Advertising organizations offer an abundance of business opportunities and positive exposure for your business. In addition to the industry members of the promotional marketing organization, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other members of the advertising association, including business leaders that support the promotional advertising organization.

Affiliation with promotional advertising associations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests, while you support the industry. Membership in a promotional marketing organization often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional promotional marketing associations offer even more chances to network with local business leaders in your community. Approach your membership in advertising promotions organizations from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through advertising organizations

2. Support the industry by participating in promotional marketing groups

3. Stay informed with advertising association publications

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

Develop business contacts in promotional marketing organizations

Promotional advertising associations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At advertising agency association events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within the advertising industry. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The Business Marketing Association draws professionals from all segments of the advertising and marketing industry together. Anyone involved in any way with the sales or distribution of promotional products should check out the Promotional Products Association International to keep up with fellow professionals in the industry.

Demonstrate your interest by joining promotional marketing associations

If you want to do business with promotional advertising and marketing professionals, you will want to show your support while building relationships with national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in advertising promotions organizations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: AAAA is the American Association of Advertising Agencies, a very large advertising association that has been serving ad industry professional since 1917. The Outdoor Advertising Association of America supports a wide array of members both in the industry and those who serve the outdoor ad sector.

Keep your company in the loop with promotional marketing organization publications

While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in promotional marketing associations through the myriad of publications they put out. By keeping up with the reports and news in the industry, you can pick and choose which events will be most beneficial for you to attend while keeping updated on changes or news that affects advertising promotions organizations industry-wide.

I recommend: The American Marketing Association has a huge library of materials for members to use as well as regular conferences and seminars when you want a more personal touch. The Word of Mouth Advertising Association has blogs and newsletters in addition to educational and news reports and an annual conference.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join committees in your promotional advertising organization to develop closer relationships with others who could provide sources of business for your company.