Connected Community

  • 1.  5 Things Millenials Ask for from Associations

    Posted 08-26-2014 01:00 PM
    Came across this article in Association Now's August magazine and wanted to share!

    http://associationsnow.com/2014/08/magnetic-membership-whither-millennials/

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    Dana Murn-Kohal
    Professional Development & Innovation Manager
    CUES
    Madison,WI
    608.288.5348
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    Higher Logic


  • 2.  RE: 5 Things Millenials Ask for from Associations

    Posted 08-27-2014 10:29 AM
    These 5 things might be important for millennials as individuals but for trade associations, most companies are not led by millennials.  Not that they are not important but they are rarely decision makers.  I propose a simple two part membership strategy:

    1. Engage all of the members in multiple ways.  Email blasts are lazy.  The transition to email newsletters has tricked too many associations to thinking clicking send is communicating.
    2. Listen to the members.  Survey instruments are better than ever but your phone is the best way to discuss members' needs.  Pick up the phone regularly and call members.  Similarly, get out and see members.  Over the years, I've witnessed association CEO's that never mingle with members.  They hang with board members or worst, just executive committee members.  They generally get fired sooner rather than later.  Find new members and sit with them at lunch or dinner at events.  

    Circle back to #1 all of the time, engage the members.

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    Ross Kinzler
    Executive Director
    Wisconsin Housing Alliance
    Madison WI
    (608) 255-3131
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    Original Message
    Higher Logic


  • 3.  RE: 5 Things Millenials Ask for from Associations

    Posted 08-27-2014 04:15 PM
    Those are great points too, I think a lot of industries are seeing huge turnover with their CEOs and top executives who have been in the business a long time and put off retirement due to the economic downturn. Instilling only in the top execs the value of membership doesn't necessarily translate to the rest of the organization so if the top exec retires, you're not notified, but send an invoice, there's a much higher chance for them to not renew their membership because the value hasn't been communicated to them. Communicating the value of membership directly to millennials cuts out the "middle man".

    I also wouldn't be surprised if millennials start getting more involved with associations, there's flexibility and the chance to work for cause they truly support which means less turnover!

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    Dana Murn-Kohal
    Professional Development & Innovation Manager
    CUES
    Madison,WI
    608.288.5348
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message
    Higher Logic