Building business relationships still critical role for associations

With ever-expanding options for electronic communication and commerce, do business colleagues need – or want – to talk to each other today?

BX members answer an emphatic, “yes” … if you can pin them down long enough to ask the question.

“Without a doubt, technology that has enabled us work faster, more accurately and more efficiently also has created a sense of isolation,” said Cathy Blackford, BX executive director.  “Where is the handshake behind the electronic signature?  Who is the face behind the voice mail? 

“The more we pile on the electronic marvels, the more I see BX members savoring time spent at the Builders Exchange: sharing a cup of coffee, a war story, a laugh. 

“When they’re here working on volunteer projects, they’re also building vital business relationships with each other.  As someone who’s watched BX members do this for over 25 years, I can attest to the long-term power of professional friendships.”

Blackford noted that a local organization like the Builders Exchange, whose members are almost all within driving distance to Columbus, is ideal for providing networking opportunities.

The Exchange board of directors views “relationship building” as a key role of the association, and included it as a major goal of the BX Strategic Plan.  The board updated the Plan in January, including strategies to engage the next generation of members.

“We’re targeting our younger and/or less involved members with new opportunities to come together,” Blackford said.  She noted that, although “Generation X” managers are stereotyped as preferring electronic over face-to-face interaction, “our young members tell a different story.”

BX leaders have been holding focus groups to discuss ways to engage these members and are pleased at the positive response.

“Our next-generation leaders want to be involved, but how we bring them value today may be different.  We’re all excited about exploring the options,” Blackford said.

For more information, members are encouraged to read the new Builders Exchange Strategic Plan on the association’s Web site: www.bx.org.