Often I am asked about the value of my membership in professional organizations. Does involvement in a professional organization provide value to you and to your firm? In these economic times we all want to be assured that each dollar we invest creates a return on that investment. Throughout my career I’ve been a member of several professional organizations. The lesson that I have learned from my participation in these organizations is that the more I participate in an organization the more value I receive from my membership.
One of the professional organizations that I have received great value from is the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). I joined SMPS Indiana in the fall of 1999 when I began my career in the A/E/C industry. On my first day at The Hagerman Group, my supervisor sent me solo to a SMPS meeting. I was nervous attending as I was new to the industry and knew no one at the meeting. Also, it was a tour of the NCAA Headquarters and I wore the wrong shoes and did not bring a hard hat. Fortunately, SMPS members are a friendly group. I was welcomed and introduced to several members. And someone brought extra hard hats.
As I look back my membership in SMPS, I realize that joining SMPS was one of the smartest decisions of my career. Through my participation in SMPS Indiana, I’ve built a large network of Marketing and Business Development professionals, attended excellent educational seminars, meet some great friends and have had a great deal of fun. I have learned a great deal about Business Development and Marketing from some nationally recognized leaders in our industry and in our community. I have used many of the lessons learned in SMPS meetings in my professional life as well as shared those lessons with my co-workers.
How was I able to extract so much value from SMPS? It’s simple; I participated in the organization. I began attending meetings regularly, served on a committee, and then I joined the board. After 4 years on the board I became president of the organization. As a Past President of SMPS Indiana I am extremely proud of the growth our chapter has experienced while continuing to improve the quality of the organization.
If you want to find value in a professional organization, you need to become involved. Have I received value from my membership in SMPS? Absolutely!
Vice President of Business Development
