How to Build Your Network Using Professional Associations

The following post explores the topic of How to Build Your Network Using Professional Associations.

For those who believe “it’s who you know, not what you know”, joining professional associations is a great way to build your network and develop professional relationships.

Read: Three Pillars for Establishing Your Career Profile

Related: Professional Associations & Organizations

A popular survey published on LinkedIn found 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. With this in mind, here are some of the top ways to build your network using professional associations.

Connect With Fellow Members

One of the most basic functions of a professional association is to help you meet other people in your field. Fellow professionals can give you valuable information about job openings before they’re known to the public. In short, connections help you get around gatekeepers.

Attend In-Person Events

Professional associations and organizations offer a variety of opportunities for face-to-face meetings. These events are as large as a national conference or as small as a dinner for members of a local chapter. You build your network and professional relationships when you connect in-person.

In-person events also allow you to increase your credibility in a field. Consider giving a presentation on an industry topic to members of the local chapter. You improve your communication skills and improve your visibility in your field.

Use Associations for Digital Networking

You can leverage a professional associations’ LinkedIn Group for professional networking. Start by making sure your profile is complete and relevant to the LinkedIn group. Some organizations will review it to make sure you’re appropriate for membership.

Once you join a group, you can connect with other members via LinkedIn. Make a goal to build your network and professional relationships (i.e. connections) with at least 100 people. As a side benefit, recruiters are often attracted to profiles with strong industry connections.

You can begin building a LinkedIn presence by liking certain comments and discussions. Take the initiative and then start LinkedIn discussions on important industry topics. LinkedIn offers ways to increase visibility while using your laptop.

Avoid Getting in a Career Rut

It’s easy to get in a habit of doing your job and going home. If you’re not developing professional relationships, you miss out on lucrative, challenging opportunities. Professional associations and organizations allow you to quickly build a solid network.

In Conclusion

There is a professional organization for you whether you’re an accountant, writer, or any profession in-between. They also help with continuing education and can offer respected certifications. I recommend joining associations to engage in professional networking and advance your career.