Belonging is… the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group. It is when an individual can bring their authentic self to work.

An early missive this week as both my family and I will be attending the annual conference for the Professional Speaking Association in Solihull.

I have been a member of this organisation for some twenty-two years and have served it in a multitude of capacities including National President a few years ago.

My family are also heavily involved in the running of the organisation on behalf of the membership, so it is a very busy and somewhat stressful time to ensure everything goes to plan and it is a huge success.

The event will mean meeting lots of new faces plus a plethora of individuals I have known for many years.

Some members I know a little, some I know well, and consider them to be friends, and some are lifetime kindred spirits.

It took me about thirty-minutes whilst attending my first PSA event back in 2000 on a rainy evening in Birmingham, to realise I had found a home…

…an organisation that could understand what I was about and could help me.

It is the reason why I have authored six books, and spoken in front of over 500,000 people and to a huge range of audiences.

I love to see the look on new members' faces when it’s obvious they feel the same as I did some twenty-two years ago.

Many join the Association to learn, however over time they realise that they want to stay for the friendships and spirit of belonging.

There are many organisations across the UK and frankly, it is impossible to be a member of all, the trick, for me at least, is to find ones that feel right for you.

With members who look to support you and your aspirations.

Certainly, that’s what we have always tried to do with the Family Business Practice, and are grateful for the many friendships we have made during the last nine years.

So, I am off for another long weekend of happiness and tears, laughter, and sadness, whilst listening to the trials and tribulations of a truly wonderful group of individuals.

How about you?

Are you part of an organisation like that?

Perhaps we can help.

You know where we are.