Association Benefits - You Get What You Give

Quite a few visitors from our website are commenting positively about our Award of Excellence and Site Certification honors. They all have asked the same question, “What is ATSI?"  ATSI (the Association of TeleServices International) is the only international trade association exclusive to the telephone answering service industry. I know many have questioned, including me, the importance of being a member of a trade association or maintaining a membership with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. Like most, I initially believed our memberships would benefit us only in promoting or marketing of our company. In actuality our company has benefited in so many other ways.

You can not simply belong to an association in order to reap a reward. You must be a true active member. Associations, especially trade associations, allow you the opportunity to communicate directly with other business owners who share the same daily challenges.  I have found that simply listening to my business associates talk about their successes and failures and sharing my own experiences stimulates creative thinking. They become the sounding boards for ideas on how to move your company in any direction. Associations also hold their members to higher standards in business management and practices.  While this may not seem like a direct benefit for your business it is a set criterion that creates a better marketplace for the consumer.

Marcy Hewlett
CEO, A Better Connection, Inc.
2008 Recipient of the Learning by Association Award - ATSI