At their core, associations are simply communities of like-minded individuals and organizations. Their main purpose is to provide an environment and opportunity for professionals to connect, grow, and learn from one another to better the overall industry.
How To Support Mini Communities
As your association grows it’s likely mini groups will emerge. It’s important that there’s a place where they can connect. You may have a discussion board or thread where members can post questions or comments to the entire organization but to better foster the mini-communities, create spaces that are specific to them.
AMO has a simple group tool that allows members of similar interests, working groups or committees to share documents, calendars, discussions and more.
Image Credit: AMO Member Portal
Not only does this prevent clutter on the main message board but it also enables more targeted discussions.
How To Establish Leaders in Groups
The group tool also allows members to designate a main group leader that has a special set of tools. They can add group members, send a broadcast email and manage group members. Simply set them as “group admin” in the backend.
If you need to set specific requirements for group admittance, use the approval functionality to ensure only qualified individuals can join.
Generate Stream of Non-Dues Revenue with Groups
Increase non-dues revenue by charging a minimal fee to enter a group. Advertise special access to industry documents or contact information of influential leaders. If you do charge a fee, just make sure it’s worthwhile for a member. Provide specific benefits that go above and beyond a normal discussion group.
Surveys To Create New Groups
Create a year-end survey to get feedback on current initiatives, member benefits, and the available groups. Use member feedback to improve group structure or create a new group. Allow voting for group admins to facilitate energy around open positions.
