From the Editor

Are You Mono or Multi?

Tom Inglesby, editor
tom@editor7.com

As members of various organizations devoted to helping us in our work — yes, I mean MCAA in your case — we should put some of our efforts into making the groups successful by being active within them. Paying your dues and reading the magazines and newsletters isn't really being active.

MCAA has affiliate chapters and complimentary organizations that can improve your business through networking, through education, and through exploring mutually important topics such as local, regional and national regulations and legislation. It's time to give some time to your associations, especially in a "down economy."

This came to the forefront when I received a letter from one of the many organizations that I belong to — and, sadly, support with my money but not my time. Like every group these days, it was soliciting money for some of its projects that have been hard hit by tapering off funding. With the layoffs and business cutbacks in many industries, members are hard pressed to send the usual donations and the group is urging the employed and successful membership to stand and be counted, to support the association with more than before to make up for the increasing numbers of others who cannot find that discretionary money.

Because most of us have multiple interests and are not "mono-focused," we probably belong to several such associations. In my case, I am a member of an alphabet soup of groups: SME, SAE, MPG, ASBPE, NARAS and several others. At one time or another, each offered me some benefits that improved my work or allowed me to network with others of a like mind, exchanging mundane and significant information to make what I do easier or better. But as my interests and work changed over the years, the value of those groups changed.

I used to attend the annual conventions of SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and SAE (Society of Automotive/Aerospace Engineers) in Detroit. Walking the show floor was exciting as new products were being introduced or new designs were being unveiled. While it is still interesting on a personal basis, it no longer pertains to my work. I don't do that any more.

NARAS — the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences — was a critical source of technical and artistic networking when I was making records in the 1960s and '70s. I still attend a Grammy show once every decade or so, but the thrill is gone. I don't do that any more.

The Motor Press Guild holds its monthly meetings in L.A., a 45-minute flight away from my local airport. I like to get together with other writers and talk cars, racing and off-road rambling. But it's rare that I go because my work doesn't revolve around cars and trucks as much as it used to. I don't do that any more.

It's harder to get to a meeting these days. Airport hassles, tight money, too much work, not enough time. Attend a convention? We need a strong reason and more than a little obvious benefit. It's not enough to go because it's being held near a golf course or in Las Vegas. Now we demand real benefits to the bottom line, personal or business.

When companies hit hard times, management looks for places to cut back. If you can't increase revenue, cut overhead. The traditional place was marketing, a shortsighted approach that made it harder to come back strong when times got better. These days, travel is an easy target. Bottom line? Some day the virtual trade show online will be where you "go" for information and to make purchasing decisions. Walking the show floor will be a finger exercise not a leg one.

Until that day, remember to plan ahead for the shows that will improve your productivity, budget for them, make the effort, and devote the time. Do that with your association, too. Don't get caught saying, "I don't do that any more."