Whether you are a small provider just starting out, or you run a large company, joining your state association has many benefits for you to consider. As a member, you become part of a collective voice that provides feedback on the issues facing your business as you strive to improve and grow. If you aren't involved in an organization that advocates for your needs, you might feel left out, frustrated, or unable to communicate your thoughts on the industry.
1. Build a Network by Joining a State Association
Providers of home-based services that rely on networking and referral sources do much better when they join the state association for their specific care services. This is in part due to the fact that networking and finding referral sources can be difficult. When a group comes together for a common cause or purpose, those within it begin talking about what they have to offer each other. Partnering to increase your service area, identifying needs that a different post-acute care provider may be able to provide, or simply learning what other agencies in your state are doing to be successful can result in a key advantage. If you are looking to build a network of post-acute providers to complement your field of work, joining a state association is a great place to start.
2. Support and Organization for Your Wants and Needs
As a business owner, it's easy to get frustrated when facing constant challenges. When standards change or regulations become overwhelming, having the support of a group of like-minded individuals who understand what you are going through is essential. Your state association is going to provide you the support you need and help you address issues when you are not able to come up with a solution on your own. Each state association keeps their members informed on the hot-button topics, like any regulatory changes that may be occurring. By keeping their proverbial “finger-on-the-pulse” of the industry, you gain insights you would not have otherwise.
3. Advocacy When Problems Arise
While you may be able to do some problem solving independently, being able to put pressure on your state and government representatives isn't easy by yourself and hardly has an impact. When you operate a thriving agency that is getting bombarded with new rules and regulations, it's important to have an organization that can advocate for you and similar businesses at the same time. With the collective bargaining power of a state association and a unified voice, you will be able to help affect changes in your specific industry that benefit everyone.
It's important to have an organization that can advocate for you and similar businesses at the same time.
Running an agency in today's competitive marketplace isn't easy. When providers with a similar target audience come together, each business gains access to a variety of new referral sources, ideas and strengths that they may not possess on their own. The value of joining a state association is defined in the building of relationships and important contacts. If you are not a member of your local state association, I urge you to reach out and get involved. The benefits far outweigh the costs.
