Every year at the beginning of January, a series of letters and email blasts arrive asking you to renew magazine subscriptions and industry association memberships. There are too many magazines and newspapers to discuss in a blog post but industry associations are another matter. Each year, I join at least one association if not more.
Why? Industry associations are a great resource for the public relations industry. There are numerous organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America, the International Association of Business Communicators, and New York Women in Communications, among others.
These associations, like any other group, have membership fees which confer benefits on those who decide to join. Each year I evaluate which ones have been most helpful in terms of Gold Communications’ professional goals and objectives.
All of these associations are worthwhile but like anything else, you have to participate in these associations and take advantage of their resources in order to make them important for your work, just belonging isn’t enough. One can also run for office and have an impact on the direction of the organization in the future.
Some of the benefits that these groups offer are mentoring programs, retraining, seminars, webinars, lectures, job banks and certification. Many of the articles and blog posts that are featured on the organization’s websites will be relevant to problems that your agency is having. Others will give you new ideas about ways to confront or deal with specific issues.
All of these associations also have a more social aspects to them and offer wonderful networking opportunities with your peers. While not a cure for a bad economy, industry groups can offer solace and support for your business.
Tags: IABC, Industry associations, NYWICI, PRSA
