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Looking to get on the radar of trade associations

Veteran

Lucas Cioffi Charlottesville, VA

Short Version:
I'm looking for advice about how to connect with trade associations that could use the software tool my team and I have built.

More Info:
Over the past two years, we've built QiqoChat http://qiqochat.com which is a tool to help trade associations (and other online communities) provide more value to their members. This is a tool which enables members to network and share knowledge efficiently.

It stands out from other tools because it specializes in realtime interaction through video chat and deeper idea exchanges through structured conversations.

Now that the product is market-ready, we've recently begun outreach via ASAE which is one great place where association professionals gather. If any of the mentors here have suggestions for how to reach out to trade associations or have contacts at trade associations who might be interested in evaluating new tools, I'd greatly appreciate the introduction.

7 January 2015 4 replies Networking

Answers

Advisor

Spencer Smith Madison, WI

Lucas -

Nice website! Your trade association networking tool looks really useful. Here's something to consider - if I'm someone working at a trade association, what kind of searches am I typing into Google - or another search engine - to find tools applicable to my organization? Said another way, instead of proactively reaching out to the associations, how would they find you? If you start adding articles to your website (via a blog) answering those questions, you'll begin to show up in Google searches.

In looking at your website, I see a lot of great stuff, and the categories (at the bottom of your page) would be easy topics to discuss. For example, you could write an article titled -

"How to harness and share leading practices for trade associations." Or, if you're targeting certain industries, you might consider -

"10 tips for sharing leading practices for CNC manufacturing companies." Or whatever industry applies.

With over 3 billion Google searches happening each day, your future trade association clients are out there searching for the help you're offering too. Sound viable?

Spencer X Smith
http://spencerXsmith.com

18 January 2015 Helpful answer

Advisor

Elizabeth Pampalone Jacksonville, FL

LOVE THIS!
I am going to give it a try, Lucas!

Thank you for sharing, I would try to use meetup to meet these people as well as check out local chapters. This is very affordable for local chapters. Here in Jax, We have several chapters of the same national organization and they both could use this. This is chamber with out the chamber. Would be great for networking groups. I run 5 and I think I could use this for all of them!
Thank you!

Advisor

Spencer Smith Madison, WI

My pleasure, Lucas. Please keep me in the loop as to your progress. Good luck!

Spence

Veteran

Lucas Cioffi Charlottesville, VA

Spencer, thanks for the very thorough response.

I like how your website encourages your clients to turn their websites into teaching tools. I have a blog and should make more of an effort to do that. I signed up for your newsletter and encourage others to do the same.

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