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)
The roles of training and development professionals today are much broader and deeper than ever before, and they have become a critical business partner in organizations across all industries. The Association for Talent Development (ATD – the Lincoln chapter is ATD Lincoln) – formerly known as the American Society for Training and Development or ASTD – is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. ATD Lincoln chapter members make valuable local connections, gain knowledge at learning events and workshops, and enjoy access to nationally recognized certificate programs. Members have full access to a website packed with resources, job postings, and more. In addition, through ATD Lincoln you can connect with ATD’s 125+ U.S. chapters as well as professionals from over 120 countries via an ATD national membership.
For more information about the Lincoln chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), to become a member, to learn about and attend learning events and workshops where you can network with others for knowledge, skills and attitudes about talent development, or to find resources including the job bank, visit us at www.atdlincoln.org.
The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA; www.liba.org) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly Bizco Biz-Net events are free to attend with complimentary food and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. The people who attend Biz-Net are eager to have a discussion about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses too. While the Biz-Net is an after-hours event, we also have a morning “Capriotti’s Coffee & Contacts” every month. Also free to attend, this event is tailor-made for exchanging business cards.
Yes there is more, including the monthly LIBA luncheon where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. We would like to add your voice to our organization.
Call (402) 466-3419 and talk with Val Bartunek or Laurie Fraser about joining LIBA. They would be happy to visit your office and answer all your questions. You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.
Women in Sales & Business (WISB; www.wisblincoln.org) has been empowering professional women to grow their businesses and the community since 1987. Networking is a powerful and cost-effective advertising tool. If you want to build relationships with friendly, determined, professional women, we’ve got a seat at the table for you. Each month we feature speakers who will help you grow your business and your professional network, as well as offer the opportunity to meet other businesswomen in the community. WISB meets the second Wednesday of the month at the Venue (4111 Pioneer Woods Drive) in their NE/Lancaster Room with lunch and networking from 11:30 – 11:55 a.m. followed by our meeting and speaker. We complete each meeting by 1 p.m. We welcome you to join our group of passionate and supportive women.
Want more information about Women in Sales & Business (WISB)? Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com or find us online at www.wisblincoln.org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.
The Lincoln Young Professionals Group (www.lincolnypg.com) is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. Serving 1,400+ members, the Lincoln YPG is one of the largest in the country. Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity and endless opportunities. Lincoln Young Professionals group believes members can make the difference they want to see, develop a career that is pleasing to them and grow into the professional that they want to be.
To learn more about Lincoln YPG call Kayla Meyer at (402) 436-2369 or e-mail at kaylameyer@lcoc.com. For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.
Lincoln SCORE (lincoln.score.org) wants YOU! Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for you to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs in your community.
Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth, and SCORE is America’s premier source of free, confidential business advice. Most SCORE mentors have owned and operated their own companies or served in management positions. They understand business challenges because they’ve faced them too.
Please give back to the community and join the Lincoln SCORE volunteer team. You can make a difference in the success of a new business and HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE! Take the next step in becoming a volunteer SCORE business mentor.
Please visit lincoln.score.org, email infolincoln@scorevolunteer.org or call (402) 437-2409 to learn more about Lincoln SCORE.
The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA; 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.
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC; lincoln.iabc.com) is a vibrant global network of over 12,000 communication professionals in more than 80 countries who are committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. Lincoln’s local IABC chapter is comprised of members who work as consultants, independent business owners, and corporate staff in diverse fields such as marketing, corporate communications, government relations, and human resource communications. The chapter’s career-enhancing monthly meetings, workshops, and networking opportunities are designed to improve each attendee’s professional abilities and keep them abreast of the latest industry trends and best practices. In addition, IABC Lincoln’s leadership opportunities allow members to develop deeper relationships with peers, stay in the game while in transition, and gain experience outside of their career specialty.
For more information, or to learn more about the chapter’s upcoming professional development events, please contact Allisa Lovitt, IABC Lincoln VP of Membership at alovitt@hbecpa.com or visit lincoln.iabc.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.
Launched in 2010, East Lincoln Business Association (ELBA; elbalincoln.com) is a collective group of business professionals dedicated to enhancing the business climate of East Lincoln. We discuss the current impacts on our business and how, using the collective experience and voice of the group, we can affect those opportunities. Local businesses make an impact in the lives of all of Lincoln’s citizens, and we give you an opportunity to help determine what that impact will be. ELBA hosts a quarterly ELBA U! learning seminar focused on providing valuable resources and education for the membership. ELBA U! is open to the public as well.
Each luncheon includes presentation from a representative from various organizations and elected individuals who impact our businesses and provide information on upcoming issues in our growing community. Lunch meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at Firethorn Resort from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please join us any month for lunch!
The Hickman Area Chamber of Commerce (hickmanchamber.org) is a community of businesses including startups, long-time neighborhood stores, mid-size and large companies that help one another succeed. The Hickman Area Chamber of Commerce was established in April 2017 with a goal of providing economic development support to Hickman and the surrounding small communities that encompass the Norris School District. Initial Board Members voted through the end of 2019 are President Austin Roper with The Voice News, Vice President Amy Keetle with United Country Real Estate, Secretary Cami Rawson with First State Bank, Treasurer Joni Ransom with Sugar Bee, Dr. Rachel Tietjen with Family First Dental, Dr. Brian Garton with Complete Chiropractic and Cassandra Ivy with The Voice News.
If you would like more information about becoming involved in the Hickman Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit hickmanchamber.org, email info@hickmanchamber.org, or call (402) 937-0704.
Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (plantnebraska.org) is a grassroots, member-based nonprofit.
We work toward purposeful beauty in private and public landscapes through publications, workshops, regional plant recommendations and other outreach efforts.
We believe landscapes have a dramatic impact on quality of life. They renew the environment, help form neighborly connections, create more vibrant business districts and improve the social, physical and psychological health of people of all ages—from toddlers to seniors.
We use our 40 years of experience with landscape efforts, science-based reasoning and a good dose of inspiration to encourage environmental efforts both large and small. We believe people can have a positive impact on their surroundings and that thoughtful stewardship inspires and motivates change and hope. We challenge and enable people to make a difference—in their homes and in their communities.
We love plants. Give us a tree to hug. A flower to smell. Dirt in our nails. Learn with us.
Be part of good, green work by becoming a sponsor or joining us at tours, plant sales and workshops statewide. Visit us at plantnebraska.org.
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.
To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (www.LCOC.com) member is to be our partner. We honor that partnership by creating opportunities for growth and development, providing commitment from our team and ensuring every business thrives. We aim for the best environment for your business and our 1,700 members. We understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and we’re here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.
For more information on how to get your business engaged call Jaime Henning, Membership Director at (402) 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com. For more information please visit the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce website at www.LCOC.com.
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, www.bniheartland.com.