Online Engagement: Take Small Talk Up a Notch

Retention involves constant engagement. And what better way to engage your members than by socializing with them online?

And it’s not just good for your retention efforts. The American Occupational Therapy Association’s Maggie McGary believes this interaction is valuable to members from an ROI standpoint—it’s a member benefit for them.

Reflecting on her presentation at the 2014 ASAE Great Ideas Conference  (opens in a new tab)with Socious’ Joshua Paul on her Mizz Information blog  (opens in a new tab), McGary explains that to keep members coming back for more, association employees should commit themselves to more active participation, cross-promotion, volunteer collaboration, and other actions.

“Regular communication and cross-promotion are essential,” McGary writes. “A weekly email digest of posts of interest, questions that need answers, and mention of new resources in the community are a must to drive engagement and make participation in the community a habit.”

Tweet of the Day

How to Get More Publicity for Your Events http://t.co/BsoMU3UlwA  (opens in a new tab) #eventplanning  (opens in a new tab) #eventprofs  (opens in a new tab) #PRprofs  (opens in a new tab)

— BizBash (@BizBash) March 11, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

“Target each pitch carefully”: BizBash writer Alesandra Dubin relays  (opens in a new tab) eight bits of advice from top public relations professionals who believe event planners can gain more exposure for their events by producing exclusive, captivating, quality content for the press to devour.

Other Good Reads:

Times are changing: As nonprofits continue to evolve in this tech-filled era, blogger Colleen Dilenschneider says  (opens in a new tab) visitor-serving organizations like museums and cultural centers have three internal issues to fix to maintain their relevance.

“Traveling folk can contribute”: Diversify your volunteer base by recruiting a fresh group from among the ranks of travelers, vacationers, and other adventurers who are passionate about your nonprofit. VolunteerMatch blogger Shari Ilsen explains  (opens in a new tab) just how to inspire these wanderers to work wonders.

Give negativity the boot: Reputation.com founder and Inc.com contributor Michael Fertik says  (opens in a new tab) your business culture can flourish by rooting out the “Party of No.”

“Most organizations have limited self-awareness,” writes CMSWire contributor Joyce Hostyn  (opens in a new tab). To overcome this one-dimensional state, she suggests organization leaders tap into employees’ creative minds.

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