Utilizing Trade Associations

Keeping up with industry news and trends is essential in running any type of business. Online resources such as LinkedIn are a great way to hear the latest buzz and connect with others in your trade, but don’t forget about traditional trade associations. In addition to connecting you with other professionals in your industry, these organizations can help you stay abreast of relevant news and policy, and sometimes offer discounts on relevant goods and services.
As the owner of a company operating in two separate industries, I belong to organizations in both. The American Moving and Storage Association  keeps me connected to the relocation world, and the Professional Insurance Association provides insight into the latest news and policy in insurance.
How do you use trade associations to improve your business? What tools do you use to network with other industry professionals?

Take Online Moving Company Reviews Lightly

As more and more people spend more time communicating online, consumer review sites have become a popular resource for choosing everything from restaurants to dry cleaners. When choosing a moving company, online reviews can be helpful, but readers should beware that those reviews may not be written by actual customers. Overly positive reviews may be written by the company's employees or publicists, while overly negative reviews may be written by that company's competitors. When searching for a moving company, take online reviews into consideration, but also look into the company's press, the size of their truck fleet, and ask as many questions as you can when you call them on the phone. Also, consulting the Better Business Bureau is a reliable way to research a company's reputation.