Daily Buzz: Highlight Members With a Social Media Takeover

Fizzling out on social media inspiration? Let members take the wheel with a social media takeover.

“By getting different people to post on your organization’s social media pages, you’ll get different types of content, perspectives and social media styles,” Callie Walker says on the MemberClicks blog  (opens in a new tab).

Plus, takeovers will not only shine a light on members but also on your association. “More than likely, your members are friends with other people in the industry,” Walker says. “If they’re selected to do a social media takeover, chances are, they’ll announce it on their own personal social media pages, putting your organization’s name in front of a whole gang of potential members.”

As for content, Walker says posts can center around virtually anything, from member pro tips to their favorite industry books. That said, it’s a good idea to talk with members beforehand so you can set expectations and ground rules.

“There are a million things you could do with this, but the point is, you’re giving your members a voice and making engagement hands-on,” she says.

Lessons on Transparency from an MLB Manager

This MLB manager believes in the magic of open discussion, leading one-on-one meetings in which Pirates coaches and players share things going well and not well in life.

His players love him for it. https://t.co/DmFlE4IPt2  (opens in a new tab)

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 20, 2019  (opens in a new tab)

When it comes to talking to employees, transparency is key—but cultivating that honesty and openness can be challenging. Take it from Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle.

The manager, who has been with the team since 2011, hosts what he calls “ups and downs” meetings with players and coaching staff. During these one-on-one talks, Hurdle shares a few things going well in life, along with a couple of items not going so well. The other person then does the same.

“The main idea is it eliminates distractions and helps them play more free,” Hurdle said in an interview with The Washington Post  (opens in a new tab).

Although Hurdle admits the discussions can be jarring to some in the beginning, they also build trust and give him the opportunity to offer guidance and receive feedback.

“Some guys say: ‘The first time I was here, it was like a trip to the dentist. That was horrible. That was hard,’ ” Hurdle said. “I say: ‘Look, this is going to be uncomfortable. We have to work through this together. It’s not malicious. If you get to a point where you truly love somebody, you’re going to tell them the truth.’”

Other Links of Note

Apple users wanting better data security just got their wish. The first security key that can plug into an iPhone’s Lightning or USB-C port is now on the market  (opens in a new tab), says The Verge.

Before hitting send on your next email, check these three overlooked things  (opens in a new tab), says Entrepreneur.

Design better events. Meetings Today shares five ways to spark creativity when it comes to event design  (opens in a new tab).

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