Do you ever feel like a little fish in a big pond – or maybe even more of an ocean – especially because the promotional products industry is so large? It can be easy to feel lost or disconnected at times. Were you encouraged to join a club or athletic team to make friends and fit in as a teenager? That same principle still applies today in the business world!
So, here are four reasons why you should join an industry association or organization:
#1 – Tap Into Knowledge
With an industry as big as ours, it’s very likely that someone somewhere has already discovered the solution to a problem you’ve been dealing with. Industry blogs, webinars, podcasts, and newsletters can help provide awesome opportunities to find the answer. Or maybe you just want to expand your mind through thought-provoking discussion? Participating in organizations like PromoKitchen will undoubtedly provide a forum for conversation.
#2 – Enhance Your Reputation
When you’re looking for a contractor, you want to make sure they are insured and bonded, right? Associations like Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), award credentials and certifications (CAS/MAS), and can help you build customer confidence in your company. Being part of an industry association shows that you’re committed to bettering your business.
#3 – Receive Exclusive Opportunities
When you join an industry association, you’ll often find that there will be exclusive opportunities just for those members. Take, for example, SAGE and PPAI’s partnership! First introduced in 2011, the SAGE and PPAI Partnership connects everything distributors need to grow and manage their business – what’s not to love about business growth? For one low membership price, you’ll gain access to not only SAGE’s impressive array of programs and tools, but you’ll get exclusive membership support from PPAI like discounts from FedEx or Quickbooks, both digital and in-personal educational opportunities, and organizational support through certification, awards, product safety, and more!
#4 – Do Some Good
Joining organizations like PromoCares allows you to participate in social good programs that your customers care about. They encourage giving back to our communities and the environment through empowerment within the industry. They promote dialogue about where the industry is excelling and where it needs to improve, and they showcase leaders in the industry and what they’re doing to make our world a better place to live. And who doesn’t want that?
Find Your Regional Association
While these are just some of the amazing industry associations and organizations across the country and Canada, check out the map below to see which association is closest to you! For more information on joining a regional association, click here!
Editors Notes: This post was originally published in February 2015 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
