Likewise, those you meet may need assistance from you as well. I hate to tell you, but there are no secrets in this business. You know who most of your competitor's clients are and they know your clients. For me, I intentionally try not to market clients of other investigators I know and respect. Associations provide the opportunity to catch up on these issues.
Associations are a good source for lobbying to gain support for our industry.
In addition, they are a good source of flexing our muscles whenever legislation is introduced that radically effects us. One such issue currently being dealt with involves closing public records. Without our associations going to bat for us, we may loose major battles such as this. Associations provide the perfect platform for you to get better known within the industry. All of us are not speakers or authors, but you can network and you can lend assistance in other areas.