Eight
ways to use the internet to enlighten members 24 hours a day
With
an on-line version of your association, you can keep your members better
informed than ever before, and be able to offer a whole new range of
benefits. Start with some of these possibilities.
1. Make all your information available on-line
Members can get information--from your site and others linked to it,
register for conferences, order products, or offer suggestions and comments--at
their convenience.
2. Put members in touch with staff experts
Create a question and answer section, with an e-mail question form and
addresses for each of your experts. A member's questions can be sent
directly to the right one, who can send an informed--and fast--answer
back to the member by posting it in the Q&A section, or directly to
the member by e-mail, fax, telephone call, or letter.
3. Set up a bulletin board
Give members a place to post ideas, experiences, and suggestions that
may be of help to other members. Those looking for hard-to-find answers
could put their questions there, too. A website bulletin board creates
a whole new channel for association networking!
4. Create an association library
Start by putting your no-charge publications on-line. Add links to other
websites covering topics of interest to members, on-line magazines,
and other organizations. You can even link to Congress for detailed
information on pending legislation that will affect your association.
There are several helpful directories, like Yahoo,
on the Web to guide you to appropriate sites.
5. Give your members more political clout
Provide updates to members on pending legislation that affects your
association--and e-mail screens so members can immediately send their
concerns right to Capitol Hill. You can also link up electronically
with other groups who share your concerns. Be sure to keep a "press-package"
on file, with press releases and association information that reporters
can easily access.
6. Make it easier for members to get involved
Allow members to vote on association legislation and in annual elections
electronically. You can also provide forums on significant issues, and
encourage members to contribute their views.
7. Sell association publications on-line
Give your members immediate access to the information you offer. Instead
of waiting weeks for it, some members will want the competitive advantage
of finding out what's happening as it happens. Offer electronic subscriptions
to current publications, too.
8. Publish an on-line newsletter
Unlike print, you aren't limited to just a couple of colors, black and
white photos, or a small number of pages. Articles can be supplemented
with sound bites, brief film or video clips, and eye-popping graphics
in unlimited colors. You can also add links to more detailed background
information or related subjects from your, and other, websites.
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To learn about how O'Connell Meier can generate bright ideas and boost sales for your orgainzation, give Rich Meier a call at 703.739.2266 or send us an e-mail. For a preview of the sales-boosting techniques we use, visit the association section of our bright idea generator. And for an overview of our company, our experience, and our creative and marketing services visit the About OM section. |
