Why Knot Value The Value Of The Value
Every association has three critical things: value, value, and value. But they are not of the same value. They are the value you bring, the value you receive, and the value of the collective. These are all very different values that are important to you for various reasons.
Let me share a family analogy to prove my point. I have nine siblings and five older half-siblings who were out of the house before I was old enough to relate to them. For instance, I was an uncle before I was born and went to school with my niece in the same grade, awkward. I have a full older sister, brother, and two younger brothers, making me a middle child. Each of us had specific responsibilities; if we didn’t do our part, we wouldn’t have enough to eat, and we could lose the farm. So yes, my family and my family farm are complicated systems that work together even though we aren’t always going to do the same thing. So is every association, because businesses are all in different stages with slightly different needs, too.
As a baby, I didn’t bring any value to the family farm. I just received value from other family members’ services. I was expected to carry my weight and bring value to the family farm when I was old enough. I am sure that took longer than my father wanted. I remember two phrases my dad used when I was a kid. The first was always when I took too long. If he sent me to do an errand and I was slow to find a tool or was walking on my way back, he would call me, and I would say, “I’m coming,” to which he would always reply, “So is Christmas.” and I would run the rest of the way. The second was usually when I did something wrong, broke something, or forgot to do something, like close a gate, so the cows got out. When he found out, he would say, “Do I have to hold your hand while you go to the bathroom?” Ouch, that always hurt, but I got the message and solved problems proactively rather than waiting for him to fix them for me. So, I fed the animals, milked the cows, and collected eggs as a preteen. I bucked bales, drove machinery, and built buildings as a teen. Even as an adult, when I visit home, I end up doing more manual labor than I do in my own house. Not only did I bring value to the family farm as a kid, but I also continued to receive value from my family. My siblings did my chores when I was away or sick or did other chores I couldn’t do, like mom cooking. (My wife still covers for me, as I can only make mac and cheese.) My dad brought value to the farm every minute. He never stopped working. I am proud that he taught me to bring value to everything I do. Similarly, some companies bring value to the NHLA by serving on the board of directors or participating in a task force. Members also receive value by attending the convention, getting services from NHLA staff, or purchasing goods from other members.
Because the family farm had members doing the work, it increased its value by selling goods and services. For instance, we leased out land, worked for another farmer, and sold crops and cattle. We also got a new tractor, put down a plywood floor and basketball hoops in the barn, and built a lake and swimming pool. (My dad thought it would help us make friends, but it didn’t work.) The shared value of the NHLA increases with every member as each member’s dues contribute to the ability of the NHLA to do more. NHLA members receive shared value from the NHLA staff and other members working to grow and stabilize the hardwood industry.
Value, Value, Value. Bring value, receive value, and be part of the shared value to help the NHLA, just like you do to your family, just like I did on my family farm. It takes time and participation to find the values you can bring, receive, and be part of for the good of the collective. That is what families and associations are for. When you are not in the right stage to bring value, that is okay; we will get it to you, and you can receive the value from others or the shared value. When you have the time and means, bring value for others to receive and help grow the shared NHLA value.
But let me warn you, as my dad warned me, associations can’t wait for things to be done; we must do them before “Christmas.” Additionally, we can’t wait for others to solve our problems. We must do it ourselves. Without the shared value, there is no farm, and there is no NHLA. Be part of something bigger—join NHLA and help strengthen the value we all share in the hardwood community. To bring new products to market and grow your markets. Even when you don’t want to, even when times are tough, it is only by pulling together that you can increase the shared value and thus really get the full benefits of a family/association. So Why Knot value the value of the value and support the NHLA?
