How to Start Professional Trade Associations

Professional trade associations are a great way for people to network. They also participate in a wide variety of public relations activities, such as: advertising, lobbying and publishing. Usually, trade associations operate within a specific industry. For instance, people in the engineering profession would belong to a different organization than those who work in the telecommunications industry. A primary function of these organizations is to be active in the political field.

1. Recruit as many members as you can. After you have formed your trade organization, you want to work with people that have similar interest to yours. Target an entire industry so that you can attract the right audience to help build awareness of your group.

2. Raise the right amount of resources. Most startup trade associations are backed by large companies, who can provide capital to run the operation.

3. Register the organization with the IRS. Most trade associations conduct business as a non-profit organization and it is important that you understand all of the rules and regulations that coincide with running this type of business.

4. Consult with a lawyer. Make sure that you file all of the proper paperwork that is needed to incorporate your business. You can run into serious legal trouble if the necessary paperwork is not filed with the appropriate agencies.

5. Institute a code for the business to follow. This would include the mission statement and overall bylaws that you would maintain.

6. Market your organization to the right people. After the legalities have been handled, you want to focus on promoting your business. You can do this via the Internet, radio or local newspapers and magazines.