Working Solo Minute: Which Association Is Worth Your Time?

Karen Parkland wrote in from the Minneapolis area and asked:

I'm an independent graphic designer and a relatively new solo business owner. I know it's important to network, but there seem to be dozens of organizations that I could join. How do I choose?

This is an important topic, whether you're a new soloist or a seasoned pro. My belief is that every solo business owner should belong to at least two professional organizations:

1. An association of peer professionals.
Every industry has a leading association that sets professional standards, benchmarks, or accrediting criteria. These groups generally hold annual conferences, which give soloists a chance to share information and concerns with others who are in similar businesses. It's also a time when you can interact with "best of breed" business owners from around the country (or the world) and learn from their experience. Professional associations often host professional development programs (sometimes at annual meetings, sometimes independently) which help members stay up-to-date on trends as well as enhance their skills and capabilities.

Many national associations have regional chapters. For example, one of the leading graphic design organizations, the AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) has a Minnesota chapter, which is one of the largest in the country with nearly 900 members. Sounds to me like that should be on your list, Karen.

2. A group of small business owners.
I also encourage soloists to belong to a local or regional association of small business owners. In contrast to the first type, these groups bring together entrepreneurs from many different types of businesses. This is the place to find out local business news as well as tips on such things as where to find a good local printer, what bank is most accommodating to small business, and how other soloists may be handling outsourcing or subcontracting in your area.

How to find a group that works for you? Shop around. Attend a few meetings, pick up their literature, and ask members what they find valuable about the organization. Often it's a matter of chemistry and where you are in your professional and business development. A group that may seem beyond your level at this time may be appropriate in a few years as your business matures. Similarly, there may come a point when you outgrow one organization and strike off in search of another.

In a future Working Solo Minute we'll talk about how to get the most out of your association membership.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com