Pub.1 2019-2020 Issue 1

Reasons to Join UPA B enjamin Franklin once wrote, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” He was right, especially when it comes to practical knowledge. Gaining knowledge — useful knowledge — is a clear strategy for learning how to add value. That’s one of the main reasons why joining an association is a good idea. Done right, it is an investment in yourself and your future. You can find trade and professional associations with a local, state, or national presence. You might even want to consider belonging to more than one; for example, you could consider a general association, such as your local Cham- ber of Commerce, but you can also look for something specific to your industry. The federal government lists national and state associations at www.usa.gov and entering “associations” or “consumer trade organizations” into their search feature can provide a range of options. A simple online search can also be surprisingly helpful. Another option is talking with colleagues or other people in your industry, and asking them what organizations they are involved in and what they would recommend. Put some effort into evaluating any associations you think you might like to join. Check the event calendar and see what’s offered. Find out what commit- tees are active and the types of issues typically on their agendas. Connect with current members or ask for referrals, then contact them and ask them about their experiences. Yes, it costs money to join. Sometimes people think that’s a reason not to join. If you join an association and you don’t take advantage of the many benefits that are offered in exchange for that membership fee, maybe they are right. Membership by itself does not justify the expense. Fortunately, however, there is more to joining an association than a membership card. After you join an association, what are the main benefits you can expect? Read on. Relationships We’ve gotten used to thinking of networking as a good way to advance a career, but what many people forget is that networking is nothing more than the power of good relationships being put to work. The unspoken foundation is that a network is made up of people who have shared connections, may be allies and even develop into friends. It starts with directories of other associa- tion members, committee meetings and work groups, but who knows where those relationships might end? An association gives you plenty of excuses to get together with others in the association and, while benefiting from other membership benefits, also forging relationships. You can learn a lot from these association connec- tions that often open views and opportunities you might not otherwise have access to. You can create partnerships and alliances. You can help each other. Even if it turns out that some of the relationships you make are business competitors, an association can help your relationship to be more collaborative and less adversarial. Understanding other people is an important part of doing business with them. Associations are the place where you can gain that understanding. Pooled Resources Many associations spend considerable resources ensuring that they under- stand their specific industries and are active in policy and rulemaking that affect their members’ bottom lines. As a result, they research and analyze sub- jects, share valuable information that may not otherwise be readily available and pool resources to tackle often complex rulemakings and regulatory issues. By yourself, you may not have the resources to provide the quality of analysis and comments that most associations can provide on proposed rules, policies or other issues. As part of an association, however, you do have the combined resources of the group and often will find subject matter experts and legal resources that are willing to lend their expertise to the association on behalf of another member of the association or as a business development effort. That’s a significant benefit. When the people in an association decide they need to engage on a particular subject and use their combined resources to get and share that information with everyone in the group, everyone benefits. Pooled resources can also mean access to enhanced benefits programs, certification and licensing programs, and discounts. Advocacy U.S. business environments are often complex with many competing interests and needs. An association is an excellent way to work together as a group and to advocate for your interests when doing so alone may be less effective, make you vulnerable to retaliation or single you out. Even if you have competing or divergent interests or positions in other areas or issues, coming together with others under the umbrella of an association can add powerful weight to your message. Hiring a lobbyist to represent only your business is not only very expensive, but (worse) it would probably also be less effective. One business by itself doesn’t seem all that important to politicians. Get an association involved, though, and the situation changes at once. What is expensive for one person is reasonable for a group of businesses. And when politicians understand that your association represents, say, an entire industry filled with members who are also likely to vote in upcoming elections, suddenly you have the politicians’ respect and potential support. Never underestimate the power of acting as a political group. Educational Opportunities If you want to know what the best practices in your industry are, the devel- oping trends, or how to prepare for or respond to a changing regulatory or business environment, membership in an association can give you a place to find out. You can learn new techniques, participate in training programs and conferences, and get written materials for yourself and (if people work for you) your employees. If attending national or international conferences is out of reach, you can still participate in webinars and committees. Don’t forget the newsletters, either, which are a valuable resource that can give you timely information that has been written with your specific interests and needs in mind. It is wise to stay current in your field, whether you are involved in formal train- ing or not. An association can help you keep your competitive edge sharp. Keep in mind, too, that networking is not necessarily just for your personal benefit. Associations give you an opportunity to do something for your community that you couldn’t accomplish on your own. They offer a way to repay some of the generous efforts others have made to help you develop your career. 10 UP DATE