Electrical associations offer a slew of opportunities for positive exposure for your business. In addition to members of the electrical association who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other national electrical association members, including businesses and government organizations that support the electrical group.

Affiliation with electrician associations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests, while you support the industry. Membership in electrical contractors associations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional electric associations offer even more chances to network with local business and industry leaders in your community. Use your membership in electrical associations in a number of different ways.

1. Expand your network through electrical contractors associations

2. Support the industry by participating in an electrical contractors association

3. Stand out as a leader in electric associations

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

Develop business contacts in an electrical organization

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

I recommend: The National Electrical Contractors Association helps members keep updated in the rapidly changing world of technology and other areas that affect the members. They also are a key lobbying organization for the industry. The National Association of Electrical Distributors is a big operation that offers continuing education, networking and lobbying support for the electrical industry nationwide.

Show your interest by joining electrical associations

Especially if you hope to do business with any electrical 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 electricians associations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: At the Electrical Equipment Representatives Association, you will meet others in the industry with like interests and concerns. You can join others to support the changes you undergo as well as make key business contacts. Independent Electrical Contractors’ members join together to get group insurance and educational breaks as well as recognize members with annual awards at their convention.

Set yourself up as an industry expert at electrical contractors associations

To stand out as an expert and further your own business interests, you need to be recognized by your peers. Most electric associations 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 members of the electrical group recognize.

I recommend: You can find ample opportunity through the Institution of Engineering and Technology to write expert pieces that the electrical association will share with its membership. The National Electrical Manufacturers Representative Association provides numerous opportunities to share your expertise with the members in a number of venues.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join a committee in your electrical organization to develop closer relationships with others who could be helpful to your business.