally, you need to check their eligibility criteria such as education, experience, certification, or location. You will also need to fill out their online or offline application form and provide any required documents such as a resume, portfolio, references, or proof of insurance. Furthermore, you must pay the membership fee which could be annual, monthly, or one-time. Completing the orientation or induction program if any is necessary and familiarizing yourself with their rules, policies, and expectations is also important. Lastly, participating in their events, programs, committees or forums and engaging with their members and leaders is essential.

4 How to make the most of associations and networks

In order to reap the benefits of joining associations and networks, you should set clear and realistic goals for what you want to achieve from your membership. To make the most of your membership, you should be proactive and enthusiastic in your involvement, respectful and professional in your interactions, open and curious in your learning, and consistent and committed in your participation. This could involve volunteering, contributing or leading projects, initiatives, or campaigns; following etiquette; giving feedback; acknowledging contributions; resolving conflicts; asking questions; seeking advice; sharing knowledge; exploring new perspectives; renewing your membership; updating your profile; attending events; and staying in touch.