Connections

As an introverted person, I was never much of a social joiner. I never pledged a sorority, or the Links, or even Jack and Jill after I married and had a son. But once I joined corporate America all that changed. I eagerly signed up for and am a huge advocate of joining professional associations and organizations for the networking opportunities they yield. More importantly, I emphasize the benefits of not just joining organizations but volunteering as well.

Volunteering is the best way for others to get a chance to see you in action.?

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING IN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Volunteering is the best way for others to get a chance to see you in action. They offer you an up close and personal opportunity to demonstrate:

• How strategically you plan out events.
• How well you manage finances as the treasurer.
• Who you know and can influence to donate to, present to, or sponsor an event.

?Likewise, your soft skills are often on display at these meetings.

• Are you comfortable brainstorming?
• Can you create memorable campaigns?
• Do you speak up?
• Will you take over, dominate the conversation or interrupt others?
• Do you ever present others’ ideas as your own?

They may also take a liking to you and make sure you get exposure to all the right industry influencers.

Often these traits are more likely to be called out in a volunteer setting than they would be in your daily work environment. Peer volunteers have nothing to lose by telling you about yourself if you rock the boat one time too many. And industry icons may feel more comfortable gently pulling your coattails than your day-to-day manager might. They may also take a liking to you and make sure you get exposure to all the right industry influencers. This kind of engagement and feedback is invaluable because a great deal of success can be found in that balance of knowing that you are super awesome but are also humble enough to be teachable because none of us know it all.

Professional organizations and associations often afford us the chance to interact with people whom we might not otherwise have a chance to do so. I once was co-chair of a professional association’s Civic Committee with a male attorney from France. Lauren’s demeanor and leadership style influenced me for years after that.

So how do you find the right organizations or associations, and what steps do you take once you’ve joined? Crain’s Business publications and LinkedIn are both great resources for listing out professional associations and organizations. Identify the groups that professionals whom you admire belong to. Ask if they’ll act as a reference for your membership if a reference is needed. Sit next to them at the meetings when you can, and don’t be afraid to ask if they wouldn’t mind introducing you to individuals you’d like to meet. Now is NOT the time to play “shy sister” or to remain mute at these meetings.

MEMBERSHIP DUES AND FEES

Quite often, chair or co-chair opportunities provide additional levels of visibility for you.

Many organizations require a membership fee. Find out if your company will cover these for you. Quite often, chair or co-chair opportunities (like the one I had with my French co-chair Lauren) are offered at a higher corporate membership rate and provide additional levels of visibility for you or even speaking opportunities with the organization’s broader membership. Again, ask your company to cover these fees. The perk for your company is that you will be representing them. And since you’re a woman of color, this reflects positively on your company and its commitment to diversity.

Suggestions for maximizing your time with the right crowds:

1. Be a sponge and soak up everything and anything others are willing to offer.
2. Offer yourself up for mentorship. I don't care if they’re older or younger. Male or female. If they’re trying to give you some jewels, take it. Follow, watch them in meetings, and ask questions.
3. Follow up with contacts. If a contact gives you their phone number, use it (respectfully). Emails are friendly, but close the gap in the relationship by using the phone number first. A “courtesy text” before calling is entirely appropriate.
4. Find out when their next events are. Oh, there aren’t any? Be bold – offer to throw a small get-together at your place or at a neutral location. Don’t be afraid to invite other heavy hitters or like-minded influencers. Connecting people from various industries can have a long-term impact for you and for them.

?FIVE KEY PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Here are some professional organizations that you can join and subscribe to:

1. National Black MBA Association, INC seeks to cultivate educational, wealth-building, and growth opportunities for groups historically underrepresented in business and entrepreneurship. Memberships range from $15–200 per month.
2. National Society of Black Engineers. They welcome all but have a specific focus on Black folks who’ve received a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.?Their yearly subscription is $50.
3. The Alliance of Black Women Accountants is dedicated to supporting, mentoring, and empowering Women of Color in the accounting profession. Their multiple-year subscriptions run from $25–200 per year.
4. ColorComm INC is the nation's leading women's platform addressing diversity and inclusion across communications, marketing, advertising and media. Their $250 yearly membership seems to come with plenty of resources.
5. The Executive Leadership Council assists everyone from students to executives. Their membership has criteria, but their programs assist people at all career levels.

Managing your way up the proverbial ladder shouldn’t be relegated exclusively to your corporate corridors. Get out into the industry and expand your horizons and your connections in the process. The visibility will be great for your long-term career goals.

Level Up with Grace?is a weekly newsletter designed to equip Black women (and others) who want to unapologetically create a stellar career with the strategies, insights, and techniques needed to excel in corporate America. Executive coach Cheryl Grace shares a curation of thoughts, articles, profiles, trends, and tactics that can help women advance to their next professional level, wherever they are on their career journey.?Weekly emphasis on Confidence, Curiosity, Case Studies (Personal Profiles), Connection (Networking), or Course of Action (What to DO). Please subscribe and/or share!

?Our whip-smart writing and research team includes?Lisa A. Alleyne,?Peppur Chambers, and?Anthony Tone Payton.

Graphics:?Shutterstock Stock Images illustrated by the fabulously talented?Natalia Hubbert.

Powerful Penny LLC?is an executive coaching, consulting, and lifestyle firm founded by veteran corporate executive Cheryl Grace. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent, as well as diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable.?Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!

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