The Fresh Look Editing 5 for August 2021
We’ve all been to company websites that advertise the organizations they belong to. “Proud member of …” designations are used to demonstrate knowledge, authority, and dedication to professional development. For some, they signify a necessary designation or certification needed to legally complete a job. On an individual level, what do memberships mean to you? Are they a chance to network or build skills? Do they satisfy a personal interest? Whatever your reason for joining, here are some tips on how to get the most out of memberships.
1. Look outside your profession
Being a writer or editor doesn’t mean you can — or should — only belong to writing and editing associations. Take a look and find complimentary organizations. For example, I know many writing professionals also belong to groups such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Your membership doesn’t even need to be directly related to your field. Perhaps you love cats and get personal satisfaction out of being around others who share your interest. Nurturing your hobbies is good for your physical and mental wellbeing, and who knows? Perhaps a fellow member of the ABC Interest Club will learn about what you do for a living and look to employ your skills!
2. Complete a cost/benefit analysis
Most of us don’t have access to near-unlimited sums of money, so every dime spent must work for us. Some professionals who are employed in-house may be able to seek funding for memberships as part of their professional development tools. However, for those who work independently, either as small business owners or freelancers, sometimes the expense of belonging to a professional organization is out of reach. Before you join (or continue membership with) a group, ask yourself what you hope to get out of it. Are you looking for comradery with people who have similar goals? Do you need to belong to an organization because your profession demands it (in which case, the cost needs to be worked into your budget)? Or, will the upfront cost of membership ultimately be paid through the work it will bring in? Ultimately, your return on investment, whether that’s your money and/or time, needs to be something you think about when considering a membership.
3. Meet other members
This seems obvious, but I have known many people who pay precious money for memberships and don’t take advantage of their organization’s opportunities to meet other people. How we do this has drastically changed during the pandemic, but the same principles apply. Seek events, networking sessions, meetings, conferences — anything where you can connect with other people is invaluable. Fitting these kinds of events into a busy schedule is hard, and not everything your group hosts is going to interest you. Still, it’s worth committing to making yourself known. If you can’t readily find these opportunities through your organization’s website or event calendar, reach out via an introductory email. Chances are you’ll find someone who is happy to meet you and eager to help you connect with others.
4. Volunteer
Should you have the ability, finding opportunities to lend your time and talents to a member organization can be rewarding. Not only does volunteering create an opportunity to meet people, it also gives you the chance to learn more about the organization, build your portfolio, and have a positive effect on your community. If you are new to a profession, volunteering may also give you the chance to gain some recognition for yourself and your capabilities. Just remember to pace yourself. Picking one or two opportunities you’re passionate about at a time will go a long way — over-dedicating yourself can lead to burnout.
5. Keep learning
Staying current on what your member organization is up to is always a good idea. Review your group’s offerings, rates, etc. If you haven’t checked in for a while, evaluate what your member organization offers before your membership is up for renewal. Have activities changed? Has their mandate evolved? Is there another organization that can fulfill your needs or target your goals more cost effectively? Just as you dedicate yourself to professional development, you owe it to yourself to get the most out of your memberships. Taking the steps to make sure you’re satisfied with where you’re at can be incredibly rewarding.
How do you make the most of your memberships? Share your thoughts using the hashtag #FreshLookEdit5.