Intelligent Data Centres Issue 03 | Page 21

INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE POWERED BY THE DCA Being part of a trade association unlocks numerous advantages for members in today’s competitive world. Here, Steve Hone, CEO of the DCA, talks about the benefits of joining the Data Centre Alliance (DCA) Trade Association as a Corporate Partner and how to get the most out of membership. f you are a member of a trade association, you have probably already realised that there is much more to it than you had originally believed. Many businesses and individuals join a trade association in hopes of receiving one specific benefit or achieving one goal, only to find many more benefits and opportunities than previously imagined. It is important to get the most out of any membership and unlock all the benefits on offer. It is equally important to understand exactly why businesses and entrepreneurs join a trade association in the first place. Joining a trade association is not a golden ticket that suddenly increases new business, however with some effort it can be an effective way to make contacts, strike up partnerships and in turn this can lead to new sales opportunities. A trade association membership is comparable to joining a gym. The annual membership fees provide you with access and the use of a variety of equipment and support; however, you won’t get in shape or see any value from your membership unless you turn up and workout on a regular basis. The same thing applies to joining a trade association. Those who invest time in working with their trade association will www.intelligentdatacentres.com get the most out of the partnership, those that don’t… well, you get the idea. Motivation for joining a trade association may vary according to the needs of the member company. Here are just some of the benefits realised from being part of a Trade Association: Networking This has to be one of the greatest benefits of joining a trade association. A trade association is filled with potential contacts, clients and partners who can help your business move to the next level and become more prominent. Due to data protection no trade association can give open access to the contact details of other members but as a member you can request to connect. The more active you are, the more you will see opportunities to build long- term relationships and partnerships which are mutually beneficial, so why not get involved? Business never comes to those that stand still or hide. Trade associations provide a trusted environment where like-minded individuals can come together to share ideas, strengthen ties, collaborate and make connections. Training and education Continued education and personal development are Issue 03 21