Bonjour good people, I have a list of the majority of associations and organizations in Atlanta that are worth getting plugged into in my personal opinion. I have been a member of a few of these organizations as well. Take a look at the three tips I recommend for navigating any organization you choose.
Consistency sharpens the blade! If you are joining an organization with the intention of accomplishing every goal you have within a short time frame…it’s probably not going to happen (lol) unfortunately. It takes time to build relationships and people will want to see you consistently before doing business! Consistent in showing up, consistent in providing value as well as being consistent with your brand.
Get your money’s worth! I am a frugal individual so this point tends to hit home deep in my heart. Go to the orientation meetings if provided to learn about the perks especially if you join a chamber of commerce. When you find value in the extra perks I want you to utilize to the max! The tools are there for a reason after all.
Rub shoulders in the trenches! Not that you will be at war inside any group but join the committee and the board if possible. That is where the real work behind the scenes is done and you will spend several hours in a month helping the organization. Ask leadership what are some areas where the organization needs help and if you can fill in the void with your expertise. Committee and board meetings are opportune moments to get to know the members and leadership. But more importantly it is an opportunity for them to get to know you!
I strongly encourage you to find an organization that aligns with your professional goals as it has been transformational for my time in Atlanta. I’ve made excellent business connections and even better life long friends. This is your first step toward expanding your circle, finding new opportunities, and getting plugged into the heartbeat of Atlanta’s professional scene. Good luck!
Chamber of Commerce
Atlanta Black Chambers
Cherokee County Chamber
Clayton County Chamber
Cobb Chamber
Georgia Hispanic Chamber
Georgia Women’s Chamber
Greater Eastside Chamber
Greater North Fulton Chamber
Greater Perimeter Chamber
Gwinnett Chamber
Metro Atlanta Chamber
Newnan-Coweta Chamber
South Fulton Chamber
Southwest Gwinnett Chamber
Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors
American Institute of Graphic Arts
American Marketing Association
Atlanta Realtors Association
American Institute of Architects
Associated General Contractors of Georgia
Association of Medical Facility Professionals
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
Financial Planning Association of Georgia
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers
Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association
Georgia Life SciencesLawyers Club of Atlanta
National Association of Catering and Events Atlanta Chapter
National Sales Network Atlanta Chapter
National Society of Black Engineers Atlanta Chapter
Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions
Professional Liability Underwriting Society
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network Atlanta
Young Risk Professionals of Georgia
Atlanta Business Connections
Buckhead Business Association
Christians Professional
Gwinnett Young Professionals
Network In Action’s GA
Metro-Atlanta North Group
Marietta Business Association
Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals
Smyrna Business Association
The High’s Young Professionals
Young Professionals of ATL
Atlanta’s Rising Women
Ladies Athletic Club of Atlanta
Network of Atlanta
The She League
Emerging 100 of Atlanta
Emerging 100 of North Atlanta
Emerging 100 South Metro
Greater Atlanta Young Professionals
Hands On Atlanta
The Junior League of Atlanta
National Association Asian American Professionals
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Young Professionals Urban League