An ever-increasing number of us are finding the benefits of affiliation with one of the various call centre or customer service organisations. The most obvious of these is the Call Centre Association, but there are many others.

Membership of such well known organisations can be extremely beneficial, but we’re interested in hearing about the lesser-known associations and networks. How did you find out about them? Is it helping you develop or improve your call centre, or if you are a supplier, is it generating new business.

This of course extends beyond the sphere of our own industry. Many have written of the benefits to be had from being affiliated with organisations for business networking, including Chambers of Commerce and local business development agencies. Often, these organisations can offer funding opportunities for business growth or recruitment incentives.

Again, we’d be interested in your comments about any affiliation with such organisations - is it worth it, and has your company benefitted? Would you recommend others to look into such organisations.

“Why are you asking all of this", you may wonder. Well, everyone knows that in modern business (in any discipline) it’s not so much what you do but who you know and how much you are able to work that network. Playing the networking game can be hugely beneficial in many ways.

So, let us hear your thoughts on affiliations.