Earlier this month, while preparing for this article, I had a phone conversation with the owner of one of the companies listed in AIHA’s Consultants Listing. I contacted John (not his real name) to see if I could interview him for a post here on SynergistNOW. He was very helpful, and after exchanging a couple of emails, we arranged for a phone conversation. John has had his business for quite some time and has been listed in the Consultants Listing for almost 20 years. What stuck with me after putting down the phone was the feeling that even though John knew that being part of the Consultants Listing is good for his business, he didn’t realize its full impact.

The Consultants Listing is more than a professional version of the Yellow Pages. It’s a comprehensive platform that allows users to quickly identify, learn about, and contact the business that offers the services they need. Some business owners might believe the listing is just a huge database, where their contacts will get eaten up by the “big black data hole.” They would be mistaken. The truth is, AIHA’s listing is very beneficial, especially for small businesses. Here’s how:

1. It reaches new customers.

AIHA’s directory has become the go-to place for users who need a company or specialist to help with environmental health and safety issues. A homeowner looking to evaluate mold following a flood, a hospital administrator looking for a company that specializes in biological monitoring, an international company looking for a hazard expert—these are just a few examples of individuals who turn to the Consultants Listing. By being part of AIHA’s Consultants Listing, you maximize your visibility, thus maximizing your chances of contact by a potential customer. AIHA’s Membership and Customer Relations Department often fields calls from consumers looking for a consultant in their area to help with environmental issues. Many of these consumers are referred to AIHA by their local health department, EPA, OSHA, and NIOSH.

2. It strengthens your reputation.

The internet presents endless solutions to one’s problems. This, in turn, makes customers more cautious when choosing a service provider. A professional directory backed by a well-known organization such as AIHA is often seen as a highly reliable source for high-quality, trustworthy service providers. Being listed in AIHA’s directory elevates your business’s perceived reliability and trustworthiness. You’re not just a company with a pretty website.

3. It opens new opportunities.

Let’s say that you’ve been in business for many years. At some point, you were part of AIHA’s Consultants Listing, but now that the business has been running steadily, you’re thinking about skipping out this year. That would be a mistake. Even if you’ve been around the block a million times and retain a solid clientele, there are many more people who still don’t know about the services you provide. Being in the Consultants Listing tells users you’re still in the game, you know your stuff, and you’re eager to help them. It also provides a great opportunity to showcase the services you offer.

Still not convinced that you should renew your listing for 2019? Then take a moment to read what your peers have to say.