Leverage the TIA Community to Advance your Business
The strength of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is its members. This community boasts the best, brightest, and most ethical brokers in the industry, as well as leading companies that supply critical infrastructure, resources, services, and guidance to 3PLs everywhere. The evolving knowledge base developed by TIA members is unparalleled in the industry. Membership with TIA grants you access to this community to learn, grow, and contribute to the industry. Here are suggestions to ensure you take advantage of the TIA community.
Attend an In-Person Meeting
If you had the chance to attend the 2024 Capital Ideas Conference in April, you know what I mean! The annual Capital Ideas Conference is a must-attend event with networking and business development opportunities galore. From golf to receptions to curated events, you will have an abundance of chances to make new friends and meet new potential partners and clients; all while learning and strategizing about the industry. Whether you attended this year or not, you should make plans to attend in 2025!
Could not make it to Capital Ideas this year? More interested in monitoring and implementing innovative technology at your company? You should plan to attend 2024 TIA Technovationsin Ponte Vedra Beach. FL, October 15-17. As a more intimate, focused conference, attendees have opportunities for longer conversations and deeper connections. Both meetings provide many opportunities to gain experience, grow your network, and expand your footprint in the industry.
Your to do: Bookmark the events section of the TIA website and be on the lookout for the next in-person meeting. If you are the main decision maker for your company, plan to attend and think about who else on your team would benefit from attending. If you are interested in attending but you are not the decision maker at your company, start talking to your manager about attending a future conference.
Advocate for the Profession
Another wonderful way to grow your network is in service to the industry. Join us in Washington, D.C. September 16-18 to advocate for your profession! The annual Policy Forum is a unique event, providing opportunities to deepen your understanding of the industry, share your expertise and perspective with lawmakers, and network with other active TIA members. Friendship abounds when you are active towards a common cause. Battle-hardened brokers make great friends!
Your to do: Brush up on key topics and issues monitored by the government affairs team and block off September 16-18 in your calendar for the annual Policy Forum.
Serve on a Committee
Like participating in the annual Policy Forum, contributing your time, expertise, and perspective to the association through a national committee provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your network while learning more about the industry. Most committees meet monthly and communicate regularly on topics of interest and importance within the industry. People you serve with today could be future business partners, fellow leaders, and life-long friends.
Your to do: Review the list of national committees and reach out to Membership@tianet.org if you are interested in getting involved.
Pursue the Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) Designation
While the CTB designation is an individual accomplishment, it is a shared journey. When you pursue the CTB, you do so with a group of like-minded individuals. Not only will you expand your knowledge of the industry through traditional study, but you will also deepen your understanding through discussion with others in your class. Connections you make in the pursuit of the CTB are likely to remain strong throughout your career.
Your to do: Review the course syllabus and decide if pursuing the CTB is right for you.
Participate on TIA Connect
Not sure you can commit to attending a meeting? Too busy with business, family, and hobbies to serve on a committee? Not ready yet to pursue the CTB? Just naturally a debilitating introvert? There are still opportunities to network and expand your network using TIA’s online members-only community, TIA Connect!
Exclusive to TIA members, TIA Connect provides a platform to connect, discuss, and share your questions and expertise. Members frequently use the community to seek answers for particular issues in the world of logistics. Peers from across the association graciously share their time and perspective to find solutions to challenges both common and complex.
A dynamic in-platform member directory makes it easy to find and make connections with friends both old and new. The profile builder enables you to share your bio, contact information, and picture; helping others find and connect with you. (You can decide which bits of information you want others to see.)
Users can search for and join various communities, facilitating connections over topics, interests, and shared demographics. Each community includes the ability to post discussions, share resources, and easily find others in the community. With searchable archives, you never have to worry about missing an interesting conversation. If you do not see a community that fits your needs, you can create one of your own!
Whether you are a new TIA member looking to connect with others and grow your knowledge of the industry, a seasoned veteran wanting to engage with old and new friends alike, or perhaps somewhere in between; TIA Connect has something for you. This intuitive platform is a breeze for people of all technical capabilities to use and offers a fun and effortless way to grow your network and strengthen your business!
Your to do: Login to TIA Connect, set up your profile, and familiarize yourself with the platform.
Connect with Staff
Finally, do not be afraid to lean on staff for guidance and help getting connected. A detailed staff directory on the TIA website provides name, title, and contact information for all TIA staff. We encourage you to reach out to any of us with questions, comments, and concerns. Need help finding someone you met at a conference? Looking for others from similar companies or backgrounds? Give us a call and we will help you find what you need and facilitate connections that enhance your network.
Your to do: Bookmark the staff directory for quick reference.
Get Connected Today
Our goal at TIA is to support content, community, and collaboration among our membership. The suggestions above merely provide a roadmap to members who want to leverage their membership to grow their network. Each path is unique. How will yours look?
By Paul Leahy, CAE, director of member services, TIA
