9
NETWORKING
Don’t go it alone Joining professional organizations can yield major benefits for recent graduates and seasoned industry veterans alike. B E S T P R A C T I C E S
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
NETWORKING ROUND-UP There are many associations and societies from which to choose; here are just a few ... For architects: The American Institute of Architects: aia.org The National Organization of Minority Architects: noma.net Society of American Registered Architects: sara-national.org American Society of Landscape Architects: asla.org For engineers: American Society of Civil Engineers: asce.org National Society of Professional Engineers: nspe.org American Association of Engineering Societies: aaes.org American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists: aaees.org And, of course, Zweig Group holds top industry conferences and seminars, too. Learn more about the Hot Firm and A/E Industry Awards Conference at zweiggroup.com/ conference and about our upcoming continuing education opportunities at zweiggroup.com/ education.
M ore meetings? More time? Really? Given the number of responsibilities that A/E/P and environmental professionals already juggle on a daily ba- sis, joining a professional organization might not top your list. However, you could be missing out on key business-building strategies. Remember, there’s strength in numbers. Whether you join an industry-specific group, a special-focus organization, or a local chapter of a national trade organization, you’ll make valuable contacts and gain information. Here are a few additional benefits suggested by Mon- ster.com: Exclusive online resources. The websites of most professional associations have “members-only” sections that provide access to a variety of databases and mes- sage boards, so that you can be notified via email about upcoming events and special activities that may not be open to the general public. Networking opportunities. When you join a professional organization, you’ll deepen existing business relationships and make new contacts on a regular basis. Such networking goes beyond the exchange of business cards – as you attend periodic meetings, become active on a committee, or take a prominent leadership role – you’ll forge lasting ties with others who have common professional inter- ests and similar business concerns. Education. Many professional associations offer their members the chance to update their knowledge of business and trade basics or acquire new skills through seminars, workshops, break-out sessions at conferences, and online courses. Free or discounted publications. Membership in many groups includes a free subscription to the organization’s magazine. Some associations also offer their members free publications and discounts on CDs, journals, videos/DVDs, and other materials. Conferences and seminars. Members are often given priority registration for their organization’s trade conference and may receive discounts on conference fees or special rates on related expenses, such as hotel reservations and car rent- als. Support systems. Members of professional associations can often take advan- tage of formal coaching or mentoring relationships with more experienced busi- ness people who provide guidance and useful insights. Even on an informal basis, such relationships can be a source of answers and solutions when you’re facing a challenging situation in your business. At the very least, the feeling that you have a support network behind you can boost your confidence when problems arise. Political clout. Large national organizations often have committees to track fed- eral and state legislative developments that could have an impact on their specific business or industry. Such organizations have a significant political presence that far exceeds that of individual members. Joining this type of professional organi- zation enables you to tap into the group’s political influence and resources.
See ORGANIZATIONS, page 10
THE ZWEIG LETTER SEPTEMBER 28, 2015, ISSUE 1121
Made with FlippingBook Annual report