Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/585738
20 Oil Prophets If you are taking advantage of the "member-only" products, services and activities that P&CMA provides—you realize that membership is a smart decision. You demand a reasonable return on your investment (ROI) in membership and you should get it. You have done more than the non- member outliers; you have invested in this organization. Simply put, you deserve more. You differ from the other industry/ profession stakeholders that simply take advantage of the P&CMA activities that serve the petroleum and convenience industry. You have decided to actively participate with your time and resources. Let's make sure you are getting all you can. Several Years of Research Over the last several years, Rigsbee Research has been conducting qualitative research in the area of calculating the ROI of membership in actual dollar numbers. Surveying members as to their perception of value in dollar numbers for every member-only feature delivered by their organization. Association and society members like you, have valued their memberships accordingly: in the category of Professional Development at an annual real-dollar value of just under $4,000. The number for the Business Solutions category is just over $7,100, with Knowledge Management delivering a little over $2,400. Professional Development Professional development and career growth are basically synonymous. Some of the member-only features are as follows: Income differential through • certifications Gained knowledge and • experience through volunteer leadership positions Peer support and mentoring • Access to National or State • Chapter resources Special interest groups • Career development services • Peer and Industry prestige • Business Solutions The business solutions category is a large one for many organizations. Some of the member-only features measured included: Safety programs, education and • resources Business development and peer • referral opportunities Affinity or partner program • discounts Innovative business/practice • solutions Access to other organizations • through affiliated membership agreements Discounts on organization's • goods, services and events Access to assistance at • organization's field or headquarter offices Legal seminars and consultations • Knowledge Management In days of old, associations and societies were the hard-copy depository for industry or professional knowledge. Today, membership organizations compete against Google daily; however to organizations that Why Membership In is a Good Decision By Ed Rigsbee, CAE, CSP Why Membership Why Membership In In is a is a