Join the club the benefits of taking up business membership

Anyone Who Is Running A

business knows it’s not the most straightforward process. For many people it’s an ongoing learning curve and there’s no guidebook that will prewarn you of every challenge and test you may be faced with. But whatever business you are involved with, be it services, manufacturing or other sectors, it can be beneficial for businesspeople to be affiliated or members of industry bodies and associations, which can provide a myriad of benefits and assurances.

A credit to their business

Industry memberships can make all the difference to how your business adapts to developments and addresses advances in technology and work practices. Business memberships provide access to so much more than just a ‘badge’. Chartered bodies and other accreditation-based organisations ensure that your business is aware and up to date on industry legislature. They add a layer of qualifications and accreditations to your arsenal of strengths, from Continued Professional Development (CPD) to recognised qualifications. They can also provide access to additional things, such as HR and legal advice, or support and research into new areas of exploration. Some even have partner offers for their members.

Recognising excellence

There are professional and trade bodies for almost every sector and their accreditations are an important way of demonstrating to clients, customers and competitors your professionalism and expertise. It’s about relationship building, of feeling and being a part of a wide organisation, but also knowledge sharing and insight into changing regulations. Also, through your association with these organisations, it may lead to more work, as you are recognised as being an expert. This might happen though your appearance in print, online or in person, in podcasts or seminars.

The accessibility and ease with which businesspeople can connect with their peers and public, though online platforms and tools, has transformed the way we do business.

Stronger together

In addition to professional bodies, there is also a multitude of business and networking organisations – defined both by region and sector – that can be used to build relationships between businesses and people. They can provide introductions either to peers, or to potential partners and customers. It’s often the case that these connections can lead off in all kinds of interesting directions – some associated with your business, but others can be new opportunities and sectors.

Being adaptable and able to use transferable skills to move into new business areas is one of the most useful ways to expand a company’s reach. It’s finding those links that allow this to happen.

Becoming part of a professional body is a positive step for any business, but it’s up to you to make the most out of your memberships.

At the turn of a New Year, it’s a good time to be planning for the year ahead and a new chapter in your business’s story. Make sure the money is factored into your budget, to renew or join a professional body. There are many different ones out there – and you can’t join them all – so do your research and think very carefully about which ones are the best fit for you.