New Year's Resolution Check List - Are you Getting Value out of Your Membership?

Vollmer Public Relations guest client article by Sara Cronin, East Harris County Manufacturers Association Community Relations Chair

This is not a post about your gym membership, although that does land at the top of the list for most people.  We're actually talking about your professional memberships - you know those organizations you pay for, get the regular email updates, attend the first meeting, and then never show up again!  It can happen to the best of us.  You're excited about the prospect of meeting new people and enhancing your professional development.  However, calendars book up and involvement efforts often get put on the back burner.

The East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA) is a non-profit industry organization that represents about 130 chemical manufacturers and refiners throughout the seven-county East Harris County district.  We come together as an organization committed to sharing safety best practices, being good neighbors to our community and to upholding strict environmental standards.

In total, EHCMA has more than 30,000 members.  Most of our member companies select representatives on an annual basis to help lead and steer our organization every year, bringing new ideas and skill sets to the group.

After more than 20 years supporting industry in East Harris County, and as one of the largest industry groups of our kind worldwide, we can offer a few simple tips on getting the most from an organization.

1.     Show up.  While this is obvious and simple, it is the easiest way to get more entrenched in what is happening with your organization.  Try to set a goal to not miss more than two consecutive meetings.  Respond to help, surveys and queries as they come up.

2.     Step It Up.  Your involvement that is - take on a committee position or leadership role within your organization and make a difference. This will not only better the organization, but better your development and marketability as well.

3.     Build Your Base. Be sure to build your membership with people that have diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.  Also, be thinking about the next generation of leadership. Invite guests to meetings and lunches when guests are welcome.

4.     ROI.  Companies are keeping tighter margins these days so it is important that you show a return on investment for your membership.  Use it and make the most out of it - otherwise it may end up on the chopping block!

5.     Encourage alternatives.  What are the latest technologies or solutions that can make it easier for you and others to communicate and attend meetings? Do the research and present your findings to the membership to open a discussion on these alternatives.

So as we begin 2010, add 'making your membership valuable' to your New Year's resolution list - you won't regret it.  In the end you will not only grow, but so will your organization.

Best of luck to you and here's to a fulfilling and involved New Year!

What has Your Association Done for You Lately?

by Christina Felton, Vollmer Public Relations Austin 

You may ask yourself: Why should I join a professional association? Are associations worth my time and the cost of the membership? The answer is yes. There are many benefits to joining and participating in associations specific to your occupation.

Many are surprised to find that the costs to join associations are minimal and are often combined with discounts on event registration, continuing education courses, complimentary newsletters on industry news and a multitude of networking opportunities. Most importantly, professional organizations are formed to unite and inform industry professionals who work in similar occupations about critical changes and updates to their specific areas of practice.

For instance, the heated healthcare debates have left many professionals feeling uncertain and concerned about potential changes to their occupations and, more specifically, to their industry licenses. With critical changes lurking around the corner for many practitioners, healthcare associations fight for the rights of professionals through education and legislative advocacy.  Two of our clients are great examples.

The Texas Podiatric Medical Association (TPMA) and Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) are both committed to ensuring quality care is made available to the citizens of Texas. With more than 600 members, TPMA promotes the understanding and awareness of podiatrists and seeks to secure the enactment of fair laws for the practice of their members through regulatory and legislative processes. For many Texas podiatrists, TPMA has been an essential part of the growth of their practices.

Likewise, speech-language pathologists and audiologists who join TSHA benefit from the ability to maintain their Texas state license through continuing education opportunities.  TSHA members also can regularly monitor the issues that affect their jobs, licensure and reimbursements. For members, TSHA serves as a voice at the Texas Capitol, advocating to legislators to promote their professions and the consumer’s right to quality care.

Another key benefit to belonging to an association is networking with your peers at association meetings and social events. Aside from the opportunity to meet individuals who share a common interest, membership can also spark new connections within your industry.

For businesses and practitioners who rely on referrals and recommendations, an association membership can become a great source of new business, simply as the result of attending events or having a listing in membership directories. Many association directories are distributed outside the core network, further increasing business opportunities.

The bottom line is that professional organizations are worth the investment. Whether you are a small business just getting started or an established practice, a well-run association can provide the information, leadership and support necessary for greater personal and professional success.