Organizations for software developers offer an abundance of opportunities for positive exposure for your business. In addition to the usual members of the software development association, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other members of the associations for software developers, including business leaders that support the software development professional association.

Affiliation with software developer professional organizations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in organizations for software developers often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Local associations for software developers offer even more chances to network with local business leaders in your community. Approach your membership in software developer trade organizations from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through a software development team organization

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

3. Stay informed with software development organization publications

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

Develop business contacts in associations for software developers

Software development organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At software development team organization 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 software development association. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The Association of Shareware Professionals is a trade group that focuses on industry professionals and their needs. The International Game Developers Association provides networking, career enhancement and industry advocacy for members.

Demonstrate your interest by joining software developing organizations

If you want to do business with software development 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 software developer trade organizations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Information Technology Association of America is a software development association that keeps members informed about changes in the industry and in touch with their peers. Find independent business owners through the Independent Computer Consultants Association.

Keep your company in the loop with software development association 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 organizations for software developers through the myriad 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 affect software developer trade organizations industry-wide.

I recommend: Software and Information Industry Association provides tons of resources for members looking for training and news, as well providing members with networking opportunities through myriad events. The SD Forum offers newsletters and other resources for the software development team organization members.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join a committee in a software development team organization to develop closer relationships with others who could be helpful to your career and provide sources of business for your company.