If you own a company in the quality management industry, you would do well to partner with quality management groups to strengthen your business expertise and credibility. Industry organizations bring together professionals with similar goals and challenges. Members of industry organizations come from all company divisions, but all share the same objective of expanding their knowledge.

Becoming a member of the right organization opens the door to a wealth of expertise. You will be exposed to many networking opportunities, information and resources. Additionally, association for quality management professionals may also provide invaluable services that include new products, education opportunities and industry support. When looking for membership with quality management professional organizations, remember the following:

1. Make sure the association you're interested in is credible. Check the Better Business Bureau or other industry accreditations.

2. Most organizations charge fees for memberships, so make sure you’re getting your money’s worth before you pay.

3. Many quality management councils don’t stipulate membership for certification.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Become a member of an accredited quality management professional organization

Although many organizations offer information, tools and resources to non-members, you can benefit substantially from becoming a member. Membership opens the door to additional service, product and representation. Register as a business rather than as just an individual, if possible, so your employees can benefit from the membership.

I recommend: The Quality Assurance Association of Connecticut offers membership to individuals or organizations in the quality assurance industry who are interested in networking. Quality Assurance Institute USA membership benefits include representation and industry support.

Join associations for quality managers that offer a full schedule of events and conferences

Events and conferences are a boon to any business. They give you an opportunity to network and share issues with industry peers. More importantly, they give your company exposure within the industry, and provide you an opportunity to further your relationships with other businesses. Try and pick organizations with nationally-recognized events.

I recommend: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Michigan Quality Council both provide an events calendar for educational and networking opportunities.

Find online quality management associations that maintain active web forums

The forum on an industry organization's website can be a great source of support. Forums are a real-time communication opportunity. Any business with a question or concern can raise it in a forum and receive up-to-date responses from a variety of experts. Check to see that forum discussions have current activity before you join.

I recommend: The Twin Cities Quality Assurance Association and ASQ's Team and Workplace Excellence both offer discussion boards for members to discuss industry issues and share ideas.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Networking is a great business tool. Make sure you're stocked with business cards so you can market yourself and to your peers when you meet with organizations for quality managers.