Trade Associations, Are They Right for Me?

With nearly 50,000 active trade and professional associations in the United States, you can be confident that there is a trade association for you. However, with so many options to choose from, understanding the trade association (TA) landscape and being aware of your professional goals will help you find the TA to advance your career.

In this post, we explain what trade associations are and help you find which TA is right for you. We cover the benefits of joining a TA, review some dimensions to help you categorize different types of TA, lay out some questions to help you identify how a TA can advance your professional objectives, and close with some action steps to signing up for a TA.

What are Trade Associations?

Trade associations are organizations that bring together professionals from a particular industry, or sub-industry, and serve as platforms for networking, learning, and collaboration among individuals who share common interests and goals. From technology to healthcare, construction to marketing, individuals and companies join trade associations to move their careers and interests forward.

Benefits of Joining a Trade Association

TAs offer an array of benefits to members, including access to industry insights, educational resources, conferences, and workshops. TAs provide a space to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in your field. TAs listen to members and advocate for industry-specific interests, enabling you to shape the policies and regulations that affect your work.

Choosing the Right Trade Association

With the multitude of TA options available, it is helpful to start by understanding the landscape.

Business management research distinguishes trade associations in two ways: size and function. Size refers to the number of members and the resources at their disposal. Function refers to the focus they provide, internal and external, on the services they offer to members.
Trade associations can have tens, to tens of thousands of members, and address member education and industry standards or work to move government policy forward that favors their association.

There is not a one-size-fits-all TA. Even the US textile and apparel industry have 27 groups with different niches to serve different contingents.
Just remember bigger is not always better, and the best association for you depends on your professional objectives and preferences.

Your Professional Objectives

Before diving into TA membership, it’s important to think through your personal preferences and professional aspirations. Consider what you want to achieve in your career and how your association membership will help you get there. Are you looking to expand your professional network, gain leadership opportunities, stay ahead of industry trends, stay local, go global, drive change within your industry or company? Understanding your objectives will help as you begin identifying and analyzing actual TAs.

The TA that is Right for You!

With a basic understanding of the TAs landscape and your career goals, it is time to identify the associations that cater to your needs. Online databases and resources exist for exactly this purpose. Review sites like the Directory of Associations, Association Universe, and LinkedIn searching keywords to create a list of relevant industry organizations. Evaluate the resources, events, and member benefits that each association offers. Consider geography and if your hometown has a strong association chapter.

Start to narrow down your options, connect with individuals who are part of the associations on your list, ask questions to gain insights into the association’s culture, activities, and overall value. Once you’re confident in your research, take another step toward reaching your career goals and become that TAs newest member!

In Conclusion

In a landscape with nearly 50,000 active trade and professional associations, finding the right fit for you might seem like a daunting task. Once you understand the TA landscape, identify your career objectives, research your options, and connect with current members you’ll feel confident in your membership decision.

Joining a trade association opens doors to new opportunities, connections, and growth in your professional journey. So, if you’re wondering whether a trade association is right for you, the answer is yes!

Global Association Partners has the resources, capability, and experience to make your association a reality. Our team of dedicated professionals can assist you with your goals regardless of size, budget, or industry. Click this link right here to learn more about GAP and whether our services are right for you!

Sources
Point Road Group – Why Join a Professional Association? (https://pointroadgroup.com/join-professional-association/)
The “Voice of Industry”: Why Management Researchers Should Pay More Attention to Trade Associations (https://www.jstor.org/stable/26369273)
Cause IQ – Trade / Professional Associations List (https://www.causeiq.com/directory/trade-professional-associations-list/#:~:text=Trade%20%2F%20professional%20associations%20and%20chambers,have%20assets%20of%20%2459%20billion.)