I could have been a politician, organization, group of people, CEO, or even an association. If you have ever been inside an association during a public blunder you likely saw that it was just thoughtlessness. How to set a new tone at your association. MORE
4 Skills associations should be teaching. How do associations attract younger members? The post Is the Association Providing Enough Value to Long-Time Members? Related articles: How to engage long-time members. MORE
One of the best ways to engage members early is by ensuring they have contact with your Association’s Value Trigger Point. How do you identify your Association’s Value Trigger Point? Many times staff don’t know if their association has an Association Value Trigger Point (AVTP) or what it might be. In phone conversations, I ask 3-5 year members this question: when did you first realize the value of this association? MORE
All of these member focused indicators should tell us when the value of our offerings is not quite valuable enough and when we should make innovation a priority. If not in our data, how do we know when it is time to make innovation a priority in our association? Declining revenues. MORE
If you’re tracking what the association values and not what your audiences value, your data is likely to return false positives in looking for triggers for behavior. Associations are “elective community,” not just a series of transactions. MORE
The same goes with associations. Each association is for some professionals but not for everyone. In fact, the association is not for everyone in the profession. It is harder, but maybe more useful, to say this association is for the innovators. MORE
While online training is relatively inexpensive and high value, every other priority takes priority over sitting and watching the training available in your library. Yes, there is the element of face to face value that can’t be replicated in any other way than at conferences and events. MORE
One of the most frustrating dynamics for association staff is noticing that some members join but then never take another single action. Usually, they are fuzzy on the exact value they will get, but they do expect to get some value. How associations push new members away. MORE
At some associations, members do feel this way, and your members can feel like this too. The good news is size is not holding associations back. We become better and better at creating value and experiences they want. My sleep study illustrates the problem with association data. MORE
Member value is complex, and members are evaluating whether they are getting value from the association all the time. But the value of their benefits is not the only element they are considering. Member value is all of these elements and more. MORE
Huge associations have found that when you serve everyone, you end up helping no one. Recognizing the benefits they provided were too generic, these large associations divided their organization into smaller groups with each group serving a particular member type. MORE
And then there are the members that don’t renew because they don’t think they are getting value. As they reflect on the year they didn’t get the value they expected or they didn’t get value worth the cost of the membership. Let’s add value you might be saying. MORE
What else should the association do to support members during these extremely challenging times? This was the nagging question one association VP had. If you became the CEO of the association tomorrow what is the first thing you would focus on? MORE
Do people like me join associations like this? Is this new iPhone of value to me? If we help then answer yes, their membership is worth it, and yes, people like them join associations like this, we will keep them engaged, very engaged. MORE
The question of association value comes up over and over again. Business leaders frequently ask their representative on an association board or committee to justify the expense of their association participation. The Association Communicates Well. MORE
The not being welcomed story: this chapter/association is snobby. Not understanding the member benefits story: the association doesn’t have what I need. People like me : People like me are a part of this association. Every association has to work to get the free pass. MORE
A delightful member experience doesn’t have to flashy, highly technological, or expensive which is good because your smaller association or your chapters may not be able to afford expensive options. Who are the Stephanies in your Association? MORE
So if we see bad design, we might not stick around long enough to notice its utility and value. The better looking Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Twitter and all the other sites we visit every day are, the higher the design barrier becomes for associations. Looks matter. MORE
I wonder if this is a particularly good time to develop a mantra for the association community? Change is happening and it is happening faster and faster which puts a lot of pressure on associations. Is there a mantra that would help us move our associations ahead? MORE
Working for, consulting to and volunteering in Associations is especially rewarding when you see your peers have lightbulb moments that you know will be a defining point in their involvement. Often these come after long periods of stagnation, frustration and … Continue reading → A Dangerous Mind MORE
Ask engaged members when they realized the value of the association and many could tell you the exact moment. The moment new members understand the value of the association is the Association’s Value Trigger Point (AVTP). MORE
This post originally appeared on the Associations Now Leadership Blog on March 7, 2013. In a recent post , Associations Now blogger Joe Rominiecki shared what both he and I regard as a startling fact: 53 percent of associations surveyed in 2011 had raised their dues in the previous three years. To put it another way, during the most severe economic decline in most of our lifetimes, more than half of associations surveyed still moved forward with a dues increase. MORE
Members long in their career will rarely come to your association asking for help. They do need help, and they will find great value in whoever helps them. Related posts: Is the association providing enough value to long-time members? MORE
This post originally appeared on the Associations Now Leadership Blog on March 28, 2013. In Part I of this series earlier this month, I identified the association value gap as an underlying structural problem within membership-centric business models. Put simply, associations are unable to drive profitability solely by delivering on the membership value proposition and must find alternative ways to monetize membership to maintain their existing business models. MORE
Louis Institute for Association Leadership (STIAL) meeting got a personal look at the strategies and tactics of the Composite Engagement Score system. I really like the concept of “scoring and tracking” member engagement of your association. Those attending last week’s St. MORE
I don’t know if these exact ideas will work for every association, every member or every conference but, I do think we are starting to point in an interesting direction. Related posts: The 4 skills associations should be teaching. Particularly in my early career I divided myself. MORE
Related: Storytelling is the new association marketing. Association Marketing Member Marketing association benefits association story telling association value association value trigger point channel developing a story marketing story member benefits member marketing storytelling MORE
Innovation is a difficult strategy for any organization past the startup phase to adopt, and associations are no exception. When association executives talk about innovation, we talk about the possibility and how much more we can help members. MORE
A staff member or association member calls them and invites them to join. As a former member of another industry association, they know the value associations can provide. Members often join not knowing very much about what the association can do for them. MORE
A big opportunity: associations can help members with emotional support. Association Value Conference association conference conference conference experience events member experience professional development speakers MORE
Member Experience association value first impression member culture member experience new member offerings new membersRelated: Our members are not crazy. Why new members actually join. The most frustrating thing members do. MORE
The post Who Are the Stephanies in Your Association? Association Value Member Experience association strategy association value first impressions forward thinking member experience member value new members thoughful MORE
Building sustainable business models depends on association leaders adopting a 21st-century sensibility as they imagine and co-create new forms of value in collaboration with their stakeholder networks. The problem for associations is that the member market does not really exist. MORE
When I talk to relatively new members there is almost always a 3-5 year gap between when the member started in the profession or industry and when they actually became a member of the association. Well, solve the value equation and the rest will take care of itself. MORE
Lego Value Meal Another subject we tackled at the dinner I mentioned in a previous post was the much-reported sickness of the association value proposition. Just what is the association value proposition that is so besieged ? Associations Leadership MORE
Is the association providing enough value to long-time members? The post Help Others Matter More: Another Way Associations Can Add Value appeared first on Smooth The Path. Related posts: Making members look great! Teaching whole life skills to our members. MORE
Many association members are directors, VP’s and CEO’s. While we would never market it like this, another huge value for some associations is addressing member’s loneliness, helping members cope with loneliness and helping them find others like them so they can be less lonely. MORE
Our thoughts around value are changing. In fact, our perceptions of value are becoming more sophisticated. Some experts define value as quality + price. There’s a new definition for value. Value is one part solution, another part story, another part experience. MORE
Revealing a plan of action, that is value! Related: Two kinds of association change. Is our association important and of value? It is hard to communicate member value. Association Value association solution content member problem member value trends MORE
When I speak about a way to engage new members early in their membership by using an Association Value Trigger Point (AVTP), association professionals often ask me if their association should have just one AVTP or should we have many for our different members? MORE
Associations can reduce the anxiety caused by networking. Association Value Conference association innovation association strategy conference creative problem solving problem solving risky safeRelated: Making conference networking more inclusive. MORE
Our members would never call it that but sometimes associations provide therapy. No one understands what the job and these associated experiences are like except for colleagues like them. Related posts: The big benefit associations are not providing enough of. Therapy. MORE
Associations tend to lean toward optimizing. Learn how to avoid this trap in the newest mini-course for association professionals: If the embedded YouTube video is not working for you go directly to YouTube. Associations that only optimize are in danger of not being future focused. MORE
Association Value Related Topics Smooth The Path
MARCH 14, 2017
When I speak about a way to engage new members early in their membership by using an Association Value Trigger Point (AVTP), association professionals often ask me if their association should have just one AVTP or should we have many for our different members?
Smooth The Path
DECEMBER 4, 2016
One of the best ways to engage members early is by ensuring they have contact with your Association’s Value Trigger Point. How do you identify your Association’s Value Trigger Point? Many times staff don’t know if their association has an Association Value Trigger Point (AVTP) or what it might be. In phone conversations, I ask 3-5 year members this question: when did you first realize the value of this association?
Eric Lanke
FEBRUARY 25, 2013
Lego Value Meal Another subject we tackled at the dinner I mentioned in a previous post was the much-reported sickness of the association value proposition. Just what is the association value proposition that is so besieged ? Associations Leadership
Associations Now
MARCH 28, 2013
Building sustainable business models depends on association leaders adopting a 21st-century sensibility as they imagine and co-create new forms of value in collaboration with their stakeholder networks. The problem for associations is that the member market does not really exist.
Smooth The Path
MAY 7, 2017
At some associations, members do feel this way, and your members can feel like this too. The good news is size is not holding associations back. We become better and better at creating value and experiences they want. My sleep study illustrates the problem with association data.
Smooth The Path
MARCH 5, 2017
One of the most frustrating dynamics for association staff is noticing that some members join but then never take another single action. Usually, they are fuzzy on the exact value they will get, but they do expect to get some value. How associations push new members away.
Robert M Barnes
MARCH 14, 2012
Working for, consulting to and volunteering in Associations is especially rewarding when you see your peers have lightbulb moments that you know will be a defining point in their involvement. Often these come after long periods of stagnation, frustration and … Continue reading → A Dangerous Mind
Principled Innovation
MARCH 25, 2013
This post originally appeared on the Associations Now Leadership Blog on March 7, 2013. In a recent post , Associations Now blogger Joe Rominiecki shared what both he and I regard as a startling fact: 53 percent of associations surveyed in 2011 had raised their dues in the previous three years. To put it another way, during the most severe economic decline in most of our lifetimes, more than half of associations surveyed still moved forward with a dues increase.
Smooth The Path
JANUARY 30, 2017
A staff member or association member calls them and invites them to join. As a former member of another industry association, they know the value associations can provide. Members often join not knowing very much about what the association can do for them.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 30, 2017
Member value is complex, and members are evaluating whether they are getting value from the association all the time. But the value of their benefits is not the only element they are considering. Member value is all of these elements and more.
Smooth The Path
MARCH 16, 2017
Huge associations have found that when you serve everyone, you end up helping no one. Recognizing the benefits they provided were too generic, these large associations divided their organization into smaller groups with each group serving a particular member type.
Association Navigator
AUGUST 15, 2016
The question of association value comes up over and over again. Business leaders frequently ask their representative on an association board or committee to justify the expense of their association participation. The Association Communicates Well.
SCD Group
OCTOBER 23, 2012
Louis Institute for Association Leadership (STIAL) meeting got a personal look at the strategies and tactics of the Composite Engagement Score system. I really like the concept of “scoring and tracking” member engagement of your association. Those attending last week’s St.
Smooth The Path
FEBRUARY 9, 2016
When I talk to relatively new members there is almost always a 3-5 year gap between when the member started in the profession or industry and when they actually became a member of the association. Well, solve the value equation and the rest will take care of itself.
Smooth The Path
NOVEMBER 6, 2016
What else should the association do to support members during these extremely challenging times? This was the nagging question one association VP had. If you became the CEO of the association tomorrow what is the first thing you would focus on?
Smooth The Path
JULY 4, 2016
Many association members are directors, VP’s and CEO’s. While we would never market it like this, another huge value for some associations is addressing member’s loneliness, helping members cope with loneliness and helping them find others like them so they can be less lonely.
Smooth The Path
NOVEMBER 15, 2016
A big opportunity: associations can help members with emotional support. Association Value Conference association conference conference conference experience events member experience professional development speakers
Smooth The Path
MARCH 21, 2017
Members long in their career will rarely come to your association asking for help. They do need help, and they will find great value in whoever helps them. Related posts: Is the association providing enough value to long-time members?
Smooth The Path
NOVEMBER 27, 2016
Related: Storytelling is the new association marketing. Association Marketing Member Marketing association benefits association story telling association value association value trigger point channel developing a story marketing story member benefits member marketing storytelling
Smooth The Path
DECEMBER 16, 2015
Revealing a plan of action, that is value! Related: Two kinds of association change. Is our association important and of value? It is hard to communicate member value. Association Value association solution content member problem member value trends
Smooth The Path
JULY 14, 2016
Associations can reduce the anxiety caused by networking. Association Value Conference association innovation association strategy conference creative problem solving problem solving risky safeRelated: Making conference networking more inclusive.
Smooth The Path
MARCH 2, 2017
Innovation is a difficult strategy for any organization past the startup phase to adopt, and associations are no exception. When association executives talk about innovation, we talk about the possibility and how much more we can help members.
Smooth The Path
JUNE 28, 2017
So if we see bad design, we might not stick around long enough to notice its utility and value. The better looking Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Twitter and all the other sites we visit every day are, the higher the design barrier becomes for associations. Looks matter.
Smooth The Path
JANUARY 26, 2016
I wonder if this is a particularly good time to develop a mantra for the association community? Change is happening and it is happening faster and faster which puts a lot of pressure on associations. Is there a mantra that would help us move our associations ahead?
Smooth The Path
MARCH 29, 2017
Member Experience association value first impression member culture member experience new member offerings new membersRelated: Our members are not crazy. Why new members actually join. The most frustrating thing members do.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 10, 2016
The not being welcomed story: this chapter/association is snobby. Not understanding the member benefits story: the association doesn’t have what I need. People like me : People like me are a part of this association. Every association has to work to get the free pass.
Smooth The Path
FEBRUARY 11, 2016
And then there are the members that don’t renew because they don’t think they are getting value. As they reflect on the year they didn’t get the value they expected or they didn’t get value worth the cost of the membership. Let’s add value you might be saying.
Smooth The Path
MARCH 19, 2017
A delightful member experience doesn’t have to flashy, highly technological, or expensive which is good because your smaller association or your chapters may not be able to afford expensive options. Who are the Stephanies in your Association?
Smooth The Path
JUNE 6, 2017
The same goes with associations. Each association is for some professionals but not for everyone. In fact, the association is not for everyone in the profession. It is harder, but maybe more useful, to say this association is for the innovators.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 17, 2016
Our members would never call it that but sometimes associations provide therapy. No one understands what the job and these associated experiences are like except for colleagues like them. Related posts: The big benefit associations are not providing enough of. Therapy.
Smooth The Path
JANUARY 21, 2016
Associations tend to lean toward optimizing. Learn how to avoid this trap in the newest mini-course for association professionals: If the embedded YouTube video is not working for you go directly to YouTube. Associations that only optimize are in danger of not being future focused.
Smooth The Path
DECEMBER 6, 2016
I could have been a politician, organization, group of people, CEO, or even an association. If you have ever been inside an association during a public blunder you likely saw that it was just thoughtlessness. How to set a new tone at your association.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 26, 2016
I don’t know if these exact ideas will work for every association, every member or every conference but, I do think we are starting to point in an interesting direction. Related posts: The 4 skills associations should be teaching. Particularly in my early career I divided myself.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 14, 2016
4 Skills associations should be teaching. How do associations attract younger members? The post Is the Association Providing Enough Value to Long-Time Members? Related articles: How to engage long-time members.
Principled Innovation
APRIL 2, 2013
This post originally appeared on the Associations Now Leadership Blog on March 28, 2013. In Part I of this series earlier this month, I identified the association value gap as an underlying structural problem within membership-centric business models. Put simply, associations are unable to drive profitability solely by delivering on the membership value proposition and must find alternative ways to monetize membership to maintain their existing business models.
Smooth The Path
FEBRUARY 25, 2016
All of these member focused indicators should tell us when the value of our offerings is not quite valuable enough and when we should make innovation a priority. If not in our data, how do we know when it is time to make innovation a priority in our association? Declining revenues.
Smooth The Path
JUNE 2, 2016
Is the association providing enough value to long-time members? The post Help Others Matter More: Another Way Associations Can Add Value appeared first on Smooth The Path. Related posts: Making members look great! Teaching whole life skills to our members.
Smooth The Path
DECEMBER 13, 2016
The post Who Are the Stephanies in Your Association? Association Value Member Experience association strategy association value first impressions forward thinking member experience member value new members thoughful
Smooth The Path
MAY 10, 2016
While online training is relatively inexpensive and high value, every other priority takes priority over sitting and watching the training available in your library. Yes, there is the element of face to face value that can’t be replicated in any other way than at conferences and events.
Spark Consulting
JUNE 26, 2014
If you’re tracking what the association values and not what your audiences value, your data is likely to return false positives in looking for triggers for behavior. Associations are “elective community,” not just a series of transactions.
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