Why Associations Matter!! By Ryan Rosenbaum, MBA

When I was in the third grade, I never got picked for anything. I was too skinny and fragile to be considered a valuable member of the Recess Kickball Team. I was not smart enough to be part of the Mentally Gifted Program and I was not quite cute enough to capture the eyes of any of the gals. Here's what I learned from these experiences. Each of these things I missed out on had significant benefits. For Example: Being part of the kickball team meant that I was valued as an athlete, friend and contributor of a specific event. Being part of the mentally gfted program meant that I had an intellect, which set me apart from other classmates. Being cute meant I was now part of the sacred social circles of the 3rd grade. Being part of a traditional membership organization is not very different. We all want that sense of belonging. Its human natre. We want to be valued. Its not only a psychological motivator but in some cases a monitary motivator. The art of membership management is to parlay both the personal and professional satisfaction of those you serve. There is another aspect that makes associations matter. Its the art of ownership. Lets take a simple everyday scenario like a professional sports franchise. If we are dissatisfied with our teams progress, we certainly can boycott, protest and complain but we legally can not change the way they do business. In the association model, those who pay their dues get a voice in the direction of the organization. In a sense, you are not only a member but you become part owner. Depending on your level of participation, you get a vote on programs, management and strategic approaches. There is something very communal in the world of associations. It is a model that proves over and over to be the great equalizer in advancing value. I am happy to be part of the progress, discussion and solution solver in helping those realize what actions are needed to stand out.