To Join or Not To Join…
02 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Real Estate, Uncategorized Tags: Affiliate, Association Executive, Bardstown, Bardstown real estate, BOARD OF REALTORS, cooperate, education, housing, inspectors, insurance, lender, networking, Professional Association, RE, real estate broker, Realtors, success
Do you want to further your career? Yes? Then think about joining a professional organization or Association. There are associations for nearly every profession or area of interest and many have national, state and regional chapters available to join. Because you share common interests, your collective influence on your profession can be more effective than going it alone. How can becoming part of this synergistic group help further your career and business goals? Here are a few ideas…
Build your network: For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group brings you into the “inner circle” of your professional community. Giving support and getting support! Opportunities to connect with your peers through lunches, community events, educational seminars are available- if you take advantage of it. Share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. Learn about breaking news in your career, “best practices”, or new ideas! Find a mentor…Be a mentor! Giving back can be the greatest reward and benefit. Participate in forums, chat groups or discussion boards! This allows you to use your peers as sounding boards and often make some great friends. Many Associations have annual conventions which is the perfect time to connect with other professionals in other areas. If the association you join is not your primary profession, but a related business- remember to sponsor lunches, set up a booth in a trade show or have a seminar showing how your profession impacts their business!
Take charge of your career: Associations can offer information about seminars, training or certification classes that may be suitable for you. Often these classes can be done through web- or podcasts so you don’t even have to leave your home. And don’t forget, listing your association membership on your résumé is impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession.
Broaden your knowledge: Most associations offer access to resource information such as: case studies, articles, white papers and books written by experts in your field or area of interest. Also, journal, magazine and newsletter access is provided as a part of your membership privileges. Some groups have a library of books, guides and DVDs that they loan to their members as a way of supporting all members in their growth in the profession. Additionally, associations provide a source for scholarship information, links to publications, and awards for persons achieving excellence in their field. No matter what your field is, staying on top of these issues is important. The more you know about your specialty as well as other areas of the professional circle, the more you will find yourself being recommended by your colleagues.
So, whether you are looking to learn about jobs in your field, network in your professional community, gain access to current events in your career area, or just have some fun while meeting new people, joining a professional association is a step in the right direction!
The Old Kentucky Home Board of REALTORS® is a local Association that provides services that helps its REALTOR® members and affiliated business members to give professional and ethical service to the Nelson, Washington, Marion, Larue and surrounding areas. The Board meets every third Wednesday to offer networking, informational programs and a delicious hot lunch! For more information about how you can join as a REALTOR® member or as an affiliate, please contact Peggy Smith, Association Executive @ 502-331-0408.
