Associations – What’s in it For Me?

QUESTION ASKED…QUESTION ANSWERED

GUEST EDITORIAL

At a recent industry gathering I was approached by a member of our industry who made the following statement, followed by a question, “I am not a member of any association and am doing just fine, why should I be a member of any national trade association or your Eagle Group?”

I do not remember exactly what I told the young man posing the question, but it has lingered in the back of my mind ever since that chance encounter and today I decided to memorialize my reply in writing, hoping that the person who asked the question reads this short missive and understands the value of membership.

My answer not only applies to the Eagle Group XX/USA but also to the benefits associated with membership in state associations such as TexasARP, AIR, CALR and the national trade associations, Allied Finance Adjusters and the American Recovery Association.

Networking
This is the most common and most obvious benefits of membership in Eagle Group XX/USA. In the asset recovery industry, who you know matters, and the Eagle Group XX/USA is filled with potential contacts, clients and partners who can help your recovery agency move to the next level and become more prominent in our industry. The members of Eagle Group XX/USA, particularly the more active members– can build long-term relationships and partnerships that are mutually beneficial. They provide a forum for like-minded individuals to come together to share ideas, strengthen ties, find new jobs, and make connections that would not be possible without the group membership.

Training and Education
Continued education and development is crucial in getting to the top of the recovery industry. If your agency is already a leader in the field, education is a key to remaining on top. This is especially true in any industry that involves a high level of technology, which almost all do in the fast-paced modern world. The Eagle Group XX/USA attends and holds events with educational seminars, workshops and classes that help our members to learn and grow in the asset recovery profession. Even outside of these official events, members have constant opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and mentorship that allow members to share experience and knowledge.

Credentialing
In addition to the usual training and education provided by the Eagle Group XX/USA, the group provides credentialing programs that are not available to non-members. Not only do these credentialing programs make for better practices in the recovery industry, but some are also an absolute necessity for agency and employee compliance and safety. The training and credentialing available in the Eagle Group XX/USA provide a level of prestige and reliability in the minds of lenders clients and government entities that is invaluable.

Influence
One of the key benefits of being a member of Eagle Group XX/USA is the ability to support the mission of the organization and possibly influence legislation that affects the industry. The combined resources of the members of the Eagle Group XX/USA can be used to lobby lawmakers and sway public opinion more positively towards the goals of the industry. With the increased level of government regulation in the asset recovery industry, this is an absolute necessity for the survival of all agencies in the investigation and asset recovery field.

Information
Membership in Eagle Group XX/USA means immediate access to any news or developments that affect our business and the industry. Outside of the usual communication of members to each other, associations generally provide newsletters, email updates and informative resources that help its members stay on top of recent developments in the field.

Best Practices
The asset recovery industry has a specific set of best practices that is vital to efficient, quality work. Especially for anyone new to the recovery industry, membership in Eagle Group XX/USA is vital to learning these practices and performing the best work possible. The fast pace of technology and market competition means that these practices are constantly updating and changing, and it is important to take advantage of any practices that can improve your recovery agency’s operation.

Exchange of Ideas
Not only do members of Eagle Group XX/USA have access to information about updates to the recovery, towing, locksmithing, storage, and other facets of the industry, but they can also play a large role in determining these changes. The Eagle Group XX/USA Communication Network provides a forum for members to share ideas and develop new ways to improve the recovery industry. This allows for more experienced members to help newer ones grow, and provides the opportunity for all members of the group to share innovative ideas that can help the other members.

Relationships
Aside from all of the professional benefits that are available through Eagle Group XX/USA, they also provide an opportunity for members to build friendships and personal relationships with national and international members that can last a lifetime.

These are just some of the most common benefits of membership in the Eagle Group XX/USA and the state and national trade associations, and there are many others that are specific to the recovery industry.