No matter what business you're in -- or want to start -- there's a group for you.

Do you dream of becoming a cartoonist? There's the National Cartoonists Society. What if you want to earn a living cleaning out other people's closets? Contact the National Association of Professional Organizers. How about becoming a dog walker? Check out the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Whether you run the smallest home-based business or the largest multinational corporation, there's a group of colleagues in your specific field. Trade associations are a remarkably rich source of information, training, and even marketing opportunities.

Industry and trade associations are a great source for:

  • Education and training
  • Certification
  • Sources of data, information, and publications
  • Networking with colleagues or customers
  • Trade shows for sales and marketing
  • Organized political activity and legislative representation
  • Information on suppliers and consultants
  • Informal support and advice from colleagues

One of the best ways to use trade associations, of course, is by attending or exhibiting at trade shows. Trade shows are an effective, efficient way to market your business to a large number of motivated buyers in one place.

Another way to get ahead in your industry is to get advanced certification, which is often offered by industry or professional associations. Such certifications can make you more competitive in your field, reassure potential clients that you know your stuff, and help you find new customers.

If you're looking for information to start a new business, or to expand your current business, the first place to check is with your industry association. I'm surprised at the wealth of information and data some associations have available.

For instance, if you wanted to start a landscape business, you could find guidebooks on how to run one as well as data on operating costs and standard business forms from the American Nursery and Landscape Association.

To make it easier for you to find an association for your industry, I've compiled a list of hundreds of associations -- with Internet links -- on my web site.

Now get out there and meet your colleagues!