Success by Association

by Barabra Cole

The success of a business is contingent upon more than just a monetary commitment. It takes time, effort, creativity, and dedication to turn a venture into a success story. Ultimately, the success of an organization is the result of a concerted effort and in many ways, so is that of an association.

Associations exist for the primary purpose of improving the economic and social wellbeing for the majority of those involved. The Music Industries Association of Canada is no exception, as our goal is to foster prosperity amid the Canadian music products industry and those who make it possible; however, this is no small feat and it is one that requires your commitment and regular participation. Just like the businesses you’ve worked tirelessly to build, an association takes more than just money to develop; it takes people and pride.

Therein lies one of the most noteworthy benefits of association participation. Associations are people oriented and offer a forum for like-minded individuals to meet and share their interests, address their concerns, and work toward the common good of the industry. Networking on this level presents the opportunity to eliminate pessimism and to encourage a sense of ownership and belonging. Many of us are a part of this industry because we share a common love for the music, the instruments, and the people that enable it. Congregating with those who share it is a chance to cultivate a sense of pride in who we are and what we stand for. It also gives us the opportunity to recognize our peers for excellence amongst our community. It is from this environment that innovation and progress are most likely to emerge.

However, these opportunities seldom present themselves. They require affirmative action on the behalf of the membership. To accomplish such lofty goals, an association requires the physical presence of its constituency in addition to their fiscal involvement. It requires an effort toward collective thinking and action plans that seek the betterment of the industry. What’s more, it requires the people-power to set them in motion.

One of the most frequent questions about association participation is: “What can my association do for me?” But the answer may come as a surprise.

The benefits you receive from an association amount to what you put in. If you are prepared to commit your money, you will secure the future of the association. If you are prepared to commit your time and intellectual effort, you will secure the future of this industry and your place within it. Adding value to an association is not always about financial support; it is about bright ideas and talented people who are driven to succeed.

The MIAC of today is built around the promise of value added services. AssociationConversely, the MIAC of tomorrow will be built around people adding value and services. It is through a partnership with the members of this industry that we will move the association to new and better places.

Henry Ford, the great American industrialist, once said: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is a process. Working together is success.”

As a collective, we can develop and implement the programs and services that members need to succeed. We can construct events that advocate those who play instruments, those who build instruments, and everyone in between. We can implement opportunities for education and camaraderie. There are numerous ways to get involved and make a direct positive impact. Come to MIAC’s Annual General Meeting so that your voice will be heard. Join our committees and share your opinions, your concerns, and your ideas so that we can benefit from them as an industry.

One of the cornerstones of modern organizations is the trade associations to which they belong. There is power in numbers and, as with any association, joining makes you a force to be reckoned with. More than that, associations are a place where lifelong friends are made and businesses are made to last a lifetime. Each member brings with them a unique set of skills, talents, and a level of enthusiasm that is irreplaceable. The Music Industries Association of Canada is truly committed to serving its members by helping the members to serve themselves.

Barbara Cole is the GM of MIAC. She can be reached at: barbara@miac.net.