Business owners know that one of the best ways to find new business is to form alliances with other professionals who have access to their market. For example, accountants can form alliances with tax attorneys who can refer clients to them. It’s more of a direct approach than some other marketing approaches (for ex., placing ads) and will certainly increase the chances of getting work since the business owner will be perceived as being a trusted referral partner.
The same is true of establishing networks to either find a job or advance your career. You will have more success when networking if you form relationships with people who have access to job openings; especially unadvertised job positions, a.k.a. the hidden job market.
One really great place to do that is to join an industry association.
If you’re not sure how to find them, here are 3 easy ways:
How to find industry associations:
1) Go to your local library and ask the reference librarian for access to the Encyclopedia of Associations (you should also be able to find the publication online). While you’re there, ask her if she has any other resources for finding industry associations – librarians are magical creatures when it comes to research!
2) Go to http://www.weddles.com/ – click on the Associations tab at the left which will take you to a page with industries by category. Select yours and you will find a long list of associations to link to.
3) Google the name of your profession or industry and the word association.
Once you have found a few associations that you might be interested in joining, contact them to get more info and find out if you can attend the first meeting for free. When you’re ready to become a member you can join a local or regional chapter or the national association; your decision will be guided by your budget and your need to reach a larger group of professionals in your industry.
Benefits of joining an association:
– The obvious benefit is meeting and networking with professionals in your industry. Once you form relationships –
• you may be able to find out about hidden job openings to advance your career.
• you may be able to find a member within your target company (or who knows of someone within your target company) who can give you an introduction.
– Access to the association membership database, newsletters and blogs.
– Association websites usually have job postings listed. This will give you a competitive advantage since the job may be posted on the website before the general public gets to hear about it.
– Associations are a great resource for cutting edge info to keep you current in your industry.
– You can take advantage of ongoing training and professional accreditation that will give you a competitive advantage when climbing the corporate ladder.
Suggestions for getting the most value out of joining an association:
1) Go to monthly meetings and attend regularly; get there early and leave late.
2) Don’t discuss your need for a job with new contacts (if you’re looking for one); be sure to introduce yourself, get to know the other person, talk about your work, and think about how you can be of help or a resource to them.
3) Join a committee where other members can see your work product and the value that you can bring to the association. (Keep in mind this experience can be included on your resume.)
Finally, you might also consider joining your college alumni association and/or corporate alumni association (if you belong to one).
Keep this in mind –
increasing your networks through professional associations is one of the best strategies for job search and long-term career management.
