Associations for software makers offer a slew of opportunities for positive exposure for your business. In addition to members of the organization for software industry who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other software developers organization members, including businesses and educational institutions that support the software development organization.

Affiliation with software industry organizations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in an organization for software industry often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. A regional association for software industry offers even more chances to network with local business and industry leaders in your community. Use your membership in software professional groups in a number of different ways.

1. Expand your network through a software developers organization

2. Support the industry by participating in a software development organization

3. Stand out as a leader in software industry groups

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

Develop business contacts in software industry groups

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

I recommend: The Software and Information Industry Association is a trade group organization for software industry professionals. The Association of Independent Software Industry Professionals is a great place to meet and get to know other independent producers.

Show your interest by joining software industry councils

Especially if you hope to do business with software companies in any kind of capacity, you will want to express your support as well as meet national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in a software development organization with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: Join the International Game Developers Association to network with professionals who develop software for the booming gaming industry. The Information Technology Association of America is a trade group for IT professionals.

Set yourself up as an industry expert at a software development organization

To stand out as an expert and further your own business interests, you need to be recognized by your peers. Most software industry organizations present opportunities to impress your peers through speaking engagements, training seminars and writing opportunities. Start in a committee and volunteer to speak or write for the group until you develop a reputation that other organization for software industry members recognize.

I recommend: The Society for Software Quality offers grants for cutting-edge research and publications as well as other events to present your talents. The Association of Shareware Professionals is a trade group with networking and publishing opportunities both locally and nationally.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Send your managers and sales people to software professional groups to make sure your company is well represented throughout the industry.