If you own a company in the product management industry, you would do well to partner with product management professional organizations to strengthen your business expertise and credibility. Industry organizations bring together professionals with similar goals and challenges. Members of industry organizations come from all company divisions, but all share the same objective of expanding their knowledge.

Becoming a member of the right organization opens the door to a wealth of expertise. You will be exposed to many networking opportunities, information and resources. Additionally, product management groups may also provide invaluable services that include new products, education opportunities and industry support. When looking for membership with a product management group, remember the following:

1. Make sure the association you're interested in is credible. Check the Better Business Bureau or other industry accreditations.

2. Most organizations charge fees for memberships, so make sure you’re getting your money’s worth before you pay.

3. Many product management professional associations don’t stipulate membership for certification opportunities.

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

Become a member of an accredited product manager association

Although many organizations offer information, tools and resources to non-members, you can benefit substantially from becoming a member. Membership opens the door to additional services, products and representation. Register as a business rather than as just an individual, if possible, so your employees can benefit from the membership.

I recommend: The Product Development and Management Association offers several membership options for you to choose from. The Trade Promotion Management Associates provides educational seminars and networking opportunities to their members.

Join product managers organizations that offer a full schedule of events and conferences

Events and conferences are a boon to any business. They give you an opportunity to network and share issues with industry peers. More importantly, they give your company exposure within the industry, and provide you an opportunity to further your relationships with other businesses. Try and pick organizations with nationally-recognized events.

I recommend: The American Management Association and Silicon Valley Product Management Association both provide an events calendar for educational and networking opportunities.

Find an online product management group that maintains active web forums

The forum on an industry organization's website can be a great source of support. Forums are a real-time communication opportunity. Any business with a question or concern can raise it in a forum and receive up-to-date responses from a variety of experts. Check to see that forum discussions have current activity before you join.

I recommend: AIPMM and the Boston Product Management Association both host forums, giving you the opportunity to share industry questions and concerns with experts and peers in your field.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Networking is a great business tool. Make sure you're stocked with business cards so you can market yourself and your company at the next event for product managers associations.