Taking Membership in Professional Organizations to the Next Level
by Laura Frnka
October 06, 2009
Signing up for a breakfast, luncheon or networking event sponsored by a professional organization is easy. You go to the luncheon, meet a few people, eat your "rubber chicken" and then return to the daily grind. Sure, you get a few business cards, you see some familiar faces and hear a good speaker, but are you really getting the most "bang for your buck?"
This is how I used to operate. I would go to these professional events sporadically and tell myself I should get involved, but never did. When it came down to it, I'd find excuses why I couldn't go. I was a member, but I wasn't engaged. Truth be told, I really wasn't getting the most out of my membership.
Those who don't take full advantage of their memberships in professional organizations are missing out on a great opportunity. Taking on a leadership role or volunteering for various activities within a community or professional association helps position you and your company as leaders and as experts in your field. When managed properly, your involvement could bring you new contacts, a referral or even a new business win.
In the fall of 2007, I decided to run for a position on the Board of Directors for the Houston chapter of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). For the past two years, I've been heavily involved, not only taking on the role of secretary, but also chairing our annual awards banquet. My involvement has provided me with a wide range of contacts and resources I wouldn't otherwise have access to, and has lead to new business leads.
At Pierpont Communications, employees are encouraged to network wherever and whenever they can, taking advantage of the opportunities and prospects available to them around every corner. But it’s more than just showing up — employees are encouraged to get involved, whether it’s taking a seat at the board of directors table, holding an executive position or participating in a committee. This not only fosters professional growth on an individual level, but also demonstrates our leadership to the business community.
Pierpont continues to reap the rewards from this proactive approach. Countless leads and opportunities come our way as a result of our involvement in chambers of commerce, professional organizations and nonprofit boards of directors. The best employers encourage this type of involvement from all members of their company — from CEOs to interns.
So take a leap and get involved — it will require your time and energy, but the results will pay dividends.