Consumer electronics 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 consumer electronics groups who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other consumer electronics group members, including those who support the consumer electronics industry.

Affiliation with consumer electronics councils provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in consumer electronics professional organizations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional consumer electronics organizations offer even more opportunities to network with local business leaders in your community. Try a variety of methods to best utilize your membership in organizations for consumer electronics professionals.

1. Broaden your network through consumer electronics associations

2. Support the industry by participating in consumer electronics councils

3. Stay informed with consumer electronics organization publications

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

Develop business contacts in consumer electronics groups

Consumer electronics professional organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At consumer electronics association events as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you'll have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within the groups for consumer electronics professionals. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: More than 2,200 members from a number of different consumer electronics affiliations form the Consumer Electronics Association. The Business Technology Association serves dealers, manufacturers and retailers from all kinds of consumer electronics groups.

Demonstrate your interest by joining associations for consumer electronics professionals

If you want to do business with consumer electronics professionals and those who serve the industry, 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 groups for consumer electronics professionals with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association is a consumer electronics professional organization that supports the home theater boom. The Electronics Industry Alliance represents providers of electronics and IT products and services.

Keep your company in the loop with publications from consumer electronics groups

While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in consumer electronics professional organizations 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 consumer electronics organizations.

I recommend: The AeA is the American Electronics Association, one of the largest consumer electronics organizations with archives and resource publications that cover everything from new technology to laws and regulations. Through magazines, white papers and other informative guides, you can stay tuned in to the industry at the Electronics Representative Association International.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join a fundraising or public relations committee in your consumer electronics association to develop closer relationships with others who could prove helpful to your business.