Leadership Networks: Boom or Bust?

If you’re part of the C-Suite or hold a management position, you’ve likely come across numerous leadership networks that appeal to you. Whether you’re seeking to join an organization specific to your industry, role, or area, or you want to join a national community like the Forbes Council, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.

Just like any organization, there are pros and cons to leadership networks. On one hand, a leadership network can increase your company’s brand awareness, offer networking opportunities and position you as an expert in the field. On the flip side, membership dues and initiation fees can be costly. If you don’t measure the ROI beforehand, you might not get the most bang for your buck. 

Here are three tactics to help you decide whether a leadership network is a boom or bust for you:

Determine your why.

The first step to figuring out which leadership network is right for you is by identifying your main purpose for joining and what you want to get out of the membership. Some food for thought: Are you looking for business development opportunities? Are you interested in growing your professional network? Do you want to secure more editorial coverage? Understanding your “why” allows you to filter out opportunities that don’t align with your goals.

Scope out the benefits & opportunities.

Some leadership networks offer more robust benefits than others. For example, some organizations host regular membership-only events, provide frequent training or seminars and offer speaking opportunities such as panels or conferences. When researching various leadership networks, connect with their representatives to learn more about the membership benefits, costs and audience. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the costs and, most importantly, if it’ll allow you to reach your goals. 

From a PR perspective, a leadership network that publishes contributed content online or in print is a valuable way to increase brand awareness. 

Review the expectations. 

Leadership networks aren’t just a financial investment, they are often a time commitment as well. 

Make sure you know what’s expected of you timewise before you sign up. Be honest with yourself—if you don’t have the time, it’s better to hold off on joining until you can actively participate. Otherwise, you won’t get the benefits and ROI you’re hoping for. Pro tip—if you’re concerned about finding the time to write articles or scripts, ask your PR firm if they can help. 

At the end of the day, a leadership network is what you make of it. It’s most often a nice-to-have, not a must-have for professional development. If you find one that fits within your budget and schedule, provides decent benefits and aligns with your objectives, sign up and try it out.