Professional Organizations: Join or Fold?

All of us join professional organizations for a reason--a friend belongs, we need to for credibility, etc. Many times we let years slide by and we don't stop and review those reasons. Unless something sets off a boundary--lack of funds, the organization runs itself into a ditch, or a leadership problem.

When doesn't it fit any longer? Is there a pattern to you dropping a membership?

I know, as an accountant for 15 years, I joined organization after organization. Without knowing it, and after delegating it to my assistant, I realized that I belonged to 32 organizations. Yes, at one time. Yes, I know this is probably exceptional. Yes, I can blame it on my assistant or being too busy. But I'm not. It wasn't until I began to take a complete review of those memberships that I realize many no longer fit.

During the review process, I learned to ask different questions. Let me share with you a 6-step process that I've used for the last 8 years that I know will help you: 1) choose more wisely in the future; (2) set your intention and expectations first; and (3) know what you want to give back.

This 10-minute exercise will save you time and money as well as make money and create time with smarter choices in the future.

1. Make a list of current memberships of all your professional organizations. Yes, go ahead abbreviations.

2. Ask what was your intention for joining this organization at that time?

3. Does that intention still fit? If yes, rating from 1-10, what would your rating be when you joined and what would be the rating now? 1=because I was new to the profession. 10=I'm getting more out of my membership than I ever intended. If that intention doesn't fit, would you like to change it or fold (dissolve your membership). If the 1-10 rating does fit for you, create one that does.

4. What is my expectations for my membership? What do I expect to get out of belonging in 2004? If your beginning rating was low and it's still low, do you have any expectations for that changing in the future and what do you need to do in order to get to that level? Are my expectations realistic? When do I want to have the first three steps of those expectations, if any, completed.

The most valuable question part of #4--What set of circumstances or date will the membership end? Remember, everything is temporary.

5. Prioritize each membership. Which one do you value most? Least? What do you value most? What does that one have that the others don't? Is it something that you have the power to change? What needs to change to make them all valuable to their fullest? Is it even possible? Realistic?

6. Sixth, how can your membership in each organization help you with your goals in the future? Match your goals with the organization's value. What value does it add to your life, family, or business?

Honesty now. Okay, it may take some of you with a longer list more than the 10-minutes I promised. You have to agree though, just reading these steps will get you to think a little differently before joining or renewing your memberships--in any organization.

From a coaching standpoint, and a FYI, having expectations is a good thing!

This is a great exercise to complete at least once a year. If you take a few extra minutes right now, now that you are focused on this topic, and write the expiration date next to the organization. And add those dates into your task alert system to review these questions again before you renew.

You can also create a file folder called, "Professional Membership Evaluations & Renewals." Inside the front cover, you can write in BIG bold letters, "What's in it for me to belong?"

Catherine Franz is a Marketing & Writing Coach, niches, product development, Internet marketing, nonfiction writing and training. Additional Articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog: http://abundance.blogs.com

---

Dont be Afraid to Lead!

In most aspects of human activity, the pendulum of fashion swings back and forth between extremes, passing briefly through the point of balance on every swing.For a while, we were told leadership was... Read More

3 Dynamic Techniques To Boost Your Executive Leadership!

Here's a really simple way to measure the strength of your executive leadership skills. Ask your people to name 3 important reasons why they enjoy working with you.Most leaders find it acceptable to... Read More

Top 25 Leadership Quotations

Ponder what it takes to be a true leader with these practical quotes that will lead you to a more precise understanding of the secrets to successful leadership..."A true leader has the confidence... Read More

What Every Manager Should Know About How to See the Talents of Effective Leaders

An organization of any size, from the family to the department store, the neighborhood grocery store to the largest international corporations, is a reflection of its leadership.And leadership is only as good as... Read More

It Begins Like This

Jonathan was drunk multiple times before ever completing elementary school; his father fed him bourbon so Jonathan would resist less while being sexually molested. On the night his mother was released from jail,... Read More

Five Steps Towards Greater Self Confidence

We watch the star athlete calmly make the final shot, score the winning goal, or lead his team for a touchdown in the final minute of the game. We marvel at their talent... Read More

Two Vital Abilities Any Leader Must Have

As a business owner, you are a leader whether you like it or not. Whether you like it or not you have to guide your group in order to expand your organization. And... Read More

Beyond Authority: Debunking the Top 3 Leadership Myths

Have you noticed that across the business world people are recognizing that we are fast outgrowing the thinking and language of hierarchy, but we're also struggling to create a new, more collaborative future?... Read More

5 Power Keys For Leadership Success!

Did you know that you can successfully handle most leadership challenges with just 5 simple strategies? By focusing your attention on these critical areas you can empower your the opportunities hiding within your... Read More

Secrets of Creating Success with Ease

Do you ever strum your fingers on the desk top as you look down at your work and think, 'Right, how can I do all this lot without really working?'Brought up in an... Read More

Real Charisma, Clinton Style

What exactly is Charisma? Most would agree that it is a magical, illusive, personal quality, divinely endowed on some people more than others. One thing is for certain, it is more easily identified... Read More

In Leadership, The Eight Ways Of Right Action (Part 2)

In Part 1, I said that leaders who can't have people take right action are ineffective, and I listed four of the eight ways of right action. In Part 2, I'll describe the... Read More

Leadership, Self-Development, and the Committment to Growth

There is a common phrase that says: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I know that most of us have heard it. The problem is that we all too often take... Read More

Elements of Timeless Leadership

Great leadership is timeless, always in vogue. The world has been hungry for great leaders from time immemorial. In times of chaos and war, environmental and social upheaval, great leaders often emerge pointing... Read More

A Winning Choice for Leadership!

"The only way to enjoy anything in this life, is to earn it first." -Ginger RodgersOne bad apple can spoil the bunch! As a leader, we cannot allow "bad apples" to interrupt our... Read More

Effective Leaders are (#3) Communicative

LISTEN, WRITE, AND ARTICULATE EFFECTIVELY: Leadership positions require effective communication skills. Basic confidence in the art of information sharing is absolutely necessary for effective leadership. Although mastering all of these skills is ideal,... Read More

Cub Scout Leader Outdoor Experience

Recently I attended Cub Scout Leader Outdoor Experience training. This was a 24 hour course starting Friday evening. If you are a leader whose Council officers this kind of training, I would highly... Read More

Leadership Development for Success

In today's highly competitive world, there is a lot of pressure on leaders to create highly productive organizations. To be successful with this task, leaders will need all of the talent, skills, techniques,... Read More

To Be An Effective Leader, Do A Check-up From The Neck Up

Before we can effectively lead anyone, we must take an introspective view of ourselves. We must do a check-up from the neck up. We must be certain that the thoughts and attitudes we... Read More

You Make The Difference

What do you think makes your company successful? Your newest hardware or software? The newest system you've put into place? The best location in town? Although these are important, they are not the... Read More

The Four Laws Of Leadership (Part One)

Leadership is motivational or it's stumbling in the dark. After all, isn't it more effective to have people want to go from point A to point B instead of to be ordered to... Read More

Leadership: Wisdom of the Ages

If you gather 100 experienced leaders together to share with you their most important secrets for success, you probably wouldn't hear a lot of academic theory or jargon. Instead, this is a good... Read More

Awaken the Leader in You: 10 Easy Steps To Develop Your Leadership Skills

"The miracle power that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance, under the promptings of a brave determined spirit." - Mark TwainMany motivational experts like to say... Read More

Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 4, Quiet Participants

There are many reasons why someone would decline to participate during a meeting. For example, the person may feel reluctant to speak out, may disagree with the approach endorsed by others in the... Read More

Are You A Leader in the Chrysalis?

Let's get this straight at the outset?Leadership skills can be found in their droves on an Internet search. Lists? dozen of them; and if you want to define yourself and tick the box... Read More

Make The Elephant Jump -- Leading With A Kind Heart

Leadership is not about getting people to do what they want. If they did what they want, you wouldn't be needed as a leader. Instead, leadership is about getting people to do what... Read More

A Leader?s Ultimate Goal ? Connect to Engage!

Connect and Engage! Your People Are Your Power.It's been said many times that true leadership is measured by ones ability to motivate and influence others.Leaders must work hard at motivating people to take... Read More

What Makes A Good Leader? Ask Uncle Sam

What do the major generals who are leading the war efforts in Iraq have in common with executives and entrepreneurs who are conducting business back home? When it comes to leadership, the answer... Read More

5 Leadership Power Principles!

95% of Workers Fail Because of This...But They Can Fix ItDid you know that your career success is based on your mastery of one important skill?Failure to apply your leadership power usually prevents... Read More