Growing a business depends on relationships. How can you cultivate strong, mutually beneficial relationships? Become a joiner and supporter.

Simply joining an organization isn’t enough. Opportunities aren’t likely to find you, although many business associations encourage members to use each other’s services and products. Too often, business owners who join an organization or association leave after one or two years because they didn’t gain any benefit from their financial outlay. But did they go to the next level and become a supporter?

If you’re contemplating where best to spend your scarce dollars and limited time, consider the opportunities on committees, boards and commissions (CBCs) and become a supporter. Your time and expertise make CBCs function and provide value to members and communities.

In return, you will have an opportunity to provide direction, really get to know the people involved in CBCs and support the causes that matter to you and your business.

Where do you find CBC opportunities?

Professional and trade associations offer excellent starting points. They have boards of directors and numerous committees and offer ways to contribute and network. There could convention planning committees, membership committees, training committees and more. If existing committees don’t interest you, considering approaching the directors and members about starting a new committee.

Hundreds of nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations in Colorado and thousands across the United States need members for their CBCs. The Colorado Nonprofit Association offers a place to start looking on its website at https://coloradononprofits.org.

Most state government agencies have boards and committees that provide information and guidance to agency staff and the communities they serve. 

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, for example, includes a number of agencies with boards and committees actively seeking members from the business community. I spent many years on committees and advisory boards, including those with the Minority Business Office. I had fun, met wonderful people and made contacts that led to numerous successful business opportunities.

Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction also have many boards and commissions to which you can apply to join.

Chambers of commerce and their committees offer still more networking opportunities. These committees want member support and offer a way to derive the greatest benefit from your membership.

There are other ways to network, of course, and other options worth exploring.

But wouldn’t it be more rewarding to work with, support and network with people who understand your business and appreciate your efforts?