Construction associations offer a slew of opportunities to put your business in position to receive positive recognition and increase sales. In addition to the members of the real estate association who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other real estate organization members, including those in businesses that support the industry.

Affiliation with real estate associations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in construction organizations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional real estate organizations offer even more opportunities to network with local business and industry leaders in your community. Approach your membership in construction industry organizations for employee development from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through construction associations

2. Support the industry by participating in real estate associations

3. Stay informed with construction association publications

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

Develop business contacts in construction organizations

Real estate and construction organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At real estate and construction 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 construction association. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: Professional Women in Construction is a non-profit construction association that serves the growing number of women in the industry. The American Subcontractors Association has been representing suppliers and subs in the construction industry since 1966.

Demonstrate your interest by joining real estate organizations

If you want to do business with construction organization professionals in any kind of capacity, 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 real estate organizations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: Associated Builders and Contractors provides members discounts and sales opportunities as well as networking opportunities. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association helps to set industry standards while keeping members informed of changes in the industry.

Keep your company in the loop with publications from construction associations

While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in real estate associations 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 affects real estate organizations.

I recommend: Join the American Council for Construction Education to stay in the loop and get information and job opening news on a regular basis. The American Institute of Constructors offers many local chapters, education and networking opportunities for members of the construction industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join committees in construction organizations to develop closer relationships with others who could prove helpful to your business.