07/13/2020

Daily Buzz: How to Get New Members Comfortable

Show members they belong by helping them connect to your community

First impressions count for associations, too. Make sure your first interactions with new members are memorable and positive.

“Your new members will begin forming their opinion about the value of your association the minute they hit the ‘join’ button on your member form, so the way you welcome them is critically important,” said YourMembership’s Tirrah Switzer.

As you welcome members, remember to thank them for joining your organization. At the very least, Switzer said, be sure to provide a “thank you” confirmation page and auto-email once they sign up online.

Beyond that, associations can get creative with member praise; a welcome gift with useful resources or materials could start the relationship on the right foot. For a more personal message, have welcome messages come from fellow members instead of an association staff member.

“Have a member of the membership committee or board of directors reach out to say thanks and see how they can help provide resources, knowledge or ideas,” Switzer said.

Making members comfortable is also essential. As soon as they join your organization, direct them to online resources like an event calendar, career center and online community. You can help new members more easily connect with that online community by assigning each new member a buddy who helps them get to know the organization and its people.

“These may seem like simple gestures, but people can decide if they’re going to participate in your organization long-term within the first days, and even minutes, of joining your association,” Switzer said.

Please select this link to read the original article from Associations Now.