Value of belonging to business organizations

[RozR]

I have been involved in numerous business assocations over the years, especially in my past career of graphics arts and advertising.

I raise the issue of the value of membership in any given organization.

What are the pros and cons that you find?

What benefit do you expect from membership?

If it is a local organization versus a national - the difference could be networking versus knowledge.

What is important to you when joining any of these organizations?

Thanks,

Roz

[B. Newman]

Roz, I find belonging to organizations very valuable. I really don't like to belong to something that I can't work in either. Sometimes I can't do what I'd like, but I do always want to.

I'm on the board of directors of the Foothills Craft Guild and the secretary of the KY/TN chaper of the PPFA. (Yes Jerry, I know I haven't everwritten up those last minutes :rolleyes: I didn't say I did things well...)

I've also been on the board of a local business and professional association. Being a part of these things are important to me. It allows me to "give back" to things that have helped me. Plus it allows me to have a say in the future of these organizations. I care where they are going. If I didn't, I simply wouldn't belong.

Belonging to organizations also provides methods for networking. Sometimes that is networking to bring in work, but sometimes it is networking to help me find better ways to market my business and/or solve problems. (As this forum does for all of us.)

Before I join anything new I ask, "what am I able to do?" I seldom belong, just to belong.

Betty

[Sharonx]

I find belonging to local organizations is very helpful both to your business and your community. I have been president to the Arts Council Board, belong to Republican Women, Uptown Association and Hometown merchants and Lady Ducks Unlimited. I have meant a lot of people, many of whom become good customers. I enjoy being a part of my community. It also gives my business great visibility. The networking we do in some of these is extremely helpful also.