Trade associations are great networking opportunities for commercial real estate brokers. By becoming a member you can establish yourself as a real estate expert. This could lead to being able to provide valuable insight into the real estate world and being a real estate advisor.
For example: If you are a broker of retail space, it would benefit you to join the local Restaurant Association. This would provide you with information of possible tenants for the retail space. You build relationships with owners/franchisees that make the final decision in the site selection, and a working relationship with them could mean sales.
It is important to learn about this valuable information to be an expert in your field.