Just a few years ago, business executives carried around their association's printed directory in an effort to keep in contact with others for business opportunities. However, with today's average executive moving, changing phone numbers and switching jobs so often, the advent of the Internet gave birth to a new way to stay in touch - online membership directories.

Online directories help members contact each other through information that is always easy to find, easy to use and easy to update. However, this requires members to be in front of a computer.

With an increasing number of executives moving out of the office and relying on wireless devices, many associations have begun to take the next step in the evolving world of member interaction - offering wireless access to their membership directory. This will allow members to access the directory from their cell phone, palm pilot or other hand-held device.

"On average, our members are not near a computer 90 percent of the day," said Carol Van Gorp, Vice-President of the Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches (RAGMB). "Realtors are always trying to contact each other to find the perfect location for their client to live or run their business. About 75 percent of our members already have a palm-pilot so it just made sense to make our directory available in a wireless format."

The RAGMB took advantage of an offering from their directory vendor to provide such access to their directory. In doing so, their members can now download the directory to their cell phone or palm pilot as often as they would like. This ensures they always have the most up to date information available.

While still a developing service, wireless directory technology will soon offer many new benefits. Soon, members will also be able to update their profile and even send e-mails and faxes from these devices.

"With over 1,000 new associations forming each year, we recognize that competition for membership is growing," said Van Gorp. "By offering the most to our members, we maintain a competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting and retaining members."

Thomas Howard is president of MemberClicks. For more information on the MemberClicks wireless directory, please call (800) 914-2441 or visit www.mc2go.com.