Business and trade magazines that cover your field are essential reading. They'll alert you to industry trends and issues, regulatory changes, sources of supplies or new products, news about your competitors, demographic data, news of upcoming trade shows and statistics on salaries being paid in the industry and a wealth of other information that is vital for planning.

Many of these trade magazines are considered "controlled circulation" publications. That means they will be delivered to your office free if you appear to be a qualified buyer of the products and services advertised in the publications. To prove you are qualified, you'll have to fill out a lengthy application form that will have multiple choice options for indicating your job function in your company, the type of equipment and products you are responsible for buying or specifying, the dollar amount or number of various types of products you purchase during the year, and other similar information. One tip: if your home is your office, and the subscription card asks if this is a home or business address, check off business. Otherwise you might not qualify for the free subscription.

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