Where have all of the professional trade associations gone?
January 9th, 2008 posted by Allen SilveriObviously professional organizations still exist today. But in many cases the glory days of the business association and “well-attended” monthly meetings are a thing of the past. With some exceptions organizations struggle today to attract members (or prospective members) to events. National events and trade shows can draw a crowd, and annual membership dues still are paid (perhaps for resume filler). However, the regular grass roots local chapter meetings for many associations have been declining for years. People are too busy, corporate budgets to sponser events have been cut, and, the world has catapulted into an online social media mindset.
So the question is… How are you networking and staying connected within your industry or profession now? Do you still regularly attend association events? Are you going to business blogs, viewing webinars, meeting online virtually for business purposes in Second Life? No matter what the venue the need remains to have productive places to gather with like-minded business people to talk about the issues.
January 10th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I would completely agree that the real “wow-factor” of mingling and conversing with our peers in person is gone. Frankly, if I can hear what the CMO of Dell is saying right on her blog, the value of talking to another marketing manager of a mom-and-pop down the street is diminished.
Now, I admit, that is a gross over-statement - I truly enjoy getting all different perspectives, but I can get them online at blogs, social media sites and through webinars and e-books in a matter of minutes, not the hours it takes to attend multiple networking events.