Groups and Associates

As my business develops, I am becoming more and more aware of the value of groups and associations. I certainly wouldn't be sitting where I am if it weren't for the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce. They allowed me to start out as a volunteer on their newsletter committee, then offered me a one year membership in exchange for my participation on another committee. Once I started experiencing the benefits of membership, I was enamoured and determined to remain a Chamber member for as long as I can. I'm particularly happy with the arrangement because it's a two way street. I feel my skills and expertise have benefited them, and their networking opportunities and general business knowledge have helped me and my business. The fact that they are extremely friendly and have a great sense of humour is merely icing on the cake.

Another organization that I recently joined is the Halton Peel Communications Association and although I initially didn't know what I'd get for my membership fee, I have learned that the monthly presentations alone are well worth the money. This past Tuesday I met an engaging speaker who tilted some stale conventions and made them new for me. For example, she spoke of not 'Time Management' but 'Attention Management' which really spoke to me since I seem to always wonder where my time went. She said that there isn't anything to manage with time - it is always the same and moves at the same pace. It is what we do with that time, what engages our attention, that gives us the results we want. The other challenge was to the word 'goals'. Oh how we are beaten over the head with that word, particularly if you own a small business. But Elizabeth asked us to consider them not goals, but 'strategic intentions'. A simple, yet effective, paradigm shift. Being a lover of words, I am always thankful for an alternate way to express things and this made the concept of goals fresh for me.

So if you are considering joining a group or association, investigate what is out there that is relevant to your business or interest and go for it. Memberships are typically one year in length and prices range dramatically, but it is well worth your investment in both time and money.