I think Seth needs to not be so judgmental and have a better understanding of the association marketplace. Associations typically don't have the horizontal markets (that provide the dollars) to support the initial financial investments necessary in technology, people and ... even more people and more technology to maintain a viable social media and e-marketing program. These are big costs and associations have to weigh whether or not the money for a conference or training program would be better spent on the launch and continued support of a social media program.
So many associations are taking the 'wait and see' approach and letting corporations, who have the money and in many cases the market size, to be 'early adopters. "
Here at MGI, we're lucky to have e-biz staff with corporate experience. We're taking those 'lessons learned' and effectively applying them for those associations with deeper pockets (and membership who also have deep pockets). But the costs are less than a comparable program for a corporation.
With these successes, we're bringing the prices down even further.
So, back off Seth. Association leadership have a responsibility to deliver a quality membership experience, and for the time being this may not include social media.
SMS specialises in sponsorship development and training, membership development and training, strategic planning and meeting facilitation. As part of this work they regularly undertake in-house training and speaking. Through their consultancy work they assist organisation with turnarounds, governance overhauls, research, strategic planning and general trouble shooting. You can read testimonials from clients and event delegates on the SMS website. Join the Membership Solutions LinkedIn group to interact with others in the industry.
About Belinda Busoli and Julian Moore
Belinda Moore (formerly Belinda Busoli) is a membership specialist who has assisted hundreds of not-for-profit organisations through Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America with their membership challenges.
Belinda is a professional speaker who specialises in training, motivating and up-skilling boards, staff and volunteers to improve membership performance. Known for her enthusiastic style, Belinda presents frequently for not-for-profit organisations. Belinda arrives on the platform armed with an array of topics relating to membership. Revealing insights from personal and professional experiences, she ensures that participants walk away with practical ideas and information that can immediately be applied.
Belinda is the author of the Membership Machine, Australia’s foremost guide to member recruitment and retention.
Belinda produces the monthly "The Income Generator" e-bulletin goes to over 12,000 associations, charities and other nonprofits every month.
Julian Moore is a sponsorship and business development specialist. Until 2008 he was based in Westminster at AVA Ltd where he worked as the Development Manager for a number of different nonprofit organisations including associations, chambers of commerce and sporting clubs.
His role was to assist each client to raise their profile, maximise their revenue streams and increase their surplus. Julian is keen to share his enormous success in this arena with others to enable them to achieve the same level of success for their organisations.
Julian is an engaging speaker who brings a wealth of personal experience to his presentations. He ensures that attendeses walk away with concrete tools, ideas and skills that will assist them to successfully generate funds for their organisations.
Belinda and Julian work together at Strategic Membership Solutions. They had heard about each others' successes via the association grapevine and were keen to meet in person. They were both attending the same conference in Barcelona so they arranged meet for a cup of coffee.
It was love at first sight and many hours later they were still talking over the same cup of coffee (now somewhat colder). After returning to her hotel room later that day Belinda called her mother and told her "I've met the man I'm going to marry". Luckily for them both she didn't tell Julian about that until after they were engaged!
Shortly after Julian moved to Australia and the rest is history. They both passionately love the work they do in the sector almost as much as they love each other - so working together was a foregone conclusion.
They were married in April 2010 and are now expecting their first child together in October. They live in "wedded bliss" in Brisbane with their three dogs ... as well as a large collection of lorikeets, kookaburras and other assorted native birds who have taken up residence in the backyard.
I think Seth needs to not be so judgmental and have a better understanding of the association marketplace. Associations typically don't have the horizontal markets (that provide the dollars) to support the initial financial investments necessary in technology, people and ... even more people and more technology to maintain a viable social media and e-marketing program. These are big costs and associations have to weigh whether or not the money for a conference or training program would be better spent on the launch and continued support of a social media program.
ReplyDeleteSo many associations are taking the 'wait and see' approach and letting corporations, who have the money and in many cases the market size, to be 'early adopters. "
Here at MGI, we're lucky to have e-biz staff with corporate experience. We're taking those 'lessons learned' and effectively applying them for those associations with deeper pockets (and membership who also have deep pockets). But the costs are less than a comparable program for a corporation.
With these successes, we're bringing the prices down even further.
So, back off Seth. Association leadership have a responsibility to deliver a quality membership experience, and for the time being this may not include social media.