What credentials or affiliations do you list in your marketing to build credibility? I'm a member of AAUBA obviously but are there other certifications or associations that prospects care about?
Social Proof: Awards, Certifications, Associations
I list AAUBA membership, CEM (Certified Energy Manager) certification, and membership in our state's commercial real estate association. The CEM is the only one prospects ever ask about - it signals that I have formal training in energy systems, not just billing review. Worth getting if you don't have it.
IFMA associate membership is a good one if you're targeting facility managers. It shows you're part of their world, not just some outsider trying to sell them something. Same with BOMA.
The honest truth is most clients don't care about credentials - they care about results. But credentials help get your foot in the door, especially with larger organizations that have vendor qualification processes. AAUBA membership, CEM, and relevant industry associations are the big three. Put them in your email signature, on your website, and on your LinkedIn profile. They work as background credibility even if nobody explicitly asks about them.