tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8701810422851568415.post7416167096154866194..comments2024-03-26T14:10:34.668-04:00Comments on Membership Marketing Blog: Some Thoughts on an Excellent Post from Association Inc.Tony Rossellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05288238496792646049noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8701810422851568415.post-78735001508033015142008-04-22T15:27:00.000-04:002008-04-22T15:27:00.000-04:00Kare -- Thanks. I have enjoyed reading your blog....Kare -- Thanks. I have enjoyed reading your blog. There has also been a fairly extensive conversation on social networking on the ASAE membership list serv. You will see when I get my post done on trends facing associations that social networking is a huge area that will impact associations. TonyTony Rossellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05288238496792646049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8701810422851568415.post-28993963198473923922008-04-18T18:33:00.000-04:002008-04-18T18:33:00.000-04:00Even "giving feedback" is different than the new s...Even "giving feedback" is different than the new social media where a continuous, multi-directional, transparent conversation is possible - and a growing number of our members, prospective members, exhibitors/sponsors are seeking/expecting that kind of communication.<BR/><BR/>Echoing the apt Sermo (for physicians) reference cited in this community conversation, I wrote about how for-profit social media entities could steal "our" members<BR/>http://sayitbetter.typepad.com/say_it_better/2007/10/how-an-online-s.htmlKareAndersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04327818642205024157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8701810422851568415.post-35665599634361850462008-04-17T16:22:00.000-04:002008-04-17T16:22:00.000-04:00Chris -- Good points. Yes, having a feedback loop...Chris -- Good points. Yes, having a feedback loop for members is key. But serving a market also means gaining understand with those outside the membership also. What can an association do better to attract those who are not part of you? Serving a market not a product is key. TonyTony Rossellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05288238496792646049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8701810422851568415.post-1179221093692904902008-04-16T13:35:00.000-04:002008-04-16T13:35:00.000-04:00Tony,Thanks for your recap. I read this on Associ...Tony,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your recap. I read this on Association Inc.'s blog and thought it was an interesting post with good information. As I commented on the original post (which has not shown up yet), this could be recapped in three words: ‘Members, Members, Members’ - member feedback, member involvement, and member data.<BR/><BR/>As I have said before, and eluded to in my most recent blog post on <A HTTP://BEGINNINGMARKETER.BLOGSPOT.COM/2008/04/ARE-YOU-SMARTER-THAN-FIFTH-GRADER.HTML#LINKS HREF="" REL="nofollow">listening to members</A>, members enjoy giving their feedback. Find out from them what they need and focus on offering those products and services. Then get feedback from them on how you’re doing - <B>record it</B> - and periodically, re-evaluate your offerings, adjusting to the needs of the members. Members also like being part of something new – something exciting. Get them involved in your testing and ask them what they would do to make it better.<BR/><BR/><B>When members are happy with the benefits and experiences they receive from their association - when they feel they have ownership - they will talk about your association with others.</B> I could not think of a better way to promote your association’s growth than through the praises sung by satisfied members!<BR/><BR/>One thing I would add is to create an open forum between the members and moderate what is going on. Not only would this facilitate healthy discussions between the members, but would give you an idea of what they are thinking…which could be tied into the ‘Using data effectively’ part of the post.<BR/><BR/>ChrisChris Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09896011596328351980noreply@blogger.com