Last Saturday's NPR show, Marketplace Money, included a segment on the growing number of Americans who are "in the no." They have no opportunity to learn new skills, to earn recognition or to advance - assuming they have a job in the first place.
Yet almost everyone can find these opportunities in the associations that represent virtually every industry and profession. Some even have "membership fee relief" for individuals who are in between jobs.
These organizations are usually looking for members who will join a committee, help plan an event or even serve as an officer. The members who step forward almost always gain more meaningful contacts as well as "action items" they can add to their resumes.
As a member of a business-to-business video association I directed a video festival, served as chapter president and represented the organization at national meetings. I had the chance to write regular messages and to speak to members in formal and informal settings.
Unfortunately, in most organizations you have to twist arms to get enough volunteers. People should be fighting for these opportunities.
Those who do find themselves "in the know."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
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7 comments:
Yeah Dad! You may have just inspired my next Tweet :)
You're right on about this, Mike. I preach this constantly--by far the best place for newer, younger entrants to an industry to rub elbows with veterans is in these professional associations, where a little bit of volunteer work will go a long way in building industry relationships.
By the same token, John, industry veterans can benefit from contact with the younger entrants ... And, Bridg, those family relationships are important, too.
Good point. Yes, indeed, the intellectual and social exchange goes in both directions. This reminds me of a great mentoring program Jack Welch mandated some years ago at GE. They paired mature employees with younger ones, so that the younger folks could coach the older on technology, and the mature folks could help mentor on softer skills. A stroke of brilliance, I thought.
Yes, and a surprisingly people-friendly initiative by 'Chainsaw Jack.'
Almost forgot about that part of his reputation. There was actually a CEO that was better known for lopping off heads, Chainsaw Al Dunlop.
Thanks, John. I had the wrong adjective. For Welch it was "Neutron Jack."
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