INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
Here is another way to look for gaps in your association’s value proposition. Some associations focus heavily on personal success but not at all on team success or success for the industry or profession. Why long-time members are reluctant to leave your association. 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
” This happens all the time in association leadership because we are coming at everything with a different perspective than our members. ” “Every year my membership is becoming less of value,” thinks a member. He should be grateful. MORE
How can your association help members when they are at their most fragile? Related: The real value of associations for members. Who are the Stephanies in your association? Big opportunity: associations can help members with emotional support. MORE
Philip Tedesco, CEO of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors , noticed that when they got the Past Presidents’ Council together with the Young Professionals Network, there was more than just a one-way dialogue. New members can bring value to the relationship too. MORE
Their level of engagement depends on all the other competing demands on their time and attention as well as the perceived value of increasing their engagement. In recent interviews with association executives, many said how they define member engagement depends on the individual member. MORE
What makes an association great in the eyes of members? The value of my membership is bigger than the cost of my money and time. The value of my membership is apparent. The association keeps me informed and helps me connect to the right people. MORE
”, an association CEO and big thinker in our industry asked me yesterday. Many indicators point to a member engagement problem for associations. But I do see some association professionals addressing the member engagement problem for their organization. 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
Which means that 70 to 90 percent of our members do not experience one of the top benefits the association has to offer. Instead, let’s talk about how we get a conference-like value to members who never attend. And Association Success is gearing up for SURGE Spring 2018. 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
Over on Association Success, my friend Arianna Rehak crowd-sourced a great idea (here is her post). So in a very unscientific way, I tallied all of these discussions in my mind, and these are the most impactful articles of 2017: Is It Day 1 or Day 2 for Associations? 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
Sometimes we have to tell people things we do not think we should have to say to them: The vibrant association is dynamic because members like you tell professionals like you all about the association. There is a lot of value in your membership, here let me show you. MORE
Once associations start following that rule, they are able to engage younger members with ease. Why Associations Routinely Break the Halfway Rule. Many associations do not honor The Halfway Rule in the eyes of our new and younger members. 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
Who are the Stephanies in your association? Member Engagement association value association value trigger point attendee engagement creating a member experience delivering value engaged members member engagement member experiences membership value perception of value 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
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
” Incoming association boards and staff often leap to this conclusion too. Most association’s awareness problems are member engagement problems in disguise. Improve your value and deliver exceptional experiences to improve engagement. 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
If I were to build an association, I would pull the most significant insights from all of the research I have conducted. Here is what I would focus on as I created my dream association. One of the core staff values would be to be intensely member-focused. 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
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
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
Email is ridiculously important to the health of our association because at most associations email is by far the most used channel to communicate with our members. Show first-time readers (prospective and new members) that they do not want to ignore the association’s emails. MORE
Shaming around professional development is unthinkable to many of us but, some professionals say it happens at their organizations and this is a problem association can solve. When associations offer soft skill training (i.e., 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
On paper, your association has an organizational-type membership structure. This single individual makes the determination to renew based on the value they, themselves get from the association. Why long-time members are reluctant to leave your association. 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
They say there’s a lack of value for them. The association is not covering topics they care about or the issues that apply to them at their level. They say the association is getting stale. They fondly recall the value they once received. 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
Much more often members do not know a thing about the association when they join. Myth #2: Members Join for the Value. These may be the reasons some members join sometimes, but overwhelmingly members do not join for the value. Do not get me wrong; value is critically important. MORE
What is the real value of associations for members? I have heard members say, “I felt very uncertain, even scared, about taking the next step in my career but, the association helped me be confident.” ” I feel valued. . 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
A professor, a manager, a peer, or someone they respect recommended the association to them. “I am a physician, and because I’m a physician, I joined the physician’s association.” Your association might as well solve them. MORE
If you work for an association where membership is required or an association with a 98% retention rate and no competition, your association might be able to get away with a bit of friction. Related: Association trend watch: member experiences. MORE
Association Value Related Topics Smooth The Path
AUGUST 6, 2018
Here is another way to look for gaps in your association’s value proposition. Some associations focus heavily on personal success but not at all on team success or success for the industry or profession. Why long-time members are reluctant to leave your association.
Smooth The Path
JULY 24, 2018
Shaming around professional development is unthinkable to many of us but, some professionals say it happens at their organizations and this is a problem association can solve. When associations offer soft skill training (i.e.,
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
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?
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.
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.
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
NOVEMBER 6, 2018
Sometimes we have to tell people things we do not think we should have to say to them: The vibrant association is dynamic because members like you tell professionals like you all about the association. There is a lot of value in your membership, here let me show you.
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
JANUARY 2, 2018
Over on Association Success, my friend Arianna Rehak crowd-sourced a great idea (here is her post). So in a very unscientific way, I tallied all of these discussions in my mind, and these are the most impactful articles of 2017: Is It Day 1 or Day 2 for Associations?
Smooth The Path
OCTOBER 11, 2018
What is the real value of associations for members? I have heard members say, “I felt very uncertain, even scared, about taking the next step in my career but, the association helped me be confident.” ” I feel valued. .
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 7, 2017
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).
Smooth The Path
JUNE 19, 2018
On paper, your association has an organizational-type membership structure. This single individual makes the determination to renew based on the value they, themselves get from the association. Why long-time members are reluctant to leave your association.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 23, 2017
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.
Smooth The Path
AUGUST 23, 2017
”, an association CEO and big thinker in our industry asked me yesterday. Many indicators point to a member engagement problem for associations. But I do see some association professionals addressing the member engagement problem for their organization.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 12, 2018
If you work for an association where membership is required or an association with a 98% retention rate and no competition, your association might be able to get away with a bit of friction. Related: Association trend watch: member experiences.
Smooth The Path
JUNE 21, 2018
Philip Tedesco, CEO of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors , noticed that when they got the Past Presidents’ Council together with the Young Professionals Network, there was more than just a one-way dialogue. New members can bring value to the relationship too.
Smooth The Path
MAY 11, 2017
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.
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
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
AUGUST 9, 2017
Who are the Stephanies in your association? Member Engagement association value association value trigger point attendee engagement creating a member experience delivering value engaged members member engagement member experiences membership value perception of value
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.
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
NOVEMBER 20, 2018
” Incoming association boards and staff often leap to this conclusion too. Most association’s awareness problems are member engagement problems in disguise. Improve your value and deliver exceptional experiences to improve engagement.
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.
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.
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.
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
OCTOBER 16, 2018
How can your association help members when they are at their most fragile? Related: The real value of associations for members. Who are the Stephanies in your association? Big opportunity: associations can help members with emotional support.
Smooth The Path
APRIL 17, 2018
Email is ridiculously important to the health of our association because at most associations email is by far the most used channel to communicate with our members. Show first-time readers (prospective and new members) that they do not want to ignore the association’s emails.
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
OCTOBER 4, 2017
Once associations start following that rule, they are able to engage younger members with ease. Why Associations Routinely Break the Halfway Rule. Many associations do not honor The Halfway Rule in the eyes of our new and younger members.
Smooth The Path
FEBRUARY 15, 2018
Much more often members do not know a thing about the association when they join. Myth #2: Members Join for the Value. These may be the reasons some members join sometimes, but overwhelmingly members do not join for the value. Do not get me wrong; value is critically important.
Smooth The Path
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
Their level of engagement depends on all the other competing demands on their time and attention as well as the perceived value of increasing their engagement. In recent interviews with association executives, many said how they define member engagement depends on the individual member.
Smooth The Path
JULY 26, 2018
If I were to build an association, I would pull the most significant insights from all of the research I have conducted. Here is what I would focus on as I created my dream association. One of the core staff values would be to be intensely member-focused.
Smooth The Path
MARCH 15, 2018
A professor, a manager, a peer, or someone they respect recommended the association to them. “I am a physician, and because I’m a physician, I joined the physician’s association.” Your association might as well solve them.
Smooth The Path
MAY 3, 2018
” This happens all the time in association leadership because we are coming at everything with a different perspective than our members. ” “Every year my membership is becoming less of value,” thinks a member. He should be grateful.
Smooth The Path
FEBRUARY 27, 2018
Which means that 70 to 90 percent of our members do not experience one of the top benefits the association has to offer. Instead, let’s talk about how we get a conference-like value to members who never attend. And Association Success is gearing up for SURGE Spring 2018.
Smooth The Path
MAY 22, 2018
They say there’s a lack of value for them. The association is not covering topics they care about or the issues that apply to them at their level. They say the association is getting stale. They fondly recall the value they once received.
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
SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
What makes an association great in the eyes of members? The value of my membership is bigger than the cost of my money and time. The value of my membership is apparent. The association keeps me informed and helps me connect to the right people.
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