Joining Organizations – 2017
All seasoned business professionals can look back and pinpoint the things that they did that helped them to succeed – exactly what got them to the point they are today and why. While what that entails does vary for each person to an extent, it’s standard that there are a few shared in common. These generally aren’t things that come as any big shock or are much of a secret, either. But they do require an investment and commitment in order to reap the benefits, just as with anything worthwhile in life. At the top of the list is involvement in a professional organization of some type, whether it’s a networking group, business association, Chamber or advocacy/special interest group, trade association or industry organization at the local, state or national level. The list goes on from there, but these organizations present many valuable opportunities and provide continued support, which are incredibly beneficial capitalize on throughout one’s career.
Career-building, skill-building, character-building, network-building, resume-building; all are things that being active in a professional organization can do for you, thus making it a fundamental part of professional and personal success. For the individual, it’s all about learning, growing and getting well-connected. Relationships and resources are what you can expect to gain from membership in a professional organization.
We’re fortunate to live in a community where people genuinely like to get to know each other. Professional organizations provide opportunities to meet people with whom you might not cross paths or get acquainted with otherwise. Being able to put a name with a face and have personal interaction helps you build a better rapport, and in turn, makes it much easier to get your foot in the door if it’s someone you really would like to work with in the future.
Equally important, networking isn’t just effective when utilized for prospecting outside of your profession; it’s also how you stay connected within your profession. Making connections is vital to one’s success and by joining a professional organization, you’ll have a multitude of opportunities to do so – on the local level, but in many cases, regionally, nationally, and perhaps globally. Being tapped into that magnitude of network is invaluable.
Professional organizations are usually composed of individuals at all different points in their careers, so it’s an exceptional melting pot of talent, experience, and many different points of view although there’s commonality in what has brought them all together. As a part of a professional organization, you are tapped into a think-tank of ideas and shared knowledge about what’s going on in your field and in the area. That dialogue between peers is a compelling incentive to join.
Mentorship greatly helps us to evolve as people and professionals. On one end, professional organizations provide an opportunity for young professionals to connect with a mentor in their field/industry. On the other, it allows seasoned professionals to offer their mentorship to the next generation.
Then there are the resources available that help you stay up to date on all of the latest news, upcoming opportunities, emerging trends, new tools and research findings, etc. Additionally, most have continuing education components, with courses, seminars, trips, training, scholarships and project funding, and so on.
For a business, involvement in professional organizations is a way to gain exposure among that group and by extension, the community. When a business’s representatives are actively involved and visible in the community, it enhances the brand and strengthens people’s connection to it.
Establishing a presence in any given career field or marketplace niche demands going above and beyond. Putting in the work is critical to career advancement; although being involved in a professional organization may not be required by your job, it is how you get a step ahead of the competition – which is fierce in just about every industry today. In addition to improving aspects of yourself which will make you more marketable, many employers favor those who have taken the initiative to get involved with a professional organization among their peers in the business community.
With respect to both an individual and a business, setting yourself apart and making a name for yourself requires significant time and effort, so it’s wise to make the most of your resources whenever and however you can. That’s what professional organizations bring to the table.
Professional organizations not only play a big part in the development and success of members. With the collective efforts of its membership, they make significant contributions to our community at large. Many of our local organizations place importance on giving back; it’s as much a part of the agenda as quarterly meetings or annual conventions.
By joining a professional organization, you’ll be in the company of other motivated, like-minded individuals who want to make a difference in the world along with improving themselves, and there’s strength in those numbers. We encourage you to check out the opportunities we’ve highlighted, learn more about our local organizations, and if there’s one that piques your interest, get involved!
(Click on a thumbnail below to jump to an organization or continue scrolling to read about each)
BNI Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa; www.bniheartland.com) offers members the opportunity to build a firm referral program, to nurture referral partner(s). Last year alone BNI, with over 225,000 members, in more than 8,000 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world – 73 countries, generated more than 9.3 million referrals which resulted in over $14 billion dollars of tracked business for our members. Cumulatively, since 1985, BNI has generated over $90 Billion dollars in tracked business for our membership! Even more important is locally our chapters closed over $40 Million in tracked business – creating an ROI of 700 times their investment!!!
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you that carry your information with them, and when they meet someone who could use your products or services, they recommend you.
BNI provides a structured, supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment during breakfast, lunch and happy hour meetings in which you develop personal relationships with other qualified business professionals. By establishing this “formal” relationship with other people, you will have the opportunity to substantially increase your business. BNI’s Core Values are Givers Gain, Building Relationships, Life-Long Learning, Traditions + Innovation, Positive Attitude, Accountability, and Recognition!
For more information about BNI Heartland please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com or visit our website at www.bniheartland.com.
The Millard Business Association (MBA; www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org) was established in 2003, and today there are about 350 members. Joining this networking organization is great way to GROW Your Business. Members do not need to reside in Millard. The basic requirement is doing business or wanting to do business in the Millard area. Membership is only $120.00 per year. Some of the benefits include:
- Networking Lunches
- Bagels & Business Meetings
- Business After Hours Meetings
- Ribbon Cuttings
- Education Programs
- Access to 9 Referral Groups for Marketing Opportunities
- Listing on the MBA Website
- Listing in the MBA Directory (30,000 Copies Printed Yearly)
Apply for membership at www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org.
For more information, contact the MBA Admin, Kim Jipp at (402) 707-2827 or email info@millardbusinessassociation.org.
At the Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce (www.bellevuenebraska.com), our goal is to make doing business in Bellevue, Nebraska the very best it can be. We provide advocacy for your business and opportunities to help you grow. It’s important that we ensure every member business thrives. Our members are the best and brightest companies in the region who are investing in Bellevue’s future. We can accomplish so much more together. We are excited to announce the new Bellevue – Offutt Rising Young Professional program being launched this month!
For more information on how to get your business engaged call Faith Morrison, VP of Membership at (402) 506-6610 or e-mail at membership@bellevuenebraska.com For more information please visit the Greater Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.bellevuenebraska.com.
The Empowerment Network (www.empoweromaha.com) is a comprehensive community development organization consisting of residents, neighborhood groups, community organizations, faith communities, educational institutions, law enforcement, elected officials, governmental agencies, philanthropists, and businesses. We create measurable results and positive change through connecting, communicating, and collaborating with hundreds of partners.
We are dedicated to facilitating and implementing a community-based strategic plan that will close long-standing gaps in employment, entrepreneurship, education, housing, and other quality of life indicators. We work collectively with our partners to: build wealth and income; create strong families; prepare successful children; and, rebuild thriving neighborhoods.
(402) 502-5153 | www.empoweromaha.com
Vicki Quaites-Ferris | vqferris@empoweromaha.com
Nebraska Recycling Council (NRC; www.nrcne.org) is a STATEWIDE, member-based, 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit with a long history of recycling advocacy.
Our MISSION is to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska.
Our GOAL is to re-energize resource recovery in Nebraska through the power of COLLABORATION. We are helping to build public and private partnerships statewide to increase recycling capacity and leverage the economic benefits of resource recovery.
How can NRC membership provide VALUE to your business or community?
NRC offers expertise, research, training, and facilitation to assist your business or community with improving solid waste and recycling infrastructure, rules and processes. We provide opportunities to learn from peers, share resources and participate on the NRC board, Advisory Council and regional committees.
Visit www.nrcne.org for more information.
The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abcnebraska.org) continually strives to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the construction industry in Nebraska. The organization’s main goal is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed winning work and delivering that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.
Whether a large or small company, joining ABC provides value. ABC offers training, continuing education courses and opportunities for networking and showcasing project successes. Our mission affords us the opportunity to share the industry through student event to help build workforce for Nebraska.
For more information or to discuss joining ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.
The Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM; www.hram.org) is one of the largest affiliated chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a remarkable achievement for an organization located in a metro area of its size. HRAM members are human resource professionals in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
The original association was organized in 1948 to give personnel administrators a clearinghouse for the exchange of information and ideas. HRAM has grown from nine founding members to more than 1,000 members representing over 500 employers. It is a volunteer organization guided by a Board of Directors and four committees.
HRAM’s mission is to serve and advance the greater Omaha HR community through professional development and networking opportunities. Building HR professionals, one member at a time.
Our vision is to elevate HR’s role as a valued strategic partner. For more information please visit www.hram.org.
The Nebraska Hospital Association (nebraskahospitals.org) is a statewide voluntary membership health care trade association representing Nebraska’s hospitals and health systems.
The health care industry touches many aspects of public policy. The NHA monitors a broad spectrum of issues on behalf of its members. This year, the NHA was deeply involved with legislation affecting credentialing, provider payment models, workforce development, insurance, taxation and health care program funding.
Public policy and advocacy priorities are driven by a vision that every Nebraskan has access to affordable, safe, high-quality health care. Through effective leadership, member participation and collaboration with policymakers and other partners, we seek to develop a unified voice to establish effective health care policy. We also provide members with trend and regulatory information, educational programming, communication, data reports and special services.
Under the leadership of President Laura J. Redoutey, FACHE, we are proud to celebrate 90 years. Visit nebraskahospitals.org for more information about the Nebraska Hospital Association.
The Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club (www.OmahaRotaryNight.org) is a group of Committed Leaders who are passionate about TAKING ACTION to create positive changes that benefit communities near or far; EXCHANGING ideas, experiences and learning opportunities; BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS; and HAVING FUN!
Their signature project is a Fine Wine and Hors d’ Oeuvres tasting that raises funds for The Boys Town National Hotline. This year marks the 9th annual fundraiser, which will be held on October 12th with over 500 guests expected to attend. In their short eight years of existence, the Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club has raised over $250,000 for the Boys Town National Hotline, donated over $25,000 to The Rotary Foundation, and participated in countless service and humanitarian projects.
Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. at DJ’s Dugout, 180th & Q. This small but mighty club has about 15 members from various professions. Guests are welcomed anytime!
For more information, visit www.OmahaRotaryNight.org.
The Business Ethics Alliance (businessethicsalliance.org) builds leadership, strengthens organizations, and elevates Greater Omaha through positive, practical business ethics. The Omaha business community sets the gold standard for ethical business behavior, and our vision is to establish Omaha as the beacon of business ethics excellence and corporate citizenship – locally, nationwide, and worldwide.
We offer programming, products, and services to help your business:
For Business Leaders: Community events that challenge and educate about today’s ethical issues and how they impact your business; Consulting services to establish a proper Ethical Foundation, conduct Preventative Maintenance, help Problem Solve, Rebalance, or Rebuild;
For Human Resources and Professional Development Directors: Creative and practical workshops and tools that complement your ethics training and development needs;
For Ethics and Compliance Officers: Consulting and policy development services for organizations seeking guidance with Core Values, Codes of Ethics, Ethical Culture Evaluation and Assessment, Training and Communication, and Whistle-Blower and Investigation Processes.