Holicent
VIP Contributor
Trade associations are excellent sources of information, networking and professional development. They can help you connect with other businesses and keep up with the latest trends in your industry, but only if you have a good relationship with the organization. If you're looking to work with a trade association or join one, here are three tips for maintaining a good business relationship:
Follow their rules and policies. Trade associations have rules and policies that govern how members interact with each other, including how they must behave at events and meetings. If
you are asked to do something, do it. For example, if they request that members use the official hashtags for social media posts about an event, make sure you comply. If they don't want vendors selling products at an event, don't sell anything there. The last thing you want is for someone to get mad at you because you didn't follow their rules or policies!
Don't be late paying dues or fees . If your membership has an expiration date or renewal date (like most do), pay on time so that your membership doesn't lapse. If it does lapse, there's no guarantee that the organization will let you back in without paying a hefty fee as well.
Follow their rules and policies. Trade associations have rules and policies that govern how members interact with each other, including how they must behave at events and meetings. If
you are asked to do something, do it. For example, if they request that members use the official hashtags for social media posts about an event, make sure you comply. If they don't want vendors selling products at an event, don't sell anything there. The last thing you want is for someone to get mad at you because you didn't follow their rules or policies!
Don't be late paying dues or fees . If your membership has an expiration date or renewal date (like most do), pay on time so that your membership doesn't lapse. If it does lapse, there's no guarantee that the organization will let you back in without paying a hefty fee as well.