Friday Buzz: Don’t Stress Out Your Members

With the weeks of the year closing in, your members may be stressed out.

They’re not necessarily sick of you, but they may be feeling the pressures of holiday stress and end-of-year projects. So perhaps they aren’t thinking about you as much? How can you help your members as they finish out the year?

At the MemberClicks blog, Callie Walker suggests  (opens in a new tab) being attentive to how much your brand is in your members’ faces, and if things are reaching a tipping point, focus on the positive.

“If you’re sending out a newsletter or a holiday email, keep the language happy and light,” Walker writes. “Showcase gratitude and thank your members for a wonderful year. And don’t hesitate to call out specific people who’ve gone above and beyond. A little congratulations can go a long way towards alleviating stress, even if it’s just for a moment.”

Walker also suggests planning a fun event, such as a holiday party. It just might be exactly what your members need to close out the year.

The Full Airbnb Experience

Going to events and conferences is very often about the full experience—even what you do when you’re not in an education session. And it’s on display in Airbnb’s latest product, Trips.

The company is teaming with locals in regions around the world to offer travelers something more than just sitting in a room for a day or two—with experiences from food truck owners, tattoo artists, musicians, urban farmers, and even burlesque dancers in the mix.

Learn more at the Airbnb website  (opens in a new tab). Take notes.

Other Links of Note

Why do people run the Tough Mudder? At a recent Fast Company event, CEO Will Dean discussed the value of taking part in something bigger than yourself  (opens in a new tab).

Feel like you’re going to get sick of family real quick next week? Deirdre Reid breaks down a few education opportunities coming up during the week of Thanksgiving—including at least one Thanksgiving Day webinar  (opens in a new tab).

Your association’s story matters, but trying to figure out how to tell that story in a thoughtful way is a challenge. On WBT Systems’ website, the company offers some thoughtful perspectives  (opens in a new tab) on telling it properly.

(iStock/Thinkstock)