When I was president of Women Business Owners of Montgomery County, Maryland, I attended every official meeting, event, and workshop, something I probably would not have done otherwise. To my surprise, the events I may have skipped were some of the best programs. At one of these meetings, the topic was business management. The speaker's message struck home, reminding me why I am an active member of the groups to which I choose to belong. The mission of the speaker's company is “to empower small to medium size businesses by providing them access to the same resources available to Fortune 500 companies.” This company's vision includes integrating business management challenges with solutions and services.

For me, this is the essence of the membership groups to which I belong, whether a local neighborhood issue-oriented group, a chamber of commerce or a virtual world organization. These organizations provide the infrastructure to finding resources, getting to know those who provide the resources, and offering, usually monthly, an opportunity to learn to use those business resources to grow and sustain my own business.

Joining a network of those who share visions, frustrations, solutions, and successes means finding support through training and development. These groups are my marketing department, lobbying organization, and cheering section — true whether we are beginning, growing, or sustaining a business -- or looking for a way to retire.