In these industry times when professional individuals and organizations are looking to get the most for their money, one of the most expendable items are association memberships. Maybe the value of one isn't clear or it seems too expensive for what they get out of it. No matter what the reason, belonging to an association could be one of the most valuable items to hold onto! As long is the individual or group is selective in which association to belong to, the benefits could be phenomenal!
Let's face it, association memberships are expensive. Not only is there a yearly membership fee, but there are luncheon's and other monthly events that cost money to attend. So if you're going to make the investment then you might as well get something out of it. Instead of joining every association that MAY fit your need, focus on one that could bring you the most benefit. Once you chosen that one association, get involved! By getting involved I mean join a committee. Help make the organization be what you want it to be! By getting involved, it not only gives you an opportunity to help shape it but also give you an opportunity to learn some new things you may never have had a chance to learn!
As an independent meeting professional, I chose to join the Greater Orlando MPI (Meeting Professional International). The reason I joined was so I could network with other professionals that may be able to help me in future business opportunities, to gain valuable education and for accreditation. As an independent business owner of a meeting planning company I wanted to belong to an association that prided itself on having very high standards for its membership as well as being the the industry leader in giving back to the membership important tools to encourage members to be the best meeting professional they can. But the most important thing I did was GET INVOLVED. I immediately joined Marketing & Communications Committee. That committee alone has taught me how to understand and handle social networking, how to create and implement a marketing plan, the importance of the website and trade publications and most importantly what our members are looking for so they can do their job better!
The skills I have developed and the knowledge I have learned from being a part of this committee is irreplaceable. I have served on the board for 1 1/2 now and I now help shape what the chapter is today. As a leader I have a very talented committee that every month we meet teaches me something new. They are what has helped move our chapter forward! All of us learn together and we pass this information on to the membership.
This is why it is important to pick one association. If I had been trying to focus on more than one organization, I wouldn't have learned the skills I know today. I look at MPI as a smart investment in my future. What I have learned from being a part of the MPI organizations you can not put a price on it. The information and contacts are invaluable!
So the next time you are contemplating giving up your membership, remember, you don't necessarily have to give all of them up. Just pick one and become involved and get something out of it! You definitely will get out of it what you put into it!!
