01.28.2008 — There is probably nothing more commendable than giving your time, money and energy to a worthy cause, whether it takes the form of being a Scoutmaster, coaching a Little League team or giving to the Salvation Army at Christmas time.

Unfortunately, many of us get so busy that volunteering is not a priority.

I think one of the most praiseworthy, but least appreciated, actions might be volunteering for your local, state or national industry association.

Whether it is an association directly related to the custom installation or security business (like CEDIA, NBFAA or CEA Tech Home), a peripheral group (like AIA, ASID or NAHB) or even a local business chapter (like Rotary, Kiwanis or Chamber of Commerce), the time spent by the leaders of any industry association is monumental and demanding.

But the payback from your freebie work can be tremendous. The networking relationships and trade tips learned from interacting with your peers is priceless.

Plus, conceivably, the advice you receive from fellow businessowners is likely better than the information you might get from meeting with a local competitor.

But does volunteerism necessarily mean business self-sacrifice? I hope not.

Several prominent association leaders have closed up shop in recent years. Most recently, former CEDIA president Andy Willcox, partner in ProLine Integrated Systems in Highland Park, Ill., announced several months back that his company is out of business.

Did those companies disintegrate due to the taxing nature of their leaders’ traveling the world on behalf of an association? Or, did economic or operational factors cause their demise?

Willcox provides some insight. “I would have to say, in my case, that being involved on an executive level of CEDIA was extremely time consuming, but very rewarding,” he says.

“I am certain, at some level, my day-to-day business was affected just because of the time away from the office. I would say that being president of CEDIA was not detrimental to my business. My business was solely affected by my personal decisions and evolution, not as a result of my participation as a CEDIA volunteer.”

Willcox now works as a consultant for California Audio Technologies (CAT). Indeed, he credits his change of career to “the significant new relationships and opportunities that were founded and crafted during my tenure and caused me to change direction in the industry.”

He offers a word of cautionary advice, however, saying his involvement was “a truly great experience and one I would recommend without hesitation to others. It is just important to keep priorities straight and your focus in check.”

I spoke with another former president of a prominent industry association, who also shut down his business. This individual, who prefers not to be mentioned by name, has simply burned out.

In fact, he shut down his business long after his term as president, but while he was still involved as an association volunteer. He offers this simple advice: “Be prepared. There is a lot of travel. Maintain balance and don’t get caught up in the spotlight.”

Volunteerism is the root of the industry. The success of a trade association depends on people who devote their time without pay, but you have to find the right balance.

Your company must be able to operate efficiently without you.

What’s been your experience? What advice can you offer to others? If you are a volunteer, is it worth it? Let me know.