Commercial real estate trade associations offer invaluable tools to help agents and brokers network, gain industry insight, share tricks of the trade and, most importantly, gain contacts that can potentially translate into sales leads. Commercial real estate professional organizations also provide industry professionals with the opportunity to advance their education and knowledge.

Many commercial real estate orgs offer educational opportunities via seminars, classes, workshops and luncheons to learn about what is going on locally and nationally in regard to the market, technology and the industry as a whole. If you wish to benefit from what commercial real estate associations provide educationally, consider the following ways to take advantage of commercial real estate organizations education and training offerings:

1. Expand your professional network by attending events sponsored commercial real estate professional associations.

2. Get industry know-how by attending a seminar or two offered by a commercial real estate trade association.

3. Keep up with commercial real estate trade organizations' happenings and industry news via online blogs.

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

Network by attending events sponsored by commercial real estate professional organizations

Many organizations are recognized as being 'people-friendly,' which means a primary goal is to offer professional networking opportunities. Networking often happens over luncheons, dinners, cocktails, golfing and even organization-sponsored fundraising events.

I recommend: AIR Commercial Real Estate Association's events include an annual dinner and golfing event and a quarterly networking social. CREW-Atlanta (Commercial Real Estate for Women) holds ladies-only networking and professional development opportunities including monthly luncheons, social events and fundraising galas.

Gain industry know-how via a seminar offered by a commercial real estate trade association

Many commercial real estate professional organizations offer educational seminars and courses to enhance industry knowledge. Many of these courses include educational information about pressing issues, new technologies and even industry trends that change from year to year.

I recommend: The Appraisal Foundation offers several courses related to real estate appraisal standards. The Appraisal Institute's website lists a number of educational opportunities, including a Commercial Appraisal Engagement and Review seminar for bankers and appraisers.

Read online blogs to keep up on commercial real estate orgs happenings

Online blogs are a great way to get up-to-the-minute news and/or opinions that can help professionals keep their 'fingers on the pulse,' in regard to the commercial real estate industry. Many of these blogs are authored by commercial real estate agents and brokers -- and it is likely you and your co-workers can identify with many of the topics and issues discussed.

I recommend: The Square Feet Commercial Real Estate Blog offers industry news. Brokered - Thoughts on NYC Commercial Real Estate is a blog dedicated to New York City happenings in the commercial real estate industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Subscribe to industry trade publications that are available online or in print from commercial real estate organizations to learn about trends and issues that can impact your business. Consider subscribing to more than one since the focus of each association may differ slightly.

Commercial real estate professional associations represent and promote developers and property managers. They offer lifelong learning and professional development. Members have access to educational tools as well as industry news that they don’t get in their day-to-day profession. Real estate organizations help you deal with the complex challenges of delivering quality service, integrating new technology, streamlining operations and innovating business strategies.

Commercial real estate professional organizations offer professionals what they need to achieve new heights in the business. Members have access to networking opportunities that bring together a cross-section of real estate practitioners, educational courses and conferences, research publications, online business resources and course discounts. When considering a commercial real estate organization:

1. Join commercial real estate professional organizations to network with other professionals.

2. Pay annual dues to commercial real estate organizations.

3. Expect benefits to range from professional discounts to an increase in personal knowledge.

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

Use a commercial real estate trade association to network and develop your professional skills

Real estate organizations run the gamut from local groups to international associations. All have one goal: to further the commercial real estate industry. They offer members valuable resources and relationships.

I recommend: CCIM Institute is the most respected commercial real estate trade association. Membership gets you access to online business services, educational and networking resources in the industry. You must take a course before registering with the CCIM Institute. You can also pay your membership dues online. Join the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB) if you're a broker, manager or owner. CRB is an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. Take online courses to further your career.

Pay annual dues to join commercial real estate associations

Dues to commercial real estate professional associations vary depending on the group and the membership level you choose. There may also be additional fees for events, conferences, literature and other services.

I recommend: The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is a real estate professional organization made up of asset and property managers. Members must meet strict criteria in the areas of ethics, education and experience. IREM educates real estate managers, serves as an advocate and certifies managers' professionalism. Join IREM as a certified property manager (CPM), CPM candidate, associate, accredited residential manager or accredited commercial manager. The SOCIETY OF INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE REALTORS (SIOR) gives members the SIOR certification which is a professional symbol of achievement, production, knowledge and ethics. Membership dues range from a few hundred dollars to about $1000.

Benefit from joining commercial real estate orgs personally and professionally

Commercial real estate associations provide you with education with an edge. You have access to resources that many of your peers don't have. Member benefits typically include access to a membership directory, publications, events, forums and discounts.

I recommend: Join Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) and gain access to homebuyer toolkits and the official REBAC logo. The real estate professional association is the world's largest association that focuses on the real estate buyer. Other benefits keep you on top of legislative and legal issues and marketing trends. There are also publications, events and networking opportunities. The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) is a group aimed at leading real property advisors. Member benefits include education, contacts, designations, strategic alliance and access to a membership directory. Complete the membership application to join.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use commercial real estate orgs to their fullest potential. Take advantage of online forums and chat rooms to increase your networking opportunities.