These directories tend to be published by associations that represent association executives, such as the 20,000-member American Society of Association Executives and its allied societies. These directories often list members alphabetically and by association. For the purposes of prospecting for associations, an organizational directory is more useful, although the personnel directory can serve as a further reference once particular associations have been identified. Another prospecting option is to access association information electronically through databases or CD-ROMs. This option permits the user to search for associations based on selected fields of information such as an association's name and acronym, keywords in the association' name, city or state, number of members, budget size, or descriptive text.
Many associations also sell their mailing lists.
SRDS is available in most larger public libraries and includes multiple listings of associations and their executives. In addition, most companies that publish directories also offer mailing lists, which are based on the directories' data. These mailing lists are ideal for companies seeking to mass-market a product or program, as opposed to targeting a narrower list of association prospects. Increased Market Share. Corporations gain the ability to target market their products and services, not just to industries or professions, but to occupations within industry sectors and specialties within professions.