by Maxine McBride

Why Belong to Your Industry Trade Association?

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is with regard to membership in industry associations.  I'm often asked: "Why should I join?  What can the association do for me?"  The answer, quite frankly, is plenty.

There are many benefits that come from simply joining an association.  We handle PR for many homebuilders, so the local builders association is an important industry organization for us and our clients.  When we joined our local association, we automatically became a full member of the state and national home builders associations - that's three memberships for the price of one.

Networking

One of the greatest benefits of association membership is the networking opportunities.  By attending special events or serving on boards and committees, it becomes easy to meet and do business with other industry professionals.  Meetings provide great networking opportunities and it's often where you'll find the industry leaders.  However the benefits of networking come only from your direct personal involvement.  In today's business environment, it's not necessarily who you know but how much you give back with your time and commitment to an industry organization.

Relationships

People do business with people they know and trust.  It takes time to build relationships, but they play an important role in business success.  Getting involved in a trade association is rewarding during challenging times.  I have seen great camaraderie develop among members of industry associations.  Developing professional connections within industry organizations creates a vital support system among colleagues and competitors.

Education

Associations offer important educational opportunities to their members.  In today's competitive market, knowledge is powerful and setting yourself apart from others is the key to success.  Check out industry organizations' events calendars and class schedules to learn more.  Many associations offer the opportunity to get involved with important charitable activities that benefit our communities and make them a better place to live.

Leadership

Association leaders help develop a voice for the industry that can articulate and promote opportunity, understanding and respect.  They are powerful advocates and can address the issues and initiatives that are important to the industry and your success.  Your membership supports a powerful voice and is important if you want to invest in the future of your profession.

There are endless reasons you should be an active member of your industry association.  As Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged.  No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve within his sphere."

Professional industry associations are striving to improve us personally and professionally.  They are preparing the industry's next leaders and your participation ensures a stronger profession for future generations.  And isn't that what we all want?

Maxine McBride is the president of Clockwork Marketing Services, Inc., a full-service marketing firm that has provided its premier services to clients throughout the United States for more than 15 years. The firm is comprised of talented, dedicated professionals who specialize in marketing with an emphasis on public relations. The firm also focuses on focus groups, special events, marketing plans and budgets, blogs, media buying, creative design and printing, awards preparation, corporate relations, team building events, surveys and business etiquette training.

Throughout the years, Clockwork Marketing Services' efforts and expertise has provided clients with increased name recognition and a strong presence in local, regional and national media. For more information about Clockwork Marketing Services, visit www.clockworkmarketing.com  or call (904) 280-7960. Visit the blog www.WhatsUpJacksonville.com  for information on real estate and development news in Northeast Florida.

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