‘Tis the season to give thanks for your members! Showing your members you appreciate their involvement in your organization will help them feel more connected, increasing member engagement. But did you also know that increased member appreciation can help to boost retention efforts at your association?
Show your members you care by offering benefits they actually value. Here’s how to get started.
How to increase retention by showing member appreciation through top member benefits
Give thanks for your members by offering competitive member benefits. The Community Brands 2022 Association Trends Research Study found that the top four reasons members join an association are networking prospects, job opportunities and career advancement, continuing education to earn certifications/credentials, and training courses.
Show your members you care by leveraging technology to offer these amazing member benefits:
1. Networking prospects. Your members want to make professional connections. Leverage an online community platform to boost member engagement and increase virtual connections. Utilizing an online community creates more networking opportunities for your members and also works to attract new members to your organization.
2. Job opportunities and career advancement. Members are looking for career insights and options to advance in their fields. Consider integrating your association management software (AMS) with innovative career management software that utilizes a job board, placement services, career coaches, and a career pathing resource. Prioritizing the right tech will make you an industry leader in career insights, showing members you value them and their careers.
3. Continuing education. Research shows members value continuing education opportunities where they can earn credits to receive certifications and credentials in their field. Show members you value them by investing in good tech to improve your learning program. Look for learning management software (LMS) that offers on-demand webinars, self-paced courses, and webcasts to let members effortlessly complete their next certificate or credential program.
4. Training courses. Did you know members join associations to complete training courses and professional development classes? Help your members upskill by offering an engaging training platform with interactive content, gamification elements, self-paced learning, and a diverse learner community. Offer compelling training courses at your association, and you’ll show your members you value their ongoing involvement.
