Making the Most of Your Networks & Association Memberships
There are so many networks and organizations out there it'll make your head spin. The fact that there are so many is precisely why many women shy away from joining them. But as I keep saying, it's not the network or association, but how you work them . Before you make the decision to invest time or money into any network, take these tips to heart. Being a member of any organization is both a privilege and responsibility. It does end with you paying your fee and getting a card. In order to maximize their value, you must commit to putting in the time and effort to make them work.
- Be discerning about what network/association/organization/group you join. Yes, you could join every one that comes your way. But are you really able to take part in the activities of them all? Chances are, you won't be. So here is where you detective, marketing and research skills come into play. Inquire with the head or leader of the organization (or member representative) to find out if there are active members, frequency of events, commitment requirements of members, and their selection & screening process. If you are an Asian attorney interested in networking with other attorneys, it make no sense for you to join the Asian Moms Association just because you are of the same ethnicity. Dig deep and find out all you need to make your decision to join this group or organization. It's all about compatibility, not social responsibility.
- Find out if there are other members that live in your area. You could be part of an organization where the members are far spread or heavily populated in a major metropolitan area that you aren't close to. Seek out members that are nearby and offer to start meeting regularly. Even if it's just six of you, make those meetings count. Don't be content to just be "a member". You can also lobby the main headquarters to bring an official chapter to your area. But first you must prove there is a need. Committing to meeting shows that you're serious and feel there is a need for a chapter.
- Introduce yourself. Yes, it's that simple! If your organization allows you access to the membership database, take advantage of it! Don't use it for soliciting sales leads or job leads. But strategically go through it to find people with similar interests. Send them an email or better yet PICK UP THE PHONE and give them a call. Let them know you are a member of the organization and that you are reaching out to start the networking process. If they are local, invite them to coffee. If you now you'll be in their area, let them know and ask to get together while you're in town. But you have to reach out. You can't expect people to just "find" you.
- Offer to serve. You may or may not want to lead a chapter. But why not give it a try? It can enhance your leadership skills, give you valuable planning and coordination skills, and you will show that you care about the objectives of the organization. Think of how many others you can inspire and not to mention as the leader, you can introduce new people to the organization too. If a leadership role doesn't appeal to you, offer to serve in some other way. Perhaps you can be responsible for lining up guest speakers, or create the marketing material for events, or you can serve as an ambassador for the organization by orienting new members. There are so many ways you can serve. Step up to the plate.
- Share your successes with your organization. Who says that only headquarters gets to share announcements? Clear it with the organizer/leader/committees first. You might inspire others to start sharing too. Successes don't have to be saved for the monthly newsletter.
- Make your voice heard...even in text. If your organization has an online forum, go ahead and participate. You don't have to post something every single day, but get in there and mingle. Introduce yourself. Respond to requests for help or information if you are knowledgeable. Share interesting and relevant articles and links. I've said it time and time again. If you're in an entrepreneur or executive forum, nobody wants to talk about celebrity gossip, where you got your hair done, or personal drama. So post accordingly. When in doubt, ask someone about the protocols.
- Don't rely on the chapter or organization leader or members to entertain you. I encounter this one A LOT. People expect that because I lead a network, it means I have to always start conversations, provide topics of discussion, plan all the events, etc. Well guess what? I'm human and only have so many hours in a day. And I have tons on my plate with just the company alone. I won't even get into the other 5 million things I have going on. I realize we are all busy. But if you want to make a network work for you, you have to do your part. You set yourself up for failure when you put your happiness expectations in someone else's hands.
- Know when a network/organization/association has outlived its usefulness. Now this is tricky. You have to come into an organization with honorable intentions to begin with. If you are only joining to get a job or clients, you're starting off with the wrong intentions. You should join because you genuinely want to build relationships and exchange (information, dialog, etc) with others. Anything beyond that is based on selfishness. Networking is a team sport. Solo acts don't survive long. Yes you do have to look out for your own best interest, but remember, no woman is an island. If after you have put in time and effort and still nobody seems to be responding or events are happening less frequently, maybe it's a sign that you either need to help breathe new life into it, or walk away. Only you can decide.
- Be honest about your intentions from the beginning. Don't lie to get into an organization. Each of you should be having a lengthy discussion with a membership representative or the leader of an organization to get a better understanding of what their purpose is and if it aligns with your purpose. It's better to decide early on that something does or doesn't fit your needs than to get involved, not participate, then complain it doesn't work for you. Don't try to make their purpose fit yours. It should come naturally.
- Take advantage of the services and/or tools offered by your organization. If your organization offers special services, but you don't take advantage of them as part of your membership, who's fault is that? Get the most out of your membership. Yes you should be networking and building relationships. But take time to discover the services available to you. For example, with membership to my Empower Me Networks, there is a Power Council that offers career advice....for FREE as part of your membership. I can count on one hand how many actually take advantage of it. If you don't use the services, how can you expect to maximize your membership?
There's a lot of work that goes into finding, selecting and utilizing organization that work for you. But if you're not willing to put the work in to it, they won't work for you. Keep these tips in mind as you select your next organization or network to join. And ask yourself this question. Is it them, or is it YOU .
Adrienne Graham is the Founder & CEO of Empower Me! Corporation ( www.empowerme.org ), a media, publishing and professional network for the upwardly mobile Professional Woman. Courses in networking, social media branding, career management and entrepreneurship are offered through Empower Me! Institute ( www.empowermeinstitute.com ). She also provides Networking, Social Media Branding and Career Coaching. You can catch her live on Mondays and Fridays at 9AM EST on Views From the Top Radio Show ( www.blogtalkradio.com/viewsfromthetop ).