Want to maximise returns from charity races?

I found this interesting blog by Lori Rice that provides some good tips for people organising fun runs to ensure that their participants come back year after year. If you are involved in organising charity runs it is well worth reading her post "Keep Them Coming Back".

Working social media into your day

Social media is a great way to keep up with the conversations going on in your business, personal and special interest lives. However it is hard to keep up with everything as well as actually have a real life as well. I came across this article today by Summer Huggins who has some great tips on her blog on how to work social media into your work day - ... read more.

Are you making it easy for your members to volunteer?

I found an article today that really reinforces my point about how associations deal with volunteers. I recommend clicking through to read the Acronym blog entitled: Are you making it easy for your members to volunteer. I like the way it encourages more innovative solutions to create opportunities to volunteer that are quick and easy for the member - and also valuable to yourself.

Getting members engaged with your organisation

The Decision to Join research was quite clear when it said "If a resigned member can be regarded as dead, then an inactive member can be regarded as comatose". It went on to say that ad-hoc volunteering opportunities are the crucial segway between inactive and active members.

This means that if you can get your members more actively engaged with your association then they are more likely to renew. What makes this challenging is that different members will want to engage with you in different ways. Some will want to attend events while others would prefer opportunities that don't involve them leaving the house. You need to provide a variety of options to cater for all preferences.

Broadly speaking, getting members engaged is a three step process of which you are responsible for two steps. These are:

1. The association is responsible for creating opportunities for members to get involved.
2. The association is responsible for effectively communicating these opportunities to their members (in such a way that the members are fully aware of the opportunities available to them).
3. The member is responsible for taking advantage of those opportunities.

Banish the word "volunteer" from your vocabulary

I often hear associations calling on their members to volunteer. I really dislike that word a it carries the connotation that the benefit is entirely for the organisation.

When I hear "We are looking for volunteers to help out at our annual event" I'm actually hearing "We've got some work for you that will take an indeterminate amount of time ... and by the way there is a good chance you won't enjoy it".

Consider rephrasing your request. Don't ask for volunteers. Instead welcome people to "Get Involved". Then let them know:

• The positive benefits for them (learning new skills for the resume, expanding their social or business networks, etc);
• the type of work involved;
• the time committment (date, time and duration); and
• who to contact.

For example:

"Are you interested in meeting some of the most successful people in our industry? We're looking for someone to attend our annual networking event as our Member Representative. Your role will be to ensure all our new and prospective members have a great time. This is a great opportunity to expand your networks in a social environment. We are looking for someone who can spare 2 hours from 6.00 on DATE. To take advantage of this opportunity contact PERSON via EMAIL or PHONE"

More on the effect of social media on associations

I came across this article that highlighted how social media and associations can work together for growth. It's an interesting read for anyone trying to figure out how their organisations fit into the new media environment. Read: How Twitter, Facebook and others are challenging traditional groups.

Social networks are an opportunity for associations

I found an article today talking about how membership numbers in social networking tools designed for business are exploding (The Best Way To Reach Decision Makers?. Business Social Networks!). The core benefit of many business and professional associations is networking. As a prolific user of LinkedIn myself I have to say that I find it a great networking tool. I've even started a Membership Group on LinkedIn that is growing steadily.

These social networking tools are changing the landscape for associations. But it doesn't mean the end of assocations. On the contrary these tools represent a fabulous tool for vastly expanding the reach of associations. Those associations who thrive will be the ones that can capitalise on this tool and still remain financially sustainable at the same time.

Generations in the workplace

Jamie Notter is giving away free copies of his book "Generational Diversity in the Workplace" in ebook format. It talks about the generational differences and how to apply them. If you are interested in differences in the generations it is well worth a read.

Potential non-dues revenue streams

If I were to offer you a 24 carat diamond ring for $5 what would you think? My guess is you would wonder what was wrong with it. Your members will do the same thing when you offer a quality product as a ridiculously low price.If you want to create a strong, sustainable association then you need to be generating income from as many sources as possible.
Consider revenue sources such as:

• Training courses and workshops
• Conferences and trade shows
• Networking events and services
• Third party programs (such as insurance deals that give your members a discount and you an income stream)
• Online and hardcopy publications (including magazine advertising, directory listings, etc)
• Consultancy services (including industrial relations advice)
• Sales and marketing assistance
• Merchandise
• Referral fees
• Sponsorship of your events and other activities
• Advertising in your online and hardcopy publications
• Fundraising
• Grants

The key consideration when adding non-dues income streams is to ask the question – will this product or service help our members to be successful in their careers or businesses. If that link isn’t immediately obvious then you may wish to consider other services.Also, you need to leverage from each thing you do.
For example, if you run a conference you can generate income through delegate registrations, trade booths, sponsorship, sales of conference materials to those who didn’t attend, merchandise, sale of publications through a bookshop at the event, etc.

And don't forget to market your income producing products and services to non-members. It's a great way to get them engaged with your organisation with a view to becoming members. Of course, for any product or services being offered to non-members they should always be charged at a higher rate so they offer another opportunity to generate the surplus that enables you to deliver even higher levels of service!

Give em what they want or give em what they need?

Found this interesting post on the Acronym blog. It talks about the challenge of servicing members and asks the questions "Do we give them what they want or what they need". Well worth a read.

The Decision to Join Research

The Decision to Join research from the ASAE is well worth a read. For those who don't have time to read the entire report then click here to read a summary I've compiled. Everyone involved in membership should read this.

Articulating the value of membership

I wrote an article recently on "Articulating the value of membership" ...

It's often the same sad story. Some poor sucker asks "What are the benefits of membership". The association representative takes a deep breath and rattles out ... "We have a magazine, a website, an email bulletin, a conference, training and ... blah blah blah" WHO CARES!Those things by themselves mean pretty much nothing. They are just a bunch of features thrown together. Frankly, when it comes to hearing about the benefits of membership I need more information. I'm not making a donation to the organisation. I'm making an investment and I expect to see a return. That's why I join an association ... read more.

A fantastic example of how non-profits can develop a viral email campaign

I thought this was an interesting look at how a nonprofit who had never used social media before managed to achieve some great success. A good step by step case study reproduced on Mark Buzan's blog. Click here to read the article.

Support vs Sales

Brian Birch made an interesting post on the Acronym blog about how assocation management is about supporting members rather than selling membership. I thought he made some really interesting points. Click here to read the article.

The Romance has gone!

The Romance Writers Association of America has a problem - the members are revolting. The associations' failure to move with the times has hurt them badly. This is a warning sign for any associations that think that they can continue to do just the things that worked 10 years ago. Click here to read the article.

What special activity do you have underway to attract younger members?

There has been some really interesting discussion on the LinkedIn group regarding special activities that various groups have underway to attract younger members? Click here to see the discussion.

Studies Show Low Twitter Use Despite High Membership

In typical member based organisations the more engaged and active your membership is, the more likely they are to renew. Is this a sign that Twitter is in decline when we see such a significant amount of inactivity within their membership base? Read Studies Show Low Twitter Use Despite High Membership.