Learn how to join and participate in trade associations to build your professional network and advance your career in economics.

Relationship building is multi-dimensional. Know who you want to meet and why. And then learn to cultivate the known to mutual advantage. Take the opportunity to learn more about them, their work, the business, connections and opportunities they may offer, and yourself. That said, treat every person you meet as a valuable experience. Prospects, leads, connections and opportunities come from strategy and serendipity.

How can you use a trade association to build your professional network?

If you are looking for ways to expand your professional network, joining a trade association can be a smart move. Trade associations are organizations that represent the interests and needs of a specific industry or sector. They offer various benefits to their members, such as advocacy, education, research, and networking. In this article, you will learn how you can use a trade association to build your professional network and advance your career in economics.

1 Choose the right association

The first step is to find a trade association that matches your goals, interests, and niche. There are many trade associations for economists and related fields, such as the American Economic Association, the National Association for Business Economics, the International Association for Energy Economics, and the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists. You can research their websites, social media, publications, and events to see what they offer and what their membership requirements are. You can also ask your colleagues, mentors, or professors for recommendations.

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Dev Agarwal

All things Investments & VC | Fundvice | One Impression | NEST | Sharing about Startups, Finance & Personal Development here!
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You can effectively utilize a trade association to build your professional network by first choosing the right association aligned with your industry or interests. Then, get involved in various activities such as attending events, participating in committees, and engaging in discussions. Following up and following through with contacts you make within the association is crucial for nurturing these connections. Additionally, leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn can complement your efforts by extending your network beyond in-person interactions.

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2 Get involved in the activities

Once you join a trade association, you should not just pay the dues and wait for opportunities to come. You need to actively participate in the activities and events that the association organizes or sponsors. These can include conferences, webinars, workshops, newsletters, journals, awards, committees, and online forums. By getting involved, you can learn new skills, insights, and trends in your field, as well as showcase your expertise and contributions. You can also meet and interact with other members, speakers, sponsors, and leaders who share your interests and values.

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Maidah Kayekesi

Manager - Executive Support in Commissioner General`s Office | International Taxation Practitioner | Transfer Pricing Practitioner | Tax Treaty Administration | Research Scholar
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The advantage of getting involved in the activities of an association is that the activities give you hands-on experience on how to get things done. In this hypercompetitive business environment, no one cares about your technical explanations and vast knowledge if, in the end, you cannot get anything done. So, being actively involved would give you the rare practical know-how that you can use to get things done, be it office tasks, assignments, or projects that you may have opportunities to undertake.

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3 Follow up and follow through

After attending an event or activity, you should not let the connections you made fade away. You should follow up and follow through with the people you met and exchanged contact information with. You can send them a thank-you note, a feedback, a question, a resource, or a referral. You can also invite them to connect on LinkedIn, join your email list, or schedule a call or meeting. You should keep in touch with them regularly and offer value and support. You should also honor your commitments and deliver on your promises.

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4 Be generous and helpful

One of the best ways to build your professional network is to be generous and helpful to others. You should not approach a trade association as a place to sell yourself or ask for favors. You should focus on giving more than taking, and providing value and solutions to the problems and challenges that your peers and potential partners face. You can share your knowledge, experience, advice, feedback, recommendations, introductions, or opportunities. You can also volunteer your time, skills, or resources for a cause or a project that the association supports.

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5 Seek mentorship and leadership

Another way to use a trade association to build your professional network is to seek mentorship and leadership opportunities. You can look for mentors who can guide you, coach you, and inspire you in your career development. You can also offer to mentor others who are new or less experienced in the field. You can also seek leadership roles within the association, such as serving on a board, a committee, or a task force. By doing so, you can demonstrate your skills, values, and vision, as well as influence and impact the direction and goals of the association.

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6 Be authentic and respectful

Finally, you should be authentic and respectful when you network with others through a trade association. You should not pretend to be someone you are not, or exaggerate your achievements or credentials. You should be honest, humble, and curious about others and their perspectives. You should also respect the rules, norms, and culture of the association and its members. You should not spam, solicit, or harass anyone, or violate their privacy or trust. You should aim to build long-term and meaningful relationships that are based on mutual respect and benefit.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Linda DiMario

Economic Development Specialist
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Relationship building is multi-dimensional. Know who you want to meet and why. And then learn to cultivate the known to mutual advantage. Take the opportunity to learn more about them, their work, the business, connections and opportunities they may offer, and yourself. That said, treat every person you meet as a valuable experience. Prospects, leads, connections and opportunities come from strategy and serendipity.

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Siavash Eftekhari

Financial & Economic advisor to Board of Directors at CinnaGen Co.
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Active engagement with trade associations is essential for building a strong professional network. Recent sources emphasize the importance of volunteering for committees or projects, attending and participating in events, leveraging online platforms, and seeking mentorship and leadership roles. Networking is a two-way street, so offering help and expertise to others and acting as a connector are valuable approaches. Recent sources provide tips on attending events, using online resources, and being active and authentic in interactions. By actively engaging with your trade association, you can build a vibrant and valuable professional network.

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How can you use a trade association to build your professional network?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Choose the right association

2 Get involved in the activities

3 Follow up and follow through

4 Be generous and helpful

5 Seek mentorship and leadership

6 Be authentic and respectful

7 Here’s what else to consider

Economics

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How can you use a trade association to build your professional network?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right association

2 Get involved in the activities

3 Follow up and follow through

4 Be generous and helpful

5 Seek mentorship and leadership

6 Be authentic and respectful

7 Here’s what else to consider

Economics

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