I'm a big advocate of the SMA-NA (Search Marketing Association of North America). I believe it's an organization that really has the power to make change in the search industry, conduct business directly with marketers and search engines, and help our industry and our companies to become better stewards of the web, better servicers of our customers and better able to handle the myriad of issues that arise in this young industry.

This is why, today, I've joined the SMA-NA at the professional level. It's $250, but the benefits are totally worthwhile. In addition, since I'm such a believer, I'm going to put SEOmoz where my mouth is - Anyone who signs up today via this link can e-mail me with their membership confirmation and I'll put a link to your site in a blog post later this week, helping to send some link pop and maybe a few visitors your way, too. In addition, I'll throw in a link from the SOCEngine directory. Think of it as a bonus for signing up early.

Below, I've included a list of benefits the organization is planning to offer in the next 12 months:

• Networking
• Group Insurance discounts - health, dental, business, travel, auto, etc
• Discounts and special offers from other members and sponsors
• Ombudsman service between SE's and members
• Members only tools
• Members only research and information in addition to the public info we generate
• A knowledge base regarding common questions and problems
• RFP (Request for Proposal) system
• Sub-contracting brokerage
• Advocacy services
• Legal help such as pre-designed contracts
• Discounts from copyright lawyers
• International resources related to website content theft
• Market growth initiatives - ie Chamber of Commerce presentations, advertising
• Access to the services of other SMA's
• Approve/recommend content for training - ie colleges, online training centers
• Set out standard practice guidelines for business dealings, directories, etc
• Partner with like minded orgs like the AMA, ATWA, and others
• Provide news and event coverage related to the industry
• Become a member of the W3C, IEEE and so forth to represent SEO/M views
• Provide information regarding industry scam artists and con men
• Provide independent information to potential clients regarding the benefits of SEO/M
• A search engine industry mutual fund run by reputable brokerage firm
• Independent meet-and-greet functions
• Support for SIGS - city SIGs, hispanic or french SIG, copywriter SIG, etc
• A member only newsletter or (better yet) glossy magazine with news, tips etc
• Job board
• Scholarships
• Cool swag
• Press release service
• Certification
• Legislative advocacy
• Travel discounts and benefits
• Salary surveys
• Competitions and awards
• Member discounts for directories
• Opportunities to be published
• Looks good on a resume/CV
• Volunteer opportunities
• Seminars and conferences

All for only $250! And you get 2 links. Let's go, people - sign up and give this organization the power to make real changes.