Do something good for your career!

Join a trade association.  I know, this sounds way to simple of a tip to be any good, but it is something that will help your career.

No matter what you do for a living, whether it is creative, administrative or technical, there is a trade association out there for you.  You will find a group of like minded folks who not only do what you do, but they have the same issues, experiences and questions as you.  On their website (once you log in as a member) you may find forums, resource centers or blogs filled with information and resources that will help you move forward in your career.  Looking for a legal form like a model release, contract or delivery memo?  Need to know why your expensive piece of equipment that you just bought does not work on Wednesdays when it rains?  Want to see what others are using for their book keeping software?

Maybe you know all of the above and don’t have any questions, then you can join a trade association and give back by participating in the forums or by leading, volunteering or starting a local chapter of the trade association.

Some trade organizations are virtual in that they are web based and don’t have local or national meetings.  Others have chapters all across the country and have frequent meetings, workshops and seminars that you can attend in person.

Part of being successful is making it easy to be found.  You could be the best chimney sweep out there, but if no one knows who you are, you are destined to fail in business.  At last count, I can be found in 17 places online.  I am easy to find.  Most trade associations list their members in a searchable database as a member benefit along with a bio, images, credits etc.  As a photographer, I belong to ASMP and just two weeks ago, I got a call from a national magazine looking for a photographer in Nashville area.  That job paid for three years of my membership and all I had to do was make it easy to be found!