Businesses are like sharks. They have to keep moving forward to survive. If you’re not constantly learning new ways to make your business successful, you’re being left behind by your competition. The problem is that no one has the time to keep working in and on the business plus learn new ways to succeed without some outside help.
Help is out there; you just have to find it.
You could find a paid consultant or a mentor to help you build your skills and company, but that can take a lot of time and money. Many trade associations can offer the same benefits while lowering your risk and cost. The right association can provide the continuing business education you need to complement your trade skills. Some even offer on-site training for every level of your organization from field tech skills to management best practices.
Many association members find that the ideas they get from other association members alone is worth the cost of membership. In addition to the training and other resources trade associations offer, they can be a primary source for information about government regulations. Sometimes they can even save you money by offering negotiated discounts with vendors who supply the things your business needs.
We understand the benefits of trade association membership from first hand experience. Many NSPG users belong to associations like Nexstar and QSC. We have seen how our clients have grown using the tools and techniques they acquired through these associations. It sometimes seems that just the camaraderie and exchange of ideas between association members drives them to success.
Very few business owners can build a long term successful company without outside help. Sooner or later, everyone reaches a limit to what they can achieve alone. If your company’s growth is slowing, if your techs need some specific training, if you need some advice on what software to get to run your business, if the new lead rules or 1099 requirements are a mystery to you, a trade association may be able to help.
If you already belong to a trade association, make sure you’re taking advantage of all they have to offer. Whether you already belong or not, start by visiting the association’s website. Give them a call and discuss what they have to offer both on a national level and locally. Attend a seminar or meeting. It’s easy to get started. Find one that fits your needs, and get going.
You can find links to both Nexstar and QSC on the NSPG home page.