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General Benefits
As MESDA succeeds in achieving our goals, we will improve the bottom line of
our members' businesses. We hope that our work will continue to have this direct
and positive effect on our members.
MESDA also offers the benefits of continuing education. MESDA workshops and
conferences have included a wide variety of topics, including business topics
such as marketing, financing, public relations, quality assurance and exporting,
technical issues such as database developments and networking, Internet and
legal issues. Although all MESDA workshops and conferences are open to
non-members, MESDA members receive substantial discounts.
Our regular meetings, workshops, annual conferences, breakfasts and informal
dinners provide many opportunities to take advantage of some of the less
tangible benefits of membership -- the chance to network, meet business people,
politicians and national technology leaders. For example, Dan Bricklin, Eric S. Raymond, Dave Winer, Avie Tevanian, Cliff Sharples, David
Samuel and Bob Metcalfe, to name only a few, have attended MESDA functions. A recent article in the Portland Press Herald by Jon Paradise, governmental and public affairs manager for the Maine Credit Union League, explains why Professional Memberships are Good for Business
MESDA also assists PriceWaterhouseCoopers and others conduct surveys and/or
directories of Maine's IT/software industry, the results of which are a better
understanding of and information about the Maine IT/software industry.
Specific Benefits
The following is a list of other benefits that are available to MESDA
members:
Business Development
- codeME business to business leads are forwarded only to MESDA Industry members in Maine.
- Leads sent directly to you
- No referral fees
- Qualified customers looking for your services
- All members have an individual listing & micro-site on our Web site. This can contain contact information and business description with hot links back to home pages.
- Members may post press release notices on the MESDA Web site.
- Increased visibility - Listings in the Maine Technology Industry Directory, MESDA News/Issues, Calendar and Forums score very high with search engines. In many cases, searches for company information, press releases and special events are found first on the MESDA site. MESDA maximizes your SEO! Every day the MESDA website receives more than 1000 visits from within Maine, across the country and around the world. Through MESDA.com you are indeed "networked".
- Members may post other free notices on the MESDA Web site of a
non-commercial nature.
Discounts
- MESDA meetings and workshops (usually 15-25%)
- Insurance (MESDA members have exclusive offerings of insurance to offer employees)
- The Insure-IT program provides tailored technology business insurance for the high tech industry
- Members are eligible for discounts (30 - 35%) on O'Reilly Books
- Members are eligible for scholarship opportunities at certain events and educational facilities
- Members are automatically eligible as ITAA members for discounts from Information Technology Association of
America (ITAA).
- MESDA is a member of Software
& Information Industry Association, and members are eligible for
discounts on selected publications and events.
MESDA Job Board
- MESDA members can post and edit open positions and Internship opportunities on the MESDA Job
Board
Only members can be featured employers showcased as a leader in Maine's Software and Information Technology Industry. Start receiving resumes from qualified candidates desiring employment at your company. Fill job openings faster with no added cost - this is a FREE service for MESDA members!
- Only MESDA members can search Job Candidate and Intern resumes in the database
Members Only status means fewer companies are searching our resume database, meaning your company faces less competition when trying to land top candidates. Better qualified candidates, a larger pool of talent and less hiring competition. It all adds up to faster, smarter and more cost-effective candidate searching - did we mention that this is a FREE service for MESDA members!
Maine International Trade Center
- Members of MESDA will receive profiles of overseas companies who are
interested in forming partnerships/joint ventures with companies in
Maine.
Maine & Company
- Members of MESDA will receive notices of upcoming MIX Forum events, where
entrepreneurs network with venture capitalists and present their business
plans.
A Dozen Reasons Why You Need MESDA
1 Interact with real people in the industry.
Despite the rise in use of email and Web technologies for communicating with others, face-to-face interaction is not yet extinct. While we're strong advocates of technological advancement, MESDA serves as your primary link to colleagues, allowing you to put names with faces and keeping you in touch with who's doing what.
2 Sharpen your skills.
By attending our User Groups, educational sessions, seminars, conferences and visiting expositions, you'll stay on top of your professional game. Taking advantage of MESDA's educational opportunities allows you to update your crucial job skills.
3 Collaboration
In the information age, exchange of ideas and information and the need to work with others is easier with MESDA's assistance.
4 Keep up with new laws and regulations.
Keep attuned to the legislative and regulatory issues affecting our industry and your bottom line. MESDA will continue monitoring these pertinent issues and let you know when to take action.
5 Get frequent updates on industry changes.
As change occurs at a faster pace, keeping track of the latest industry techniques and trends will be even more difficult. However, through publications, educational sessions and our Web site, you'll hear about the newest innovations and never question whether you're behind the times. With this information, you can do your job in a more timely and more economical manner.
6 Certifications and standards.
With constant changes occurring in the work place, standards will continually need updating, and you'll need to know if you or your organization is in sound standing. MESDA will keep you informed and assist you in meeting those requirements.
7 Increase your influence.
The MESDA community is a great place to build a name for yourself. Getting and remaining involved in industry and professional activities will bring you and your company to a higher level.
8 Save time and money.
When seeking ideas and know-how for a specific project, don't reinvent the wheel. MESDA has the tools and information resources to direct you in the right direction, saving you valuable time and money.
9 Receive quality services.
When you need help, whether it's for personal or professional gain, count on MESDA to provide one-stop guidance so you can get the job done.
10 Gain business partners.
As acquisitions and mergers occur at a more frequent pace and strategic alliances and partnerships become the norm, you'll most likely find a sound business partner through MESDA.
11 Anticipate and prepare for your future.
While you're focusing on maintaining your daily operations, MESDA is looking at what's to come and will provide you with the opportunities.
12 Advancing your career.
When looking for opportunities to enhance your skills, remember that volunteering for a task force, or committee offers invaluable experience in molding you, or an employee, into a stronger professional.
Teamwork. You'll work with others, as well as their varying personalities, and learn what it means to work on a team.
Management. Whether you're the chairperson or simply a volunteer on a committee, you'll gain hands-on management experience and observe the leadership styles of others.
Volunteering. The experience you gain from volunteering can't be accounted for in a paycheck. By getting involved with others, you'll find a sense of community with your colleagues you can take back to your own organization.
Organization. As you get involved with activities outside work, you'll be forced to learn time management and organizational skills, which will bid well for you as you move up the corporate ladder.
The amount of time you spend working with MESDA is determined by you. Whether it's limited or highly participatory, the skills and knowledge you'll gain from the experience are invaluable and will serve you well in your career and beyond.
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