Maybe it is my personality, or years of habit, or something else, but I have always liked belonging. There is something powerful (and maybe a bit reassuring) that comes from being a part of something larger than yourself. Maybe it is knowing that there is a shared purpose. Maybe it is knowing that there are others like you that are having similar experiences, good or bad. Maybe it is knowing that there are others on your team, who share your burdens, your concerns, or your passions. Maybe it is knowing that someone else stands ready to work for and with you to achieve whatever goals you have, or obstacles that you face (individually or collectively).
As a grower of crops, whatever those crops might be, there are certainly plenty of others like you. And there are organizations or associations that you can belong to. Some associations are commodity-focused, with WHAT you grow being the common denominator. Some associations are market-focused, with HOW or WHERE you sell your product something that you share. Some associations are optional, whereas others are mandated by law. Some associations are comprised of your neighbours, whereas others are provincial, national, or international. Some bring together all of the players within an industry, while others are pieces of a bigger puzzle. Some associations are one, smaller block in a bigger common pyramid.
Whatever your reason for belonging to an association or organization, you can benefit from the relationship. It is worth taking the time to look at the various options that are before you and look at what you might gain from being a part of whatever group it is.
Ask yourself some of the following questions and do some of the basic benefits math.
- Do you get representation or lobbying to government on issues that you would have no hope of being heard otherwise? What would that particular issue cost you in terms of lost revenue?
- Do you get group or volume discounts on products like plant materials, inputs, or supplies like containers or mulch?
- Do you get group discounts on services, such as better insurance rates? Maybe you even have the added bonus of those insurance packages being easier to fit with your business type, because the provider is familiar with your industry.
- Do you have access to specialized services or shared consultants (maybe at a discounted rate), provided as a perk of membership?
- Do you gain access to a group of people that you wouldn’t otherwise have easy access?
- Can you use shared promotional materials and platforms, which will help increase your individual business while building the overall industry?
- Do you have access to research results that address shared production issues or questions? Does the research being done for the whole industry open up (or add to) the toolbox of resources for managing the issues that you face?
- Do you have access to specialized training?
- Are useful events of different types organized that you can access (for free or for a reduced rate)?
- Are you actually able to do your work because you belong to a certain organization, whereas you wouldn’t be allowed to, otherwise?
If you can say Yes to one or more of these points for organizations/associations that are available for your industry, then take a look at the cost of membership versus the income or expense costs without it? It doesn’t take long to see that there is value in belonging.
On the other side of the discussion, there is the intrinsic value that comes from mutual association and contribution to a group. It could be as simple as the camaraderie or the friendships that provide you with support. Or it could be that you understand issues better than you would when you are sitting outside the discussion.
They say that “You get out/back what you put into something”. This is true. By actively participating, you gain greater insights into the intricacies of your industry. You have a chance to give back to others. You have a chance to reach new players that need a leg up as they get started (like you did when you started). You have a chance to voice your issues and concerns.
Whatever your motivation for belonging to something, it isn’t hard to find value and benefit. And, since the new year is the time when most of the memberships renew (or are due), take a few minutes to consider what groups are available to you, and whether they can help you, or you can help them. Consider belonging.