Rethink Member Communications

We’re in uncharted territory. Yet many organizations have found ways to think outside the box to keep their members informed and connected during these unprecedented times, including:

Putting the “social” in social media ahead of self-promotion. Try polls, Facebook Live events, stories, and discussion-inviting posts to keep your group engaged.

Incorporating video into your messaging. Offer tips, give a pep talk, or announce a fun promotion or contest to help get people’s minds off the barrage of bad news. (Who hasn’t tried the water bottle flip challenge?)

Facilitating member-to-member connections with an online forum for your members. It can help to create a friendly environment where everyone can be open to share ideas, information, special offers, announcements, job opportunities, and more.

 Leveraging marketing automation to build targeted email campaigns that ensure the right member receives customized information at the right time intervals. It’s an efficient way to increase your member outreach while decreasing your effort.

Allowing time for personal outreach. Technology can help you efficiently communicate with members, but do not underestimate the value of one-to-one member outreach. Association and chamber staff who personally contact members receive positive feedback and constructive ideas they may not get with an email, social media post, or newsletter. Make a point to schedule, track, and manage face-to-face and phone check-ins with members throughout the year.