Hi friends!

Today we are talking about industry associations.  I get asked a lot "what are your thoughts on industry associations?"   First, I have to say that I am the Vice President of WIPA SEFL (Wedding Industry Professionals Southeast Florida).  And this is the first organization I have joined in the 15 years I have had Fabuluxe Events.  Also, I was part of the steering committee that helped form our chapter.

That being said, industry organizations are what you make of them.  You have to avail yourself of the online and in-person resources they provide or joining will be a waste of time and money.  

Most associations provide excellent educational and networking opportunities.  You have to know where to find them.

When researching a specific organizations look for the following:

1.  What are the member benefits?

  a.  do you have members-only educational opportunities

  b.  do you have members-only partnerships with other members

  c.  how often do they meet

  d. do you know people that are in the organization that you can ask about it

  e.  is the leadership a true representation of quality of the members

2. Have a networking plan when attending in-person events.

  a. make a list of people you want to meet

  b. attend with a buddy that is already in the organization

  c. take lots of business cards - I know, it's still a thing

Remember, that you are joining this organization because you want to take your business to the next level.  You want to learn and grow and kudos to you for that initiative. 

Cheers,

Jen