There’s nothing like new members to rev up the energy level in your organization, is there? They’re often rarin’ to go, psyched about being part of the organization, and full of life. But trying to keep that energy moving through your organization is a challenge, especially because the first steps you take to engage newcomers can mean the difference between stronger long-term engagement and an inevitable drop in enthusiasm.

Callie Walker of MemberClicks advises that new members are more likely to remain fully engaged if they have friends who already belong to the organization. But you can also make sure newcomers’ interest remains high, Walker says, by devising ways to connect members with one another so they can establish friendships.

“The more friends a new member has in your organization, the more likely they are to stay,” she observes. “That being said, be sure to provide your new members with ample opportunities to connect with each other. One way to do this is by creating a new member social community. Social communities are a great way for new members to get to know each other and, better yet, involved in your organization.”

Walker also notes that it’s important to check in with new people regularly. Ultimately, creating stronger memberships is hard work, but laying the groundwork early on is the best way to ensure that the energy doesn’t fade out.

Managing a PR Crisis

5 steps to navigate a social media crisis at your event https://t.co/qZneaM3Rq9 via @EventMB

— MeetingPackage (@MeetingPackage) March 1, 2016

Sometimes, bad stuff happens at events and you’re left to pick up the pieces. How do you respond to the dangers of media crises or PR headaches?

According to Social Media Consultant KiKi L’Italien, it comes down to preparation, research, and fast communication. The last action, she explains, is the most crucial.

“The most important thing you can do is to respond calmly and quickly with the facts,” L’Italien writes on Event Manager Blog. “The first hours are crucial because people are waiting for a response from your organization. The longer you wait, the worse it is and the higher the likelihood of your audience making inaccurate guesses based on hearsay.”

So respond thoughtfully, but don’t take your time in doing so.

Other Links of Note

When it comes to building great content, you’re often facing two masters—quality and speed. How can you conceive better content more quickly? That’s not an easy question to answer, but SocialFish contributor Ann Smarty knows how to achieve the right balance.

SCD Group’s Steve Drake recently worked with three associations on strategic-intent issues, and in the end, despite starting in different places, all three chose to rebrand. Here are some of the things the different groups learned from their processes.

Have a big idea but worried someone else might jump on it before you get a chance? Take a deep breath, Lifehacker says—odds are, your concern is unfounded.

(iStock/Thinkstock)