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What is the Value of your Association?

Aug 9th, 2009
by Kathie Madden.
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membership sites2 150x150 What is the Value of your Association?Having just returned from a Leadership Conference in San Francisco with ISES (International Special Events Society) , I am proud to be associated with an organization that fosters continued and higher learning in all  disciplines of the event industry, and provides quality leadership to ensure the longevity of this great organization. This is an outstanding testament to the value of this membership, and if that wasn’t enough I always walk away with an armful of friendships that prove their worth beyond membership fees!

Below is an article I wrote that received many favorable replies.  I hope by reading this it will help you determine the value of your memberships and how you can rethink your involvement.

The Association Arithmetic – Does it all Add up? By Kathie Madden

Published by: The Planner Dec 2008

My advice when shopping around for an association a good fit for credibility and educational purposes is an organization within or related to your particular discipline and additionally; a broader based group that can expose you to further contacts and potentially; increased revenues.  The obvious sign-up costs of joining any association surface in the decision making process and for a large majority; the expectations of becoming a member are to convert networking into money. This can be a misconception; so let’s face the truth about this subject.

Just recently I witnessed the joyful celebration of the ISES Dallas Chapter as they accepted the award for ‘Chapter of the Year’.  I questioned how they were able to accomplish this when as individuals or businesses; there are such extraordinary demands in these extraordinary times.  This prestigious award was earned through dedicated teamwork, creative and objective thinking and as I watched them congratulate each other I recognized the true benefits of belonging to the right association, the most powerful of all resources: energy in its membership. Measuring the power of this resource is not just the award, but how it translates into increased engagement, broader and fresher ideas, less burnout, and ultimately; a stronger association that fosters a spirit of alliance that members and prospective members desire to be attached to.

Any well respected association has a mission statement, a code of ethics, by-laws, policies and procedures and clear cut objectives, but it is a fallacy to expect that by merely becoming a member it fast tracks you to success. In the long run; this way of thinking will actually cost you money because if you choose to sit back, you miss out on the hidden benefits of fully engaging in your association.  What are those benefits?

1.  Involvement aids you to grow to the next level of professionalism, respect, and credibility.
2.  Strengthens your knowledge and confidence beyond your own business.
3.  Valuably broadens your accessibility and exposure ultimately building stronger collaborative relationships.
4.  Allows you to be action- oriented to motivate and articulate input into the strategic objectives.
5.  Effectively demonstrates your commitment to your industry and business.
6.  Keeps you current to new members, industry issues, and future competitors.

The true definition of an association is a society of partnership.  It is no different than marriage: you get out of it, what you put in.  As the Dallas Chapter demonstrated, the strength of any association is the energy and participation of its membership. The majority of associations encourage your involvement, but what discourages members is the misconception that they can’t afford the time. In that case I advise to do what you can with boundaries, because in this increasingly collaborative business world, you really can not afford not to be part of the engagement equation.

Membership + Participation = Knowledge          Knowledge = Competence = Success

The Flip Side of Events – Guest Etiquette

Jul 11th, 2009
by Kathie Madden.
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ett 150x150 The Flip Side of Events – Guest EtiquetteAs Published by: The Planner August 2008

At some point during your business career you will be attending or will have someone representing your company at a variety of events.  Whether it is a gala, luncheon, or perhaps a private function at the boss’s home, being a good guest is more important than you may realize. The following guidelines will assist you:

1.  RSVP – Reply to any invitation within 5 days.  If a last minute change is made, call ahead to inform the host of name changes, dietary concerns, delays or cancellations.

2.  Dress Codes – Dress appropriately for the occasion and ask the host if uncertain.

Business Attire – Suits and dresses

Black Tie/Black Tie Optional – Formal wear

Business Casual – Trousers, khakis, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters

Jacket and Ties required – Sport coat and tie/ blouse and slacks, blazer

Comfortable Casual – No athletic wear unless stated

3. On Time Performance – Always show when requested, you demonstrate a lack of respect to your host and other guests if you are late. If you do arrive late politely apologize without excuses.

4. Civility in Networking – Visit the washroom before the function and wash your hands. Always shake hands with host and other guests on arrival and departure. Hand out business cards and keep them on the table until the meal is over.  They are a good reference for you and considered rude to put them directly out of sight.

5.  Polite Introductions – Never fail to introduce people around you, even if you have just met them.  When appropriate, introduce lower ranks to higher ranks including their name and job titles.  If you wear a name badge, it should be placed on the side you shake hands with. (The eye will travel up the arm to the name tag.)

6.  Inappropriate Topics – Avoid topics on health matters, personal finance, and gossip.  Also steer clear from inappropriate humour, foul language, divisive and sexual topics.

7.  Courtesy in Conversation – Listen, listen, and listen.  Never interrupt or try to prove a point.  Look at the person without being distracted by someone you would rather be speaking to. Mention the other person’s name at least once during your conversation.

8.  Mind your Manners – Allow others to take the best seat, begin eating when everyone at the table is served, and never drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks. Don’t forget please and thank you to other guests and serving staff.  Familiarize yourself with how to use glassware, cutlery and plates, place fork and knife in 4:00 position after meal, leave napkins on chair seat when finished.

9.  Tech-etiquette – Unless you are on call, for the duration of your function, you should not be available.  NEVER acknowledge or send a message during a business function or event unless you leave the room to do so.

10.  Show Appreciation – Before departing, thank your host and then send a thank-you note.  In addition, send a note or email (either is appropriate) to those you met at the function to acknowledge your conversation.

The value of business etiquette demonstrates you care about detail and although there are finer details to apply to these suggested guidelines; it is important to understand that careless practices reflect on you as an individual, and can have unfavorable implications on the company you represent.

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