Day 29: Associations

Joining trade associations can give your business a bit of credibility. It is also an opportunity to network with others in your field — exchange ideas, learn, and form strategic alliances. It works on Survivor, and it works in the real world.

Today, I joined the International Webmaster’s Association. The IWA is the first such organization I have joined. I started with them for a few reasons: membership is free, they have local chapters, and their page validates.

The Oklahoma City chapter of IWA seems to be defunct, so this could be a good opportunity for us. If we can get permission to establish a new chapter, we can take a leadership role among area web designers.

Other organizations to consider:

• World Organization of Webmasters
• Association of Internet Professionals