Having some experience with business associations over the years I realize that “for all things there is a season.” Membership decisions need to be based on the value the association brings to the member business. All are not equal. Most serve somewhat different purposes.

When I joined the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) in 2000, the organization had just made its entry into the Tucson market. At the time, I was just wrapping up a 30-year career in real estate and the director of ASBA for Tucson asked me to help her find a space for their offices.

At the same time, my wife and I had just purchased a business, Paper Paper Paper, a specialty stationery, invitation and gift store.

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When I realized ASBA was going to hold classes about running a business I couldn’t resist becoming a member. My real estate experience hadn’t taught me about such things as inventory control, sales tax, human resources, etc. Becoming a member was based on WIIFM — whats in it for me?

Providing business education has become all the rage now and the playing field seems more level. In 2000 ASBA was the only game in town for training. Now there’s the Microbusiness Advancement Center (MAC), which specializes in training for micro business start ups; the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which has taken a considerable place at the table; the Better Business Bureau, which hosts training for members and non-members; Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce, which recently restarted training programs spearheaded by Jeff Jones; the Tucson chapter for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), which offers a variety of instruction; and related to building and construction industry there are the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association (SAHBA), Alliance of Construction Trades (ACT) and  Tucson Association of Realtors (TAR).

Today, what would I look for in a business organization? Most important is “common ground,” second is purpose of the organization, and third is the “feel” of the place.

Questions I would ask myself are:

• What my business has in common with other businesses is important, is it an ethic bond, a gender or geographical bond?

• What is the purpose of the group?

• If it’s education and training, will my business benefit from my being a student or instructor?

• Are the classes at a level where I’m

comfortable?

• Are the offerings available at times that

I can be available at a location on my “trap line”?

• Are the offerings of value in comparison to the cost both in time and money?

• How does the organization “feel”?

On that last one, all the standard adjectives apply: warm, friendly, inclusive, comfortable, organized or rambunctious, overly energetic, insincere, or strict. 

From these commonalities friendships will grow and relationships begin to develop, “like-minded” people have famously created many significant and sometimes historic events. Like all organizations, what you take from the organization is directly portioned to what you bring and if you are willing to spend the money and time, be a good strong supporting members serving on committees and becoming a part of the fabric of that community. Participation is very much in every ones interest. 

In sum, apply your criterion, evaluate often and objectively remain true to yourself as you choose the organization  based on WIIFM.

Charlie O’Dowd is the president of Westcap Energy Corporation and vice president of “Eastside Cheers.”