Involvement in an industry association, team building of another breed
Step 1: Open Google or Bing right now. Search for associations within your industry. “Association of Ball bearing manufacturers” Yep. There’s one for everyone.
Step 2: Join it. Pay the dues. Even if it’s out of your own pocket
Step 3: Join a committee. Do the work. Be a team player
Step 4: Get involved with leadership – committee chair, the board, etc.
Step 5: Watch your network and business grow. This is your team of advocates and influencers. Your contacts who you can invest in and who will invest in you.
This really is a significant type of team building. You are linking arms with those in your industry who overlap you in skills and interest. Some get a little uncomfortable and think, why would I want to hang out with my competitors? Put that aside, because there really is power in numbers and in team work. Association membership and involvement really can be the cornerstone of a career of growth and development if you take advantage of the resources you will find there.
Some of the associations and groups our team is involved in:
Now seriously, go do it! Right now. You will thank us later.