How to be a Professional in a Busy World

By: Sandra Venneri, BSc, P.H.Ec.
​Healthy Food & Nutrition Consultant
Original article HERE!

Being part of a professional association and/or having a designation is something to be proud of. It is a great way to publicly display your qualifications in just a few letters. Many efforts go into maintaining this association membership, including monetary dues. Yet there are four requirements of a professional that are truly what differentiates one in ANY career:

1.    Education – A minimum standard is met to achieve initial status. Continuing education and professional development is required by individuals on a consistent basis.

2.    Ethics – Do no harm, adhere to a higher standard allowing for public trust.

3.  Mentorship – Assist and support students and associate members in the profession.

4.  Advocacy – Promote the profession and association as well as support associated events, members and the public it serves.

In a world where balance is a moving target, time is the most valuable commodity. “Sorry, I’m too busy!” is an easy response to the common courtesy of asking how a person is, or why they cannot get to everything on their to-do list. Yet, that is just a perspective. There is always something a professional can do to keep and maintain their membership requirements, with high standards and any range of effort.
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Here is a starting point of reference for every professional (Feel free to add to the conversation: post additional ideas and comments.):

“NO” TIME

• Share any of the professional associations social media post to your personal and business timelines/platforms
• Public speaking – mention your associations even if it’s the professional symbol on a powerpoint presentation
• Share your news WITH the association so they can promote their members’ accomplishments
• Buy their swag and wear it/use it proudly
• Wear your professional ring or symbol at work or while networking
• Write off your professional dues on your taxes
• Attend a webinar
• Share resources with other members
• Visit website and members-only section
• Support others by congratulating them on LinkedIn
• Email the association with your ideas
• List professional designation / membership on your resume and LinkedIn
• If in a hiring position, list your profession (if applicable) as a “Recommended” qualification
• Nominate a professional associate for an award
• Donate to the association (if a non-profit) or to related research in the profession​
• Sponsor a student to attend an event (especially if you cannot)

SOME TIME

• Co-Chair an executive board position
• Join a subcommittee
• Volunteer at special events
• Attend a Conference
• Mentor a student or new professional
• Invite associates to a local professional networking event you lead
• Develop a resource, document or study for the association that others can use (perhaps you already have them made!)
• Write an article or blog post
• Take photos on your phone at a related event and email them to the association

MORE TIME

• Ask/email to volunteer for the Board of Directors
• Volunteer to write (be the editor) for the association newsletter
• Chair an executive board position
• Run an event for the association
• Support policy development for the public in your field of expertise

There is definitely differences in holding each professional designation that exists. The common thread should be the responsibility to hold oneself to the highest standard based not just on obligations but the passion and drive to make the entire community better moving forward.