Joining Industry Specific Organizations Has Many Benefits

Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small business owner with some start-up information, she asked me a very interesting question, "Why do you and other VA's join organizations?"

I guess I take for granted the reasons why I belong to several industry specific organizations. But, to those that are new to any industry, joining an organization made up of your competitors is a valid concern.

Some organizations have members that are from a variety of walks of life (i.e. small business organizations, etc.) while others are more specified and include only members from a specific industry (i.e. VA organizations).

I think the consensus among members of any organization is that the benefits of being involved with others in your industry are numerous.

So, why should you join industry specific organizations? Here are some of the best reasons:

1. Networking. This is one of the main reasons for joining any organization and is actually part in parcel with all the other reasons I will list here.

Networking with anyone and everyone is essential to the growth of any business, especially networking with those in your industry.

Some industries are still fairly young and by networking with your peers you can all work together to increase the exposure of your specific industry, thus increasing the visibility of each individual member's businesses.

2. The opportunity to work with fellow members. With the increased exposure of various industries, many veteran members may be finding their workloads are getting to a point where they have to outsource some of their projects. If they don't know about you they won't even have the chance to consider sending you some of their overflow.

Not to mention, most members may specialize in certain procedures and, should a task come up for a client that is not one of their specialties, they may need to subcontract the project.

3. Learning from your fellow members. No matter if you are an experienced business professional or new to the industry, there is always something to learn from others.

Veteran members have been there and done that so they have the voice of experience to offer. Those new to the industry can sometimes be an excellent source of new & fresh ideas.

4. You have the chance to get involved in new ventures. Many veteran members collaborate to initiate new ventures and projects to help enhance their industry. Usually, during the start-up phase of these new ventures, it is common to work with those that you know and respect and have them involved in the process. By being a member of an organization and staying involved, you become visible to your fellow members and thus may be requested to become involved in the newest industry-boosting project

5. And finally, one of the perks of joining an organization is the joy of making new friends.

Many small business owners operate their businesses from home and isolation can become an issue. Being a member of any organization results in making friends with fellow members, reducing the isolation aspect. These friendships can also result in a mentor type relationship where the two (or more) of you share ideas that will help to boost each other's businesses and even your personal lives. (Such is the case of myself and my best friend Kathy Ritchie of Ritchie Secretarial Service ? www.thebestva.com - a fellow Virtual Assistant)

To sum it all up, being a member of an industry specific organization has many benefits and shouldn't be viewed as associating with the enemy. Try to think of your relationship with your fellow industry members as 'coopetition' rather than 'competition'. By working together you can build the industry as a whole, your own individual businesses, and even your personal lives.

About The Author

Janice Byer is a certified Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Design Services (http://www.docutype.net). See this and other articles on her website.

jbyer@docutype.net

---

Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)

The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking and the good news is, should you choose to put forth a conscience effort to improve the... Read More

How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid

June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have been made and most are already broken. It's time to take a hard look at where you... Read More

Create a 10 Second Introduction From Your USP

You can generate a ton of business by networking, whether you belong to a networking organization or just get referrals from existing (satisfied) customers. Whenever you meet... Read More

Defining a Quality Networking Group

When it comes to quality, how do you choose the group that matches your expectations?Defining a quality group is not as easy as it looks. You first... Read More

Are You Building Relationships Online?

How's your relationship?I'm not prying into your personal life, so no need to worry. it's just that lately I've noticed something about most network marketers which got... Read More

How to Get More Visibility, Increase Your Influence, and Get More Referrals

Earlier today I was helping a client develop a better strategy to generate more referrals from local businesses. While that particular client owns an orthodontic practice, the... Read More

The Promotion Factor: Seven Strategies to Promote Yourself and Your Business by Playing Golf

Effective business promotion is more powerful than advertising. Using golf is one the best ways to increase your business and personal success. Playing golf is the foundation... Read More

The Festive Season: Your Networking Opportunity

The festive season is a great time to sharpen and hone your networking skills. There is not a better time to start building long-term business relationships. Christmas... Read More

How Well Do Your Customers Know You?

Know your customer, know your customer, know your customer. Three very important rules of business. But let me ask you this: How well do your customers know... Read More

Networking - How To Do It

Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective and least expensive way to get more business. It doesn't necessarily involve selling your product or service but it... Read More

The A-B-Cs of Networking

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters - networking is a powerful tool. And the same is true in personal and social situations, where... Read More

The 4 Attitudes of Awesome Hospitality

Hospitality relates to the Latin term philoxenia, or "the love of strangers." And stranger is defined as "someone with whom you have not yet been acquainted." Therefore,... Read More

Alcohol & Events

Many people associate alcohol with relaxation and fun, so it is an important ingredient for a successful event. However, it can be a problem and too much... Read More

Networking Know-how

Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it is about what we can do for each other. Networking requires time, patience, and a commitment to... Read More

Give People Something to Talk About!

My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We were invited to a dinner party with three other couples we didn't know. What we did know... Read More

Five Steps for Expanding Your Customer Base with Guerilla Networking

As a single company, it is impossible to provide your customers with all the services they desire for every aspect of their life; but with guerilla marketing,... Read More

Franchisees Should Learn From Each Other

If you own a franchise you should be in contact with your nearest franchisees and share information as if you were the manager of a corporate store.... Read More

Real Business Networking Doesnt Happen at Networking Events

Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a networking event, or seeing how many you can collect before the event is over. Real networking is... Read More

Lesson 14 - Whats In A Handshake?

The StoryAs a child growing up, one of the many life lessons instilled in me was to wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom.... Read More

Value-Added Network

A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to develop, expand, and promote trusted relationships. One successful example is Thomas Powers, the founder and chairman of... Read More

Ten Simple Steps to More Customers with Better Networking

Networking is a great way to meet people in a "non-selling" setting. So, don't sell. Meet and greet. Ask people about their businesses. Be friendly and relaxed.... Read More

The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers

Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost 40 years ago. It's a word uttered in and around the business world every day, yet is... Read More

Talk Isnt Cheap

The most successful organizations have good communication skills. Survey after survey bears this out. Poor communication skills are often cited in employee surveys as a reason for... Read More

Are You Sitting With The Right Company?

When I walked into Dallas's famous Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, all I wanted to do was to enjoy my New York Strip steak, relax and quietly review my... Read More

What I Do Is Not Who I Am... The Networking Factor

Ah, the personal touch that continues to make a big difference for the better in our lives and the lives of those who have an opportunity to... Read More

It Pays to be Friendly

Most small business people do not take advantage of human relationship issues. They do not understand that being nice and friendly, out going and enthusiastic pays high... Read More