Posts Tagged ‘Increase Member Retention’

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Making Valuable Connections Through Twitter

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Twitter

One of the things we love about working at RCG is that we get the opportunity to meet and connect with amazing nonprofits that are making a positive difference in the lives of others. Recently we had the pleasure of “meeting” another influential nonprofit over Twitter.

Cradles to Crayons (@C2CPhilly) provides low-income and homeless children the basic essentials they need to be safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. They also set a foundation for lasting change through the meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities that they provide to thousands of youth and adults each year. Cradles to Crayons is not a client of ours, but we greatly respect the hard work they are doing to enrich the lives of deserving children. What a great way to impact a community! Connecting with them over Twitter has taught us another valuable lesson about social networking.

We do, and receive, a lot of preaching about how social networking can increase your business opportunities and resources– but a benefit that is often overlooked is the power of social networking to encourage and inspire. Connecting with Cradles to Crayons over Twitter allowed us to learn about their mission, which inspired and encouraged us in the work that we do for our clients who are also nonprofits. It’s a connection that served as a great reminder of the good in the world today, and for a few moments inspired us as we connected with the world beyond our desks.

Rottman Creative Group

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First Quarter Review for Associations

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

First Quarter Review

It’s hard to believe that we are already ending the first quarter of 2009. With all the hype from a new president to the worries over the economy, these first few months have gone by quickly. But, being aware of this and being mindful of how staying on track to achieve our annual goals is a great strength and opportunity for any organization or person to adopt.

It’s not uncommon for professionals or associations to set annual goals at the beginning of each year, but how often do they become like most other new year’s resolutions that are forgotten by Valentine’s Day? Even if you didn’t set annual goals for your association this year, you can still benefit from reviewing the first quarter. Use these prompts to help you reflect back on the first quarter of 2009 and identify successes and areas that need more attention in the coming months.

  • How many new members joined the association?
  • Are you on track to reach your annual goal?
  • How many renewed membership?
  • What is your retention rate thus far?
  • Are you on track to reach your annual goal?
  • Are you ahead or behind the game for accomplishing tasks that were scheduled to be accomplished in the first quarter?
  • What new connections with possible partners or sponsors has your association made?
  • Did you release any products/publications this quarter?
  • How much money has your association received through membership dues, donations and non-due revenues?
  • Are you on track to reach your annual goal?
  • Review the association’s spending, are you within budget?
  • What response did you receive from marketing efforts?
  • Did you receive positive feedback from communication with members?
  • What are areas that you’ve identified as successes for the first quarter of 2009?
  • What areas have you identified that need more attention, work and focus to help you reach your annual goals of 2009?
  • Are there areas of operation that you should consider outsourcing or getting assistance with?
  • How do you need to adjust your workflow, marketing, budget, plans, operation, etc. to get on track, or stay on track to achieve your annual goals?

Simply taking an hour or two to review how your association has preformed over the past few months can greatly increase your chances for having a successful 2009 as you can adjust your plan for the next 3 quarters.

Rottman Creative Group

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Fitting Social Media into Your Schedule

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Who has the time?

The most common objection we get when encouraging people to learn more about social media is, “Who has the time for that!?” But for those of us who experience the benefits of social media and networking we wonder, who doesn’t have the time! This is especially true since a recent round of Nielsen research showed that online member communities such as Twitter and Facebook have moved ahead of personal e-mail to become the fourth most popular way people spend time on the Internet (after search, portals and software applications).

Could the time you put into social media and networking give you more ROI than how you currently spend your time? To help you figure that out, here’s a list of tips to help you get the most out of social media and networking even if all you can spare is 15 minutes a day.

Listen to what people are saying about your association.

  • Get familiar with the search options on LinkedIn, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Flickr, YouTube, Wikipedia and niche blogs to see what others are saying about your association. If you can’t find conversations about your association, look for ones about similar or competing organizations. What are members saying? What do they like? Dislike? What keeps them active? What needs do they have that your association could meet?

Identify which social media/networking sites have the greatest potential.

  • After some research you will identify which sites or networks are worth your time. You will see that some are already being used by your members, and may already have conversations in which you should be participating.

Give new sites a 30-day trial.

  • If you’ve created a Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook account, or started commenting on a new niche blog, give it 30 days before you make a decision whether or not the time you are investing is giving a good return.

Add or reach out to at least one connection.

  • Make contact with at least one current or new connection on whichever social media/networking site you decide to use.

Keep notes.

  • Along the way take notes of what sites you participate in, connections you make and what results you experience.

Set a time limit and stick to it.

  • Before you dive into learning more about how social media/networking can benefit your association, decide how much time you can devote each day or week to this endeavor. Stick to that time limit for at least 30 days.

Social media and networking is growing rapidly. Leaders of associations must at least attempt to find out if their organization can benefit and increase value to their members by using these tools. Lack of time can no longer be an excuse.

Rottman Creative Group

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Managing Your Professional Relationships

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

The Missing Link to Managing Your Professional Relationships

Businesses, associations, organizations and the professionals who run them are buzzing about social media. Some have it figured out, others are full of questions. But what is clear is that the way we network is changing, and our professional relationships expanding from our address books and into social networking sites.

The most popular professional network is LinkedIn. With over 37 million members and a membership that is rapidly growing, it is the world’s largest professional network. Members can control their professional brand by showcasing talents, skills or services. They can also network and reconnect with past colleagues, business partners and classmates, while tapping into the knowledge, experience and connections of their network. The question and answer capabilities allow users to get fast, accurate information from within their network and experts worldwide. It also allows members the opportunity to build professional credibility by showcasing knowledge and expertise by answering questions.

LinkedIn’s capabilities can take associations to a whole new level of powerful, intentional networking, which can bring numerous benefits to any organization.

Increase Member Retention

Connecting thru social networking with key players of an association such as board members and senior management gives members the sense that the association is easily accessible and transparent. These are key qualities to increasing member retention and increasing member involvement.

Increase Web Presence & Traffic

LinkedIn profiles allow you to list blogs or websites with a short description about your association. This is primary information shown to all your LinkedIn connections, which can increase traffic to your association’s website since a good portion of your connections might be with people who are not familiar with your association.

Make a Good First Impression with a LinkedIn Recommendation

Any association board member or association employee will give instant visibility of your association to all their professional connections. Additionally, any relationship you start with their contacts will start with a good first impression of your non-profit – because their friend is involved.

Connect with a Younger Crowd

Many associations are looking for meaningful ways to connect with younger professionals who may be interested in membership. Young professionals are generally the early adapters of any social networking site, this includes LinkedIn. They are ahead of the curve on taking full advantage of the capabilities and open to making new connections simply through LinkedIn.

Research Potential Sponsors or Partners

LinkedIn can be utilized to gather information on any potential partner. By using the search feature along with looking for mutual connections, your association can find out vital information about potential partners or find that key introduction.

These are just a few of the benefits your association might be missing by not utilizing this growing social network. Take a few minutes this week and visit the Learning Center on LinkedIn’s website to get you started on moving your connections out of your lifeless address book and into a dynamic network that can work for you.

Rottman Creative Group

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