Why join business associations?

The first port of call for many businesses is to join business association, membership of a professional organisation could be prerequisite for their sector, often it can be simply that the business owners see the association as an opportunity to 'network'.

Over the last decade there has been an ever increasing number of new business associations setting up. For 'startups' there are considerable benefits to belonging to a association, membership can provide confidence to customer base, many associations will offer packages with membership, such as legal advice, training programmes, seminars, conferences, and, discounted commercial insurance for example.

Also some associations will give you the membership lists, having this list of business contacts gives you the advantage of being able to send letter, or email introducing your business, perhaps offering to subcontract to established companies in your area.

Google Directory Business Associations
A Google website that is a directory of business associations.

Yahoo! Directory Trade Associations
A Yahoo! website that is a directory of business-related associations around the world.

ChiFF.com
Chiff.com is a place where owners can get online without having to spend a lot of time and money. We provide an Web site you can update as often as you need to. Your Web site can be found by category, ZIP or Post code, city, town... local search will work on Chiff.com.

The Internet Public Library - Business Directories
The Internet Public Library is a public service organization and a learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan School of Information. It provides online directories for many different areas.

International Business Forum
The International Business Forum provides information about business opportunities in the international marketplace. It is intended for companies wishing to export or expand into foreign markets as well as for those interested to acquire products and services from other countries.