LinkedIn Question: Membership Expectations

Guy Timberlake asked "What Do You Really Expect From Your Membership? As many might know, managing client/customer/constituent expectations is a challenge at best, which can be a decisive factor in success or failure for all involved. When you are considering participation in an organization (association, professional group, etc.) how do you match-up your company mission with the mission of the membership organization in order to determine potential value?"

Here's my answer...

As a member of an organization I expect a kind of camaraderie. In very large organizations this may mean regional, local, and sub-interest groups. I need to feel I'm part of something. Primarily through personal relationships with interesting people. (Some of these may be business leads, consultant contacts, or good friends.)
Before I join an organization I look for an alignment of goals, if the organization will help me reach my goals, and if my participation in areas that I'm interested will contribute to the organization's goals.
Generally, I want to join an organization that has a good reputation and I want to feel that its possible for me to contribute to the organization's reputation once I'm a member.

Paul Cline, AIA

I have recently committed to the AIA's YAF advisory committee.