Joining an industry association can help you tackle the most difficult challenges

Business owners and managers rarely have a second to spare in their day. In fact, most of you probably won’t even read through this entire column before you’re interrupted by a task. And yet most of what I write about involves taking time out of your hectic schedule for planning and strategy development. It involves discipline. It involves holding yourself accountable. It involves a strategy to stay focused.

If your focus starts to waver, what can you do? It would be nice to have a partner to help you stay focused on long-term planning, like having a buddy who meets you at the gym for workouts. For many business owners and executives, this partner is in the form of a professional association. An organization that hosts meetings and events requires leaders to take a break from the daily grind to do some forward thinking. While these associations typically charge annual membership fees, the returns are far greater than the investment.

Training Opportunities 

We all know employees need ongoing training to keep certifications current, further their professional development, and stay up-to-date on new technologies. Finding training classes can be time-consuming and challenging, especially in a niche industry like metal fabrication.

The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA), the organization affiliated with the Tube & Pipe Association Intl. and The Tube and Pipe Journal, hosts classes year-round, from technical, hands-on skill development to executive leadership training. Scheduling is versatile, with some of the sessions provided in person and some online. Depending on the topic, FMA can arrange training at your site if that would be more convenient.

Market Insights 

Professional associations often work with well-known economists and government organizations to provide market updates to members. Business managers don’t have time to read all the material available every day, so receiving reports that summarize the most relevant topics is a big benefit.

A key point is that information-sharing goes both ways. Sometimes the reporting comes to the business, and sometimes the association polls members to provide industry insight back to partner agencies. It’s a way for you to have your voice heard.

Lori Tapani, owner and co-president of Wyoming Machine Inc., Stacy, Minn., is a longtime FMA member and a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A key benefit to both memberships is that her perspectives as a small business owner help to shape domestic policy.

“We meet twice a year and actively engage with one another for our mutual benefit and the benefit of America’s free enterprise system,” she said. “The Chamber sets policy priorities each year, and although the Small Business Council members represent diverse industries, we come together to advocate for all small businesses.” 

Networking 

You are running a business, and there is only one person at the top. You don’t have a manager, so who do you go to for insight, coaching, and mentoring? Top executives use association meetings and tradeshows, like FMA’s recent Annual Meeting and upcoming FABTECH® show, to network with peers, learn new ideas, and continue self-development.

“One of the best ways I avoid ’leadership isolation’ is to participate in professional organizations,” Tapani said. “FMA is the premier organization advocating for the growth and sustainability of the North American metal processing, forming, and fabricating industries. Participating allows me to stay current on best practices, technological advances, and to network with other industry leaders. Leading the charge in developing the manufacturing workforce of the future by supporting FMA’s Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation is especially rewarding.”

Jim Campbell, vice president and general manager of Prince Industries, agreed, citing the association’s broad geographical reach.

“Membership in the FMA has opened doors to meet our peers from around the country,” he said. “It allowed us the platform to share best practices, educate and train our people, and supplied the tools to help us grow our business.”

Become a Superstar

The full description of the benefits far exceeds the space available for this column, but I’ve highlighted three important ones.

Retired National Football League safety Darren Woodson delivered a keynote speech at FMA’s Annual Meeting, discussing his perspectives on leadership and accountability. A superstar player—he holds the Dallas Cowboys’ record for most career tackles at 813—he stated that he uses an accountability partner for early morning workouts and to fortify his post-NFL professional career. He understands the value of relying on support from his peers to maintain a position at the top.

Association membership offers that same networking and support to help fabricating and manufacturing businesses succeed.