Which Professional Purchasing Organization Should You Join?
As a practicing purchasing practitioner for decades, I recognize that the answer to one important question should be obvious – of course you should join a professional organization. Membership is a sign of devotion and dedication to your profession, a way to stay current and to connect with other pros, and a vehicle to pursue personal enrichment and advancement via certification designations, training and education.
That said, the question of which organization to join presents a quandary for many folks. All the chatter from organizations, their push and pull marketing, and print and pixel media can be confusing. Joining because you have seen the organization’s aggressive advertising campaign or because others in the company are members are probably not your best choices. Further, there are only a few suitable organizations from which to choose.
I have belonged to virtually all these organizations over the years and been hired by most of them in various capacities such as training and consulting. May I volunteer to help as a sort of travel guide who knows the landscape well? Allow me to simplify the tour by recommending that by far the best choice for the buying professionals is the American Purchasing Society.
For purchasing personnel, the choice of which to join is basically a buying decision. These questions must be answered.
- Which returns the biggest bang for my buck?
- What does the organization bring to the table in terms of quality?
- What is their record customer service, especially compared to competitors?
- How valuable are their certification and education programs
- What benefits will I derive?
Here is why the American Purchasing Society has been most successful in advancing the interests of the purchasing profession. The Society was built and is actively managed solely by purchasing professionals. Those involved in writing online courses, delivering instructor led training, as well as telephone and online consulting, expert witness, and all other services of the purchasing profession are provided by accomplished purchasing experts with wide ranging practices and earned designations indicating excellence in the industry.
The Society has two guiding principles that distinguish it from others in the market place, quality and customer service. Quality is reflected in top notch personnel recruited buy the Society to serve the interests of members and non-members alike. Its renowned designation, the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), its online education and training resources, and individualized consulting and training services are focused narrowly on the purchasing profession. Supplemental resources related to the profession (such as accounting, inventory, foreign trade, even sales) supply dedicated professionals with the best information resources they need.
As for customer service, it is always best to let customers say it in their own words. See what they have to say at the Society’s Testimonials page.
The Society will offer a rare opportunity to prospective members in April 2012. One time discounts on membership and certification are part of the offer. Make the Society your choice of professional organization.
Do I have a dog in this hunt? Indeed I do. The Society has asked me to serve in many capacities over the years and I am proud to be considered part of this elite team. Having joined, worked for, and experienced virtually every professional organization, I am in a unique position to make this judgetment. Here is the link to the society’s membership page.