It’s exciting to join a new industry association, but starting out can often feel like the first day of school. You might not know everyone or the way things work and it might seem easier to sit in the corner and observe how the association operates. Feelings of anticipation are normal in this situation, but think about it this way: Every single person in that room was once new, even those in leadership roles! In fact, pursuing leadership in an industry association and becoming an influential piece of the puzzle can be a rewarding experience — and one that you, too, can work towards.
Climbing the ladder takes time and, for the first several meetings, you probably will want to focus on observing and networking. The more people you know and the more you understand the inner workings of the group, the better position you’ll be in to join the ranks.
At that point, here are some tips that can help elevate you up the ladder towards a leadership position and more recognition for your brand’s achievements.
Show up
Before anything else, you need to show up to meetings! If you want to be a core member of an industry association, you must be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed to attend events. Face-to-face networking is critical in connecting with others (who, one day, may be in a place to vote for you) and putting a finger on the pulse of the group. Get an idea of the types of businesses represented, as well topics of interest that can translate into educational opportunities.
Start small
You need to showcase your personality and skills before you can consider moving up the ranks, so look out for opportunities to volunteer your time and services. If you run a venue, offer to host one of the upcoming meetings. If you’re a caterer, bring a few of your servers and provide hors d’oeuvres for them to pass around. Likewise, you can also join a committee to volunteer time towards the logistical side of things — marketing the group, procuring educational speakers, booking venues, and so forth.
Prepare for opportunity
When you’ve spent some time serving on the ground level, you’ll eventually be ready to take on a leadership role. Keep an eye out for opportunities that arise, whether it’s leading a committee or running for the association’s board. Be patient and recognize that your experience up to this point has prepared you for the opportunities that lie ahead, then be ready to jump on them when they open up.
Engage with the members
Leadership is a quality, so being a true leader doesn’t require a formal title. Start taking responsibility for the betterment of the association to show your investment in the group. Connect with the members and get an understanding of what they would improve and pitch solutions to the board with a game plan in place. Consider surveying attendees after a meeting to get feedback about educational speakers, topics they’d like to hear, quality of the venue, and so on — this concrete data can support your bid for a leadership role, while also speaking up for those who may not have as strong a voice in the group.
Association leadership is an incredible opportunity to give back to your community, with the added bonus of being a boon for professional and personal growth. You’ll get a chance to hone in on your leadership skills, make new connections, and become a recognized and influential individual in your local market. It’s not something that happens overnight, but if you’re committed to the goal, these steps will help you climb the rungs of the association ladder.
Kevin Dennis is the editor of WeddingIQ and the owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services, a full-service event company based in Livermore, California. Dennis is the current international president for WIPA.