Member Engagement

More tricks and tips for association new-member onboarding planning. SET A BUDGET. Statistics show that it costs 7x more to obtain a new member than to retain a current one, and that first-year members have the lowest renewal rates. New-member onboarding is a process that is clearly worth investing in, and with some planning and organization, it will make a big difference in an association’s success. The above-referenced research shows that organizations that earmark as little as 1% of their […]

As we continue through 2024, the demand for authentic brand-to-consumer connections continues to grow. Online communities have emerged as powerful platforms for fostering these relationships, offering a space for engagement, feedback, and loyalty building. For brands looking to make a mark this year, understanding the nuances of creating and managing online communities is key. Here are some best practices to consider if your brand is aiming to cultivate a vibrant, engaged online community this year: Define Clear Objectives and Values […]

In this installment of our blog series, 6 Proven Ways Associations Improved Member Engagement, we explore the different communications tactics used by associations successfully engaging their members. Some of the tactics are simple to employ right away, others may require some strategic planning, while a few may need to be included in next year’s budget. Regardless, associations know that member engagement is key to retention, which (should) allow more time for association new-member recruitment. All of which equals association growth. How […]

“The difficult people who we encounter can be our greatest teachers.” ~ Eileen Anglin Managing your emotional intelligence is the key to diffusing uncomfortable situations with association co-workers, members, and board members. Use the tips featured in the third of our 4-part blog series, How to Deal with Challenging Members, to help you stay in control while reducing stress in the process. REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL Avoid confrontations in front of others and resist the urge to complain to others about your […]

What story is your association telling with its social media posts? Does your story resonate with your target market? Is it reaching your members? Or is it rendering your message effectively invisible, hidden in plain sight? Get 30 more quick and easy ideas for social media posts for your association now » Recognize that everything you do tells a story. If someone dresses shabbily, it tells a story about them. If an organization is mainly self-promoting, that may tell their […]

How to differentiate your chamber or association’s advertising offerings from sponsorship opportunities.

Membership expert, Frank Kenny, explains three of the hottest member benefits trends out there. While individual membership benefits depend largely on your type of association, you can use these membership trends for some brainstorming. Members expect a lot these days. Simply offering networking events is not enough. Members are able to do things on their own that they couldn’t decades ago like bypassing gatekeepers in order to get to know people on the other side of the country or world. […]

Hosting a physical conference, event, meeting, etc. can be challenging for many associations. With the technology available today, associations can reap the benefits of hosting their own conferences…virtually. Virtual conferences can offer: Member education An excellent marketing tool Networking opportunities for members (and presenters) Virtual vendor “booths” and sponsors for partnership inclusion Continuing education credits for certifications Coverage of broad subject matter (along with a deeper dive through individual workshops or programs) Here are 4 reasons to consider hosting a […]

There are a number of trends impacting the association industry. One of the top growth challenges mentioned is attracting young professionals. Regardless of size, budget, or mission, associations continue to struggle with ideas to engage 20-somethings. While there is not a singular answer to the challenge, even the simplest of ideas are worth trying, right? We put on our thinking caps and came up with a list of fun activities to incorporate into events geared toward your young professional members […]

In an article recently featured in Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine, GrowthZone Association Management Software explored benefits that attract young professional members to join associations. This demographic has high expectations for their association memberships; with the influx of millennials and Gen Z into the workspace, associations must continue to manage their offerings carefully. Providing association benefits that young professionals really want is critical. But more importantly, communicating these association benefits is key. Of all the benefits associations should promote in […]

A new-member welcome wmail is categorized as a “triggered” email that is generated when there is a meaningful change or event in a prospect’s behavior or profile. In this case, when a new member joins an organization. Triggered emails are different from and more effective than BAU (‘business-as-usual’) emails. A welcome email is a new member’s first exposure to the voice of an organization – and it’s the singular chance to set the tone. 3 ‘musts’ for an effective welcome […]

An association’s member onboarding program is the ideal litmus test for gauging success in member engagement. Many say onboarding is the foundation on which member engagement is built. The key to building a successful foundation is to regularly evaluate what is (and isn’t) working and make adjustments based on the evaluation. Quick tips for gauging onboarding success: ASK FOR FEEDBACK. Is the association meeting the new member’s expectations? Fingers crossed, maybe even exceeding their expectations? The answers will guide you […]