Sales groups are a group of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. In your city or town, it’s difficult to find peers from the sales industry who aren’t direct competitors. Sales industry organizations offer you the networking and professional relationships that you can’t find in your area.

Members of sales associations share their sales strategies and success stories. The business is changing constantly and your mission is to protect and grow your customer base. There are new challenges everyday to add more value fast, with fewer resources, and you must do all this while still maintaining profitability. Consider:

1. Using sales groups to forge relationships and grow as an individual.

2. Paying annual dues to sales organizations to cover the resources offered.

3. Membership benefits to range from events and conferences to job banks and newsletters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use state wide and national sales organizations to further your career

Sales industry organizations link career-minded professionals who are committed to resources that can advance their financial security and careers. They give you the opportunity to excel and do your personal best, while promoting partnerships and offering resources you don't get through your normal business environment.

I recommend: The National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) is a sales rep association comprised of distinguished professionals who act as leaders in the world of sales. They offer NASP certification as well as other career tools such as linking to an online job database. Electronics Representatives Association (ERA) is an international trade organization comprised of professional field representatives in the electronics industry. ERA's goal is to promote and protect the outsourced field sales function. ERA offers a tip of the month for members.

Pay annual dues to belong to sales rep organizations

Being a member of professional sales organizations shows you're serious about your career. They usually have several different membership levels, ranging in price and benefits. You have the option to choose which level matches your needs and goals.

I recommend: Join the Manufacturers' Agents National Association (MANA) if you're a manufacturing executive or representative. MANA protects the interests of sales agents and manufacturers' representatives. Fill out a registration form online and immediately gain access to sales magazines, an online directory, educational counseling, reports and surveys, newsletter and networking events. National Field Selling Association (NFSA) is a non-profit trade association aimed at enhancing the image and promoting professional excellence of the direct selling industry. To register, send an email to NFSA and they will provide you with an application form.

Choose from a number of industry benefits with professional sales organizations

Joining a sales rep association helps you develop connections through educational events and programs. You get the chance to benefit from industry news and opportunities, with access to publications, webinars and much more.

I recommend: Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI) is a sales representative association dedicated to advancing and training marketing, professional selling and sales management professionals. Member benefits include access to an online knowledge base, training, events, news and a discount toward your certification designation. Members and nonmembers alike can subscribe to SMEI's marketing newsletter and magazine. Strategic Account Management Association (SAMA) is an international association that promotes customer-supplier partnering. Benefits include access to a Knowledge Network, a personalized web page, educational resources and a peer network directory. Review upcoming webinars.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get familiar with all the benefits offered by sales training organizations. This way, you can be sure to take advantage of everything the organization offers.