Why Joining An Association Is Good for Business

I had a great chat with two association experts this week, about why joining an association is good for your business.
What is an association? It’s a group (can be national, regional or local) that focuses specifically on your industry and consists of people/businesses just like you. You can learn best practices, gain access to industry research, salary info, marketing tips, advertising opportunities, classes, trade shows and more. Many of them have “affinity packages” which offer discounts on services such as insurance, shipping, etc
An association is not to be confused with a local chamber of commerce – an association is focused on one industry, whereas a chamber reaches out to businesses whose common ground is its locality.
Another way that joining an association can help your business grow is to look at it from a marketing perspective. For example, if your target audience is doctors, then it would be a good idea to join an association that is tailored to doctors. You can join as an “associate member,” which means that your product or service provides support that this niche needs. By networking in this group, you can be assured that there is an overwhelming supply of people who fit your criteria for a prospective client . How do you get your name out once you’re in an association? Through marketing opportunities, such as hosting a seminar, advertising in their membership directory, meetings,  trade shows, etc.
To find an association near you, go to: www.thepowerofa.org
This website sorts associations by state.
To find an association that reaches a specific target audience, try this: Google your target market + state (ie: doctors + NJ).
To listen to this segment in its entirety, Marketing Chat with Nancy Sipera, 1/15/13
Many thanks to Sue Pine and Nicolette Zuecca of Association Headquarters for such great info!
Source: www.associationheadquarters.com