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Small software developers who work alone can
often experience feelings of isolation. Becoming
involved with a software organization or association
can help alleviate the isolation, while also assisting
in the growth of their businesses.
Some of the perks and benefits of being involved
in a software association include...
1. Knowledge Sharing
Organizations or associations will often have
forums, newsgroups, or other gathering places
where you can interact with other people within
the industry. Sharing experiences and knowledge
with other software developers and marketers can
save significant time and be very beneficial to
your business and products.
2. Resources
It is very common for a software organization
to develop an extensive collection of resources
that will benefit their demographic. Having these
resources in a single location can save significant
time for a small software shop.
3. Networking
The networking opportunities alone are invaluable.
Never under-estimate the value of simply being
part of an organization.
4. Inspiration
Being motivated as a small shop can often be
difficult, but you can use the organization or
association as inspiration to move forward.
5. Discounts
The power of group purchasing often leads to
significant discounts. Software organizations
and associations often negotiate discounts on
behalf of their membership. Software developers
and marketers can often get significant discounts
on development tools and marketing packages through
their membership.
6. Trade Shows
Organizations will occasionally provide their
members with a discount on exhibit booth blocks
at trade shows.
7. News Contacts
Software organizations receive queries from
the press or reporters quite often, asking to
interview software developers about specific subjects,
or in search of experts and other sources of information
for a given topic. This could parlay into a press
opportunity for organization members.
8. Referrals
Software developers will often refer clients
or customers to other members in an organization
who have a solution that their customer is looking
for.
9. Potential Partnerships or Exchanges
There are significant opportunities for organization
members to meet individuals within the organization
who have complimentary product lines. Through
these relationships, software authors can develop
deals to swap newsletters, blog post mentions,
or cross-selling opportunities.
10. Contract Work
Software organizations can also be a haven for
finding supplemental work opportunities. Successful
developers may opt to outsource projects rather
than hiring additional staff members, and will
often start seeking such resources within the
organization first.
Examples of Software Organizations:
Business
of Software Network
Association
of Shareware Professionals (ASP)
Association
of Independent Software Industry Professionals
(AISIP)
Independent
Software Developers Forum (ISDEF)
Chinese
Network of Software (CNSW)
Educational
Software Cooperative
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International
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Regional
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Software
Conferences
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Developer
101
How to Make the Most of Membership in an Association