Sales associations are a great resource for networking, referrals, job opportunities, and sales training. If nothing else, it's nice to mingle with other people who understand the job because they do it too.
SMEI – Sales & Marketing Professional Association
One of the largest and most prestigious sales associations. They have several chapters throughout the USA and Canada, and a few international chapters as well. Salespeople who aren't located in one of their existing chapters can join an “e-chapter.” Membership costs $200 per year and grants access to members-only resources. They also offer certification programs for sales and marketing.
The Sales Association
They are another large sales association, claiming almost 200,000 members worldwide. Membership is $154 per year or $12.95 per month, and when you sign up you receive coupons to association webinars and other events. They have a mentor program and a members-only job board.
National Association of Sales Professionals
An association for “influencers” (salespeople, marketing professionals, entrepreneurs) that provides the ubiquitous networking and training opportunities. They also have a Seller Style Assessment tool that, if nothing else, is fun to take. Membership is free, and they offer a 6-week online certification course that costs $395.
Sales Lead Management Association
This association is dedicated to lead generation and lead management. Membership is free (how can you beat that?) and they have tons of sales training resources. They also have an “Ask the Experts” program that lets you email your question to an expert in a given sales subject.
The Sales Management Association
That's right, sales managers have an association too. Like the other associations, they offer sales training resources, networking events, and a job board. They also have a members-only group on LinkedIn to facilitate networking within the association. Membership costs $450 per year – discounts are available for groups.
Dozens of other sales associations exist to serve salespeople in specific industries. If you're in hospitality sales, technical sales, direct selling, pharmaceutical sales, or even confectionery sales, there's a sales association for you.
