Let’s recap this series: First, I explored how the purpose
of an association is to bring together contributions from members to
accomplish something for those same individuals that would be more difficult to
do on their own. Second, I explored how a number of trends
are changing the external environment in which associations operate.
Finally, here are a few practical suggestions for how your association can
embrace these trends and avoid becoming obsolete:
Get familiar with the external trends that may make your current association value proposition irrelevant.
I’ve outlined four megatrends in a previous post. There are likely more that are specific to the industry or profession your association serves. A good place to start is the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Industry at a Glance and Occupational Outlook. For state associations, check with your state government on economic trends and statistics in your area. ASAE, the professional association for the association community (and, in the interest of full disclosure, my employer) also produces a wide range of research and trend reports.
Review your portfolio to assess which of your offerings help potential members do things easier.
Better yet, have someone outside your membership conduct this review and determine if your solution is enough to convince her or him to join. If an offering doesn’t pass muster, either re-engineer it or seriously consider dropping it.
Closely consider the needs of your target market to determine the greatest challenges that you can help them overcome.
What can the collective resources of your association do for members that individual members cannot do for themselves?
· How can you help employees and employers in the changing
employment environment (job tenure
decreasing, job mobility increasing, and dual-earner households increasing)?
· How can you help members’ organizations better
compete in the new global marketplace?
·
How can you help members manage time, their most
irreplaceable commodity?
Make it easy for members to get immediate quality answers and assistance.
The Ritz-Carlton famously instructed employees to anticipate guest needs such that the Ritz-Carlton experience “fulfills even unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.” Your association must do the same – meet the needs which members tell you about, and lead your members by preparing them to solve challenges proactively before they become PROBLEMS.
Prepare for the future.
Explore the business and societal trends changing the external environment in which your members operate. Begin to develop capacities in new areas to redirect and serve future needs. (An area I plan to blog about in the near future. Would love your ideas on this too!)
Keep members informed of the value you provided to them.