Most states require a certain number of CLE hours each year to maintain a law license, but it can be hard to find quality courses that fit members’ busy schedules. And–let’s be honest–most CLE courses aren’t exactly the most exciting things around!

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way! By following a few simple steps, bar associations can start building better CLE courses with ease.

1. Harnessing the Power of Niche Content

When it comes to CLE courses, one size does not fit all. Attorneys will often look for courses specific to their particular area of practice, so the more specialized the content you provide, the better!

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples. An attorney who works in criminal law will not be interested in a course on tax law; likewise, a corporate lawyer will not want to sit through a course on family law.

This much may seem obvious, but it can go a step further. Your association should search for interesting, relevant, and unique topics for its courses. Yes, you should have more general courses–these are perfect for introductory programs!–but if you want to really bring value to your membership, try thinking outside the box.

Try to make your content timely. Is there a precedent-setting case in the news? Perhaps you’ll want to do a deep-dive webinar on the details. Are there laws being reexamined or updated? You could cover these, as well!

Additionally, by partnering with experts in various niche areas, bar associations can offer courses that are tailored to specific practices. This will ensure that attendees get the most relevant and useful information possible.

Not only will this make your CLE courses more interesting for attendees, but it will also make your audience more likely to return in the future. You want to capture their intention with insightful, valuable content. After all, why would an attorney take an irrelevant, useless course from their bar association? It’s all about quality!

Once you’ve made your content, make sure to categorize it thoroughly. You want your members to be able to actually find your courses! Keep everything as organized and accessible as possible.

If your bar association is looking to build better CLE courses, consider harnessing the power of tailored content. It’s one surefire way to interest and engage new members! Now, let’s look at a few more:

2. CLE for the Next Generation: Attracting New Members

As the legal profession evolves, so must the way bar associations provide Continuing Legal Education. The needs of lawyers are changing, and bar associations must adapt to continue to meet those needs. In particular, there is a need to engage new lawyers in CLE programs.

First, you have to let your audience know what’s available. Make sure to promote your programs across your association’s social media channels. To spice things up, try offering seasonal packages, keeping things timely and relevant. Remember to be consistent; if you only post rarely and sporadically, you won’t stay in the minds of your members for long!

Next, you want to make things interesting. You can try incorporating gamification into your programs; by making them interactive and offering digital badges as achievement-style rewards, you’ll be upping the excitement factor of your courses. You could even incorporate–selectively!–a few choice memes to amuse your audience.

Third, it’s important to make sure the programs you offer are affordable. New lawyers often have large student loan debts and may be working in jobs that do not pay high salaries. Discounts on CLE programs for new members can make them more accessible to new lawyers.

By offering relevant, convenient, and affordable CLE programs, bar associations can better engage new lawyers with their educational offerings. This, in turn, will help to ensure that your members’ careers–and your association’s membership base–continue to thrive!

3. Two Birds, One Stone: the Value of the Hybrid Events 

As the world becomes increasingly mobile and virtual, it can be difficult to know how to best engage your members; is it better to do in-person or online sessions?

The answer is simple: host a hybrid event!

Hybrid events are a combination of in-person and virtual courses, and they offer several benefits to both bar associations and their members. There are a number of ways to make your event hybrid, like livestreaming the session on your association’s website, or else recording and posting it online after the event–or, even better, both!

Hybrid CLE courses allow members who cannot attend in-person to still participate and receive credit. This is especially beneficial for members who have busy schedules. Livestreamed courses take care of geographical limitations, and on-demand recorded courses open the field up to everyone.

Hybrid CLE courses allow bar associations to further their reach and increase their earning potential at the same time. You’re making your session accessible to an entire second audience–without losing the first–and bypassing the most common barriers to entry for in-person events. This means you can earn more revenue than from an in-person event alone!

The use of hybrid CLE courses is a win-win for both bar associations and their members. By offering these courses, bar associations can ensure that their members are able to receive the education they need–while simultaneously expanding their reach and non-dues revenue!

You may also like: The Top 5 Strategies for Bar Associations to Increase CLE Revenue in 2021 and Beyond

When it comes to building better CLE for your bar association, it’s best to pay attention to the basics: focus on tailoring your content, attracting new members, and increasing accessibility. You want solid, quality courses that no one else offers; you want to attract new members with your value and ease of use; and you want to reach as wide an audience as possible. Follow ACLEA’s footsteps and “Adjust, Collaborate, and Elevate”!

The post Building Better CLE: Tips for Bar Associations appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In this article, we’ll go over each option, as well as give you some tips to help you choose: custom-built or SaaS?

1. Customization Options

First, we’ll be looking at the main draw of custom LMS compared to SaaS LMS: the customization factor.

Custom-Built Enterprise LMS

The term “custom-built LMS” is often tossed around in association circles as a catch-all for enterprise-level learning management systems. As the name suggests, this type of software solution is custom-tailored to your organization’s unique needs and requirements. In theory, this makes perfect sense. After all, why wouldn’t you want an LMS that fits your association like a glove?

Unfortunately, in practice, things are often not so simple.

A custom-built enterprise-level software solution is a complex beast, and it can be difficult to know upfront what exactly you’ll need, or what features will provide your members with the best learning experience. Scope creep is a problem that can lead to spending money on developing features that your members/users don’t end up using.

If you build an LMS that is complex and feature-heavy, you will limit user efficiency and diminish the benefits of having it custom-made. In order to avoid this problem, it is important to carefully consider your needs and requirements before embarking on the process of custom-building an LMS. An experienced and knowledgeable vendor can help guide you through these decisions, ensuring that you get the most out of your software solution without wasting money on features that won’t be used.

Software as a Service LMS

A SaaS learning management system is a “ready-made” solution that can be quickly implemented and deployed. Modern SaaS learning management systems offer a variety of features, including content management, reporting and analytics, personalized learning experiences, and mobile accessibility. They are also scalable, meaning they can be sized to fit the needs of any association or organization.

The main advantage of a SaaS LMS is its simplicity. Users can be up and running with the software in a matter of weeks, and there is no need for complex customization that costs money and takes time to implement. Associations should focus on configuration over customization when it comes to their LMS technology philosophy.

Configuration is key when working with SaaS LMS. The user interface should be intuitive and easy to use so that users can change security privileges, page layouts, and more without any difficulty. This focus on configuration over customization allows associations to get the most out of their SaaS LMS!

2. Cost and Speed of Implementation

Comparing the cost and speed of implementation of custom and SaaS learning management systems is another way to help you make your decision; sometimes, it all comes down to the bottom line, after all!

Custom-Built Enterprise LMS

Custom-built enterprise software is significantly more expensive than Saas LMS. Many associations learn this the hard way when they invest exorbitant time and resources into building a customized LMS.

Investing in custom-built can be tempting; however, these cost-intensive programs usually require additional setup fees, maintenance costs, and licensing fees–adding up to a hefty price tag! An industry-standard custom-built enterprise LMS starts at 1 million dollars. Yikes!

The speed of implementation is also something of concern when it comes to custom-built enterprise LMS; this option will take months or even years to implement. This makes sense, of course; it must be created from scratch. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Software as a Service LMS

SaaS LMS is a much more affordable alternative. With a SaaS LMS, you pay a monthly or annual fee to use the software, and there’s usually no need to pay for extra maintenance or support. As your business grows, you can easily scale your subscription up or down to meet your changing needs.

When it comes to implementation speed, SaaS also has custom LMS beat; a SaaS LMS can be up and running in just a few weeks, leaving plenty of time to test, update, and test again! User training plays an important role in implementation; typically, a SaaS vendor will ensure your staff is trained and comfortable using the new LMS before launch. By ensuring your staff is savvy with the new system, you can avoid many potential hiccups down the road.

3. Cybersecurity

Another important consideration when making your choice is cybersecurity. You want to make sure your organization is safe and protected!

Custom-Built Enterprise LMS

It’s crucial for organizations to implement effective cybersecurity measures to protect their data and network from threats like hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. Because of this, some key steps in improving cybersecurity for your custom-built enterprise LMS include using strong passwords, encrypting sensitive data, updating online security with patches regularly, and implementing two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Additionally, it’s important to monitor your network traffic and user behaviour to identify any suspicious or unusual activity; make sure to have an incident response plan in place in case of a breach. By investing time and effort into protecting your LMS, you can help ensure the security and success of your organization!

Software as a Service LMS

With a SaaS LMS, you’re limited to relying on the security measures of the provider. While many providers take steps to secure their platform, it’s important to be proactive and implement additional security measures yourself.

Ask your SaaS vendor what steps will be taken to protect your organization, and decide whether you judge their answer to be adequate. Some of the questions you may want to ask include:

• What type of data encryption do you use?
• How do you protect user data?
• What type of security measures do you have in place to prevent data breaches?

Once you’ve gotten the answers you need, you can decide whether you’re satisfied with the protection they can provide. If yes, great! If not—keep shopping until you are!

You may also like: How to Protect Your Association from Cyber Attacks

So, which option is the best for your organization? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including your budget, organization size, and existing infrastructure. If you’re still not sure which option is right for you, or if you have any other questions about enterprise or SaaS learning management systems, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help you make the decision that’s right for your association!

Once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to purchase and prepare your new LMS. Then–get ready for rollout!

The post SaaS vs Custom LMS: Which is Right for Your Association? appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Live stream, on-demand video, webinar, learning management system, virtual conference, hybrid conference…and the list goes on.

It is no secret that more in-person events shifted online in 2020 than anyone could have ever predicted. Based on common principles of economics, the significant increase in demand consequently led to a significant increase in supply. With all the different online platforms available on the market, how can you ensure that your association makes the right decision?

Well, look no further. We recently interviewed our Vice President of Professional Services, Dr. Laurelle Jno Baptiste, to learn some proven strategies that associations have used to run successful online events. At Vocalmeet, Laurelle leads the implementation team that helps associations shift their courses, events and conferences from in-person to online.

Below is a snippet of Part 1 of 3, where we focus on the key factors that associations must explore before choosing an online platform.

Q: From your experience helping associations shift their events online, what would you say are the top 3 things for associations to consider when choosing the online platform to use for a specific event?

A: First things first, we advise our clients to avoid trying to mimic every aspect of their in-person events virtually. This includes, for example, following the exact schedule and timing of in-person events, assuming that all attendees want to be seen via video, or attempting to make attendees feel as if they are walking through a real exhibit hall. It’s important to understand that online events are different from in-person. When we work with clients, we need to first understand how we can help them emphasize the key benefits of their online events.

To do so, we ask our clients to explore 3 key factors that will determine the type of online platform that would best fit their goals and needs:

1. Target Audience – Who is the main audience for your event? How comfortable are they with technology? Are they typically flexible with their schedule and able to attend an event at a specified time, or do they prefer accessing content at their own convenience?
2. Level of Interactivity Required – What is the level of engagement expected from attendees? Are attendees looking to have a discussion or is it simply a presentation where they are able to ask questions? Is the content more informational and attendance is voluntary, or is it a mandatory requirement for the profession (e.g. ethics training, workplace safety training or continuing education)?
3. Resources Available – How many staff members do you have dedicated to plan and execute the online event? How much time do you have before your event? What is their comfort level with technology? Will you need additional tech support on the day of?

The answer to these questions will determine whether you offer more interactive on-demand content vs. live webinars, whether you find a platform that is browser-based and easier to use for attendees, whether the platform can track progress and attendance for continuing education purposes, whether you work with a vendor that can provide a “white-glove” service, and so on.

Q: Speaking of resources, we understand that budget is a primary concern for many associations. Could you explain how the different online solutions and the different scenarios you mentioned affect cost?

A: Yes, as a rule of thumb, the 2 key factors that impact costs when it comes to online solutions are the number of hours of content that will be offered and the number of users on the platform. Additionally, live events tend to be more costly than pre-recorded on-demand programs. This is because live events require more bandwidth and resources on the day of, including a full tech support team to manage the event and troubleshoot any issues.

That’s just a general guideline. Additionally, be very mindful of scalability and the number of users a platform can support. Some solutions are optimized for a limited number of users, and may start running into issues when you exceed that number of users. My advice would be to have these in-depth conversations with potential vendors as each vendor has different features and packages, as well as different pricing models that would impact scalability.

So, the key takeaway here? Focus on your members and the primary goals of your courses, events and conferences. Avoid trying to mimic every aspect of your in-person events virtually; your members and other attendees will only be frustrated as they compare their online experience to past in-person experiences.

Online events provide different benefits for attendees, and different online platforms serve different needs. By exploring the 3 factors outlined above – target audience, level of interactivity required and resources available – your association can choose an online platform that best fits the goal of your event. This will not only allow for a positive attendee experience, but also help your association be more cost-effective.

In Part 2 of our conversation, we will discuss the different hybrid formats and how associations can offer hybrid events without breaking the bank. And in Part 3, we will share best ways for associations to increase online attendance and sales, as well as proven selling points for sponsors.

Continue to Part 2

The post Proven Strategies for Associations to Run Successful Online Events: Part 1 appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As more associations move their events online, and members become more comfortable with attending online sessions, the next step is for associations to focus on streamlining their online content. With only a handful of online sessions, associations could perhaps get away with posting one-off events on their website, while managing registrations and payments manually. However, with more events being offered online, associations should consider having an integrated learning management platform where members can register and access both on-demand recorded sessions and live online or in-person events.

The benefits of streamlining learning content are endless for associations. In fact, having an integrated learning management platform allows associations to better engage members and increase non-dues revenue, further setting associations up for success in the long-run as demand for online events continues to increase.

1. Ensuring a seamless user experience with one platform for on-demand and live events

Choosing the right online platform that is easy to navigate is as crucial as choosing the right venue for in-person events. Streamlining content with an integrated learning management platform means having a “one-stop-shop” for all learning sessions for members. Learning sessions can be delivered via on-demand recorded content, live webinar or webcast, and in-person events.

Additionally, having one platform to host on-demand and live events eliminates any confusion for members as they do not have to navigate through various event sites and platforms. Members can self-register, purchase, and view any of the sessions offered regardless of the delivery method. By making it easy for members to keep track of all their learning records under one system, they are more likely to keep coming back for more.

2. Monetizing content over the long-term

It is no surprise that the financial benefits of in-person events are singular and often marginal, as in-person events cannot be recreated once completed. However, with online content, associations can get a longer-lived value from the investment of time and money. For example, associations can continue to promote on-demand recorded sessions for as long as the content remains relevant, and members can access these sessions at any time. That said, be cautious of not falling into the trap of undervaluing online content, as members do see the value in convenience and not having additional expenses around travel, accommodation, and taking time off work.

Think of setting up an integrated learning management system as an investment, rather than as an expense. With the right list of programs and a solid marketing strategy in place, associations can continue to increase revenue as members are provided with incentives to keep coming back to purchase and view online sessions.

3. Gaining insight through automated reporting for associations

At the end of in-person events, associations typically evaluate the performance of the event and feedback from members. The approach for online sessions should not be any different. In fact, with one platform for both on-demand and live events, associations have access to automated reporting that shows all user activities completed on the system. This includes enrollment reports, transaction reports, attendance reports for live online sessions, and user progress reports for on-demand content. As all these reports are generated under one platform, associations can conduct an easy comparison and further gain insight into which delivery method (i.e. on-demand versus live) members prefer for the different types of learning sessions.

In conclusion, as associations start to establish a long-term online learning strategy for members, the importance of having streamlined content must not be overlooked. With an integrated learning management platform that hosts both on-demand and live events, associations and their members can easily keep track of all their learning sessions under one platform regardless of the delivery method. Such a robust platform allows associations to not only improve the online user experience, but also increase non-dues revenue as members value the ease of accessing learning sessions.

The post Why Associations Should Use One Platform for On-Demand and Live Events appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

It is no surprise that in-person events and conferences require a lot of time due to the meticulous planning and execution needed for a successful event. In addition, extensive advertising and promotions are a must in order for associations to maximize their return on investment. Hosting virtual events is no different, with one additional caveat. For associations whose attendees may not be as familiar with attending virtual events, keeping the user experience in mind is even more critical.

With virtual events, the typical presentation-in-a-room style disappears and the attendee is interacting with the speaker and other attendees in different ways. Although virtual events give attendees the opportunity to attend from anywhere, they come with their own challenges and obstacles if presenters and event organizers are not prepared. Acknowledging and preparing well for an online event will allow associations to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

By following these ten tips, associations will be able to overcome common online obstacles and host virtual events that are engaging and valuable for members.

1. Ensure you have a full plan in place just as you would for in-person events

Virtual events can require even more planning and coordination prior to the event, as face-to-face communication is limited or even non-existent on the day of the event. This includes setting expectations for your presenters (i.e. when it’s time for them to speak and for how long, if there are other presenters within the same session, etc.), as well as for your team. Each team member must be aware of their responsibilities for the virtual event, such as who is doing the introduction, managing online attendance, moderating questions, and handling technical support to name a few.

2. Conduct platform training for presenters and team members, including technology checks for audio, webcam and screen share functionalities

To ensure a seamless virtual experience for attendees, presenters and team members must be comfortable with how the platform works. Train your presenters well in-advance of the event so team members can focus on helping attendees on the day of the event. Conduct several technology tests prior to and have a plan in place for when technical glitches do occur, such as setting up a support line or an FAQ section with potential common issues.

3. Have clear and structured PowerPoint slides (if you are using PowerPoint slides)

With virtual events, attendees may be required to focus on their screens for a potentially long period of time. It is important to ensure presenter’s slides are clear and easy to follow. One key suggestion is to use limited texts and instead use suitable graphics. Other things to consider are using large enough fonts and high contrast colors. All these factors will help attendees be more attentive to the presenters while having effective visuals that reinforce the speech.

4. On the day of the virtual event, start by setting clear objectives and expectations for attendees

In a virtual setting, the initial instructions will set the standard for the entire event. Be mindful that many of your attendees may have never attended virtual events previously, and are unaware of online protocols. For example, provide clear directions on when attendees should unmute audio, use public chat and private chat, ask questions, etc. The recommendation is for attendees to unmute audio only when they need to speak, use the public chat for question & answer and private chat to speak directly to moderators or other attendees. Also, be clear on when presenters will address questions, when breaks are happening, etc. Of course, you can modify these instructions throughout the event as you see fit, but it is important to establish accurate expectations from the very beginning.

5. Foster an active virtual environment

Fostering an active virtual environment begins with the presenter. Presenters should enter the virtual room a minimum of 15 minutes in advance, always have their webcam on, welcome each attendee as they join as much as possible, and start by giving attendees a little background on themselves. This will help reduce the feeling of anonymity during virtual events. Encourage presenters to take the time to get to know their participants better in the beginning. In larger sessions, this can be done by doing a quick poll. This will help presenters deliver content that is more tailored to their virtual audience. Presenters can also take advantage of other features like shared notes and whiteboard collaboration to foster engagement.

6. Offer a combination of live and on-demand virtual sessions to better accommodate the schedule of attendees

With virtual events, it is important to recognize that your attendees may not be able to attend a virtual event for 2-3 days at a time. Participation in virtual events may be pushed down the priority list as attendees juggle other competing tasks at home or at work. Consider pre-recording certain sessions to be offered on-demand on the scheduled day, as well as offering a few live virtual sessions. This will not only give your attendees some flexibility and improve their virtual experience, while also giving you more control over the quality of the virtual sessions.

7. Provide opportunities to network virtually

With in-person events, attendees find a lot of value in being able to engage and network with speakers, sponsors, and other attendees. With virtual events, networking opportunities are also important. This can be done by setting up smaller breakout rooms to allow attendees to better engage with one another, or by having sponsored breaks and allowing sponsors to interact with the group. Read our article for more information on how to engage sponsors online.

Additionally, ensure that you have open lines of communication throughout the virtual event via social media or discussion forums on your conference site. All these channels will help attendees feel a sense of community regardless of where they are joining in from.

8. Choose a user-friendly and easy-to-navigate platform

Just like how choosing the right venue is key for in-person events, choosing a virtual platform that is user-friendly that meets your needs is also crucial. The end-to-end virtual experience includes the registration and e-commerce processes, as well as event log-in. The most seamless experience occurs when attendees do not need to download software in order to join your online event. They must also be able to access the virtual event via any device (i.e. computer, phone, tablet, etc.). When it comes to event completion, consider if attendees receive certificates for continuing education sessions and if they need to complete an evaluation form. These processes must also be straightforward.

Additionally, on top of having an intuitive platform, it is important to provide an appropriate level of technical support and resources throughout the end-to-end virtual experience as some attendees may not be tech-savvy.

9. Add feedback and evaluate mechanisms

The best way to improve is to build feedback into your event. With virtual events, feedback can be taken during the sessions via polls, or at the end of the event with a full evaluation survey. In-session feedback is valuable as responses can be gathered with advance reporting in real-time to show how attendees are feeling throughout the event and gauge their engagement level, which can all be used immediately to improve subsequent sessions.

Furthermore, if you have a dedicated digital marketing team, leverage any real-time feedback gathered to create more personalized and directed messages to individual attendees throughout the event in order to increase their engagement and participation levels.

10. Have a post-event marketing strategy in place

Continue to engage attendees and other target audiences after the virtual event is over. Let attendees know where and how they can access recorded sessions. The best way to do this is to host the recorded sessions on your conference site that attendees are already familiar with. Additionally, promote the recorded sessions to other members of your association and non-members who could not attend the live virtual event.

Ongoing marketing and promotions will ensure that future virtual events are well-attended. Promote what was great about the event by sharing images on your website and social media channels, as your association would after an in-person event. Use email marketing to reach your members who did not participate in the live virtual event, and let them know how they can access top relevant content from the event. Having a post-event marketing strategy in place allows associations to get a longer-lived value from the investment of time and money.

The post 10 Tips for Hosting Engaging Virtual Events for Associations appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Offering continuing education courses can be a strong addition to any association’s membership offerings. Gaining access to courses and certifications gives professionals another reason to join your association and even more reasons to renew their membership. These can all lead to increases in non-dues revenue. In addition, offering continuing education courses can have many more benefits. Truth be told, by making continuing education more accessible to members and nonmembers, associations can have a significant impact on their sector by turning the association into a knowledge center and industrial hub.

Become a Thought Leader

When an association takes the time and makes the investment needed to implement quality training programs, it makes great strides toward developing a learning culture. The focus on continuous learning helps position the association at the center of a knowledge hub. Members and nonmembers alike will look to the association for suggestions on how to advance and move forward professionally. Furthermore, in times of crisis, the association will become the go-to trusted resource for factual information.

Aside from the obvious increase in revenues and web traffic, thought leader associations also see increases in sponsorship and advertising opportunities for events and online programs, as sponsors and advertisers see great value in an active and engaged membership.

Start a Cycle

By creating a culture of learning and a resulting knowledge hub, over time, professional and personal betterment becomes a way of being. For example, students could access your vast resources for school projects. Then, as they graduate and begin their careers, you are helping these students develop into professionals and leaders within their industry. This leads to members and staff who are more involved in the association and more willing to pursue education and training in the future.

A well-trained and educated group of professionals helps to create a culture of inquiry and improvement within the association, with members who continue to positively challenge each other. In addition, well-attended courses, training programs, workshops, and conferences offer a superior learning experience and opportunities for mentorship.

Support Growth and Innovation

Another benefit of a learning culture is that it creates a group of like-minded professionals looking forward together. Our world continues to evolve and with evolution comes industry, technology, and professional changes. While ongoing continuing education can lead to increased productivity and non-dues revenue, it can also better prepare individuals for a changing world. It can positively impact perceptions about new developments and change, as well as increase the capability of your members to deal with ongoing changes.

The post Never Stop Learning: Continuing Education Inside and Out appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Not everyone feels the same about technology, so associations shouldn’t expect every member to welcome technological changes with open arms. Each generation and each individual relies on technology in considerably different ways. While some use it in nearly every aspect of their lives and can adopt new innovations easily, others use it more sparingly and may find it challenging to learn new technologies.

For those members who interact with technology infrequently, innovative changes can be met with resistance, which can be the result of discomfort, insecurity, and fear. That doesn’t mean that these members will never adopt new technology, it just that technology changes need to be implemented carefully and with intention. The following information highlights just some of the steps that associations can take to ensure every member, irrespective of their level of technological comfort, is prepared for a technology update.

Understand the Fear of Change

To properly address member’s feelings toward change, associations must first understand them. Psychologically, the fear of change is connected to the fear of the unknown. In regards to adopting a new technology, this fear comes from the uncertainty of success while using it. Older members or those more unfamiliar with technology are likely comfortable completing tasks in more traditional ways.

To help overcome these fears, associations can provide some clarity to members. This might include clearly explaining what the technology is, how it works, and how it benefits each member. Ensure that hesitant members feel assured and confident that their concerns are heard and supported. Keep the communication lines open and the messages clear to help ease the transition along as best as possible.

Show Them the Value

When presenting the prospect of change to an unsure party, a powerful way to get buy-in is to demonstrate the value the change will bring. Rather than provide a list of features offered by the new technology, show users how this change will result in time or cost savings. Show them how tasks will be made simpler and easier to manage.

How value is communicated is also important. Focus on the intuitiveness of the technology. Keep the messages themselves simple, using analogies and relatable examples. Avoid any jargon or tech-speak to ensure all members get the message. This should not be limiting either. Instead, it should help keep the communications clear and concise, as well as understandable for a diverse member demographic.

Know Your Audience

In order to present ideal communications and create an effective technology roll-out plan, associations need to know their members and what they need and want from their membership. When addressing the value new technology can bring, for example, consider what value means to the different demographics. Highlight various elements of the technology that might speak to the different subsets.

It might even be beneficial to create different value presentations and communications. Separate members into different groups and use targeted mailing or advertising campaigns, like Mailchimp or Facebook, to send personalized communications to them. Each group will see only the information, features, and the value that speaks directly to them. For the roll-out itself, offer different options for different members. Make training optional or provide different training courses so as to not alienate more tech-savvy members.

Provide an Orientation

Since members are on different levels when it comes to technology familiarity and comfort, what appears simple for one user might be quite complex for another. For that reason, no matter how basic or easy to use a newly introduced technology might seem, it’s important to provide usage instructions and support. This ensures that no member gets stuck or locked out of a technology based on their experience level.

Associations can post a recorded visual demonstration highlighting the primary controls of the technology. A written or visual walkthrough can be linked for additional support. Users should also get access to a glossary to help them identify any terms they may be unfamiliar with. Any training or support documents should be written clearly and headlines and sections should be plainly marked. For the more complex technology additions, associations may look at offering training courses. This can be a useful way to ensure users know enough to use the technology successfully.

Take Baby Steps

While some users can handle a full roll-out without any problem, others need a slower and more deliberate introduction. If any resistance is in place, a new technology can prove overwhelming for some users. Associations should take time with these roll-outs. Give users a chance to learn different elements of the technology, taking in small pieces at a time, before giving them the entire system. Offer small trial runs of a basic version of the technology to give users a running start.

Providing a slow roll-out can be done through communications or through training. With a paced-out introduction to technology, users can build some familiarity and comfort in one aspect before moving on. Problems can be addressed in sections and solved before they become too large and discouraging. This approach also demonstrates to users that the association is considerate of their feelings, taking the time to assist all members make the most of the new technology.

Ask for Input

The final step, and arguably the most important, for closing the technological gap is to ask members and potential users of the technology for their input. After introducing or proposing the technology, reach out to members for feedback. Ask them to voice their questions and concerns about the roll-out. What is missing? What looks most challenging? After they participate in training or demonstrations or they use the technology for a short period of time, ask members where they struggled or where the technology missed the mark.

Associations will still want to try and preempt these concerns in communications and training materials, but this input can highlight things that were not considered. It will also prove to members that their feelings are considered and valued, especially when the association follows through and addresses this feedback.

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The goal of customer service is to create a bridge between an organization and a customer. Ideally, this connection sets the organization up as relatable and ensures that customers are heard and satisfied. For an association, customer service can keep members happy, involved, and willing to renew their membership in the future. If done right, great customer service can lead to member referrals, increased sales, and stronger relationships with other organizations, like advertisers and sponsors.

Accomplishing this, however, requires more than just friendliness in communications. Contemporary members demand that their associations keep their best interests in mind and prove it. Read on to uncover some ways that your association can go the extra mile for your members and give them the quality customer service they deserve.

Don’t Be Afraid of Change

Associations that are willing to adapt are able to demonstrate to members that they value change. It is necessary. It’s not only the industries, professions, and professionals that evolve over time, but the technology available to associations and membership needs evolve as well. Yet, while adaptation is needed, associations should avoid change for the sake of change. Instead, they should take calculated risks by incorporating moves that improve membership quality and value. Ensure members know why the changes were made and how these changes will benefit them.

A safe way to incorporate or introduce change is to request input from members. Ask for improvement suggestions, take member surveys, and run feedback polls. From there, it’s important to display the results of this member feedback and implement changes that the members want. Through this type of response, associations can build up member loyalty and engagement. Knowing their input is valued and integrated, members take a greater stake in their association. They align their interests more closely with those of the association and value its successes more. For the association, dedicated, satisfied, and engaged members provide more renewals and more referrals.

Maintain Clear Communication

Communication is one of the primary elements of good customer service. Associations that keep open and honest lines of communication with members maintain a higher level of engagement and a stronger reputation. By informing members of upcoming events and associational changes in a clear and concise manner, associations can eliminate or at least limit any confusion, misinterpretation, or mix-ups. This can improve event attendance and minimize any resistance to changes.

Through effective communication, an association can also position itself as a hub for industry information. Connect members with industry news, encourage targeted discussions, and notify members of association initiatives to ensure they continue relying on the association for information. Strong communication is a two-way street. For best results, associations can ask members to suggest their preferred level and method of communication. Answer questions and contribute to discussions via social media to ensure members see the association as something more than a faceless entity.

Be Genuine

The association members of today, particularly the younger generations, appreciate genuineness and authenticity from organizations. Intuitive professionals can read between the lines in sales speak and can perceive unspoken agendas in marketing communications. Simply by providing open and honest customer service, an association can build better and more trusting relationships with its members, leading to stronger loyalty down the line.

Another element to a genuine association is demonstrating empathy for its members. Try to appreciate and understand the member position. Be accountable and responsive. Apologize for inconveniences and address member concerns within an appropriate time frame. Genuine quality customer service helps build a solid and dedicated membership. Appreciated members attend and participate in more events, which can lead to more and better sponsorships.

Develop a Personal Touch

The best customer service relies on a connection being made between the association and members. For this to happen, members need to feel seen and heard on a personal level. Communications and ads personalized to the recipient will result in far greater responses than the general varieties. This makes sense as personalized communications speak to the recipient’s specific history, scenario, and interests.

Of course, this can prove challenging, especially for associations with a large number of members. By using targeted member technology, such as mail chimp or targeted Facebook ads, however, associations can still reach a large group of people with personalized communications. Associations can further improve the results of these campaigns by grouping members into similar demographics, like age, profession, job title, and location.

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When it comes to learning, we all do it a little differently. Even the best content provided by the best instructor can be lost on segments of the audience if it’s all presented in the same way. This is because of the way people digest knowledge. When trying to optimize audience reception and response, a little versatility can go a long way. While everyone’s got their own unique flavor in regards to how they process information, there are distinct learning style categories into which most people can be grouped.

For associations, offering different educational opportunities, like events and activities, professional development courses, and presentations, can satisfy each of the different learning styles. Furthermore, when creating events, continuing education courses and presentations, each of these categories should be explored. By catering to your entire audience, the content will be more enriching and returns maximized. In addition to increased and engaged participants, appealing to distinct learning styles can lead to more purchases, stronger advertising and sponsorship deals, and member satisfaction.

Understand the Differences

•  Visual

Also called spatial learning, visual learning is achieved through sight and observation. Without pictures or diagrams to help them, these types of learners may visualize materials to best understand them. For that reason, they may need additional time to process and digest what they hear.

• Auditory

Auditory learners best process information through sound and speech, such as lectures and reading information aloud. These types of learners often possess strong memory techniques, communication skills, and participation efforts.

• Kinesthetic

As tactile learners, kinesthetic-styled students process information best through physical engagement. They digest information through practical training and muscle memory, whereas long stretches of inactivity can lead them to tune out.

• Reading/Writing

Overlapping slightly with visual learners, reading and writing learners digest information through the written word. During lectures or verbal presentations, these students may need additional time to write down the information they hear.

How to Integrate into Events

The primary goals for event holders include attracting as many attendees as possible and ensuring those attendees return in the future. The best way to accomplish this is to design events catered to a diverse audience and provide them with content that they can process and appreciate.

For best results, design activities and find speakers that include all learning styles. It might also be beneficial to split activities and speakers up by learning style, ensuring that every attendee gets something from the material. With such active engagement from all attendees, event-holders can improve sponsorship value, member appreciation, and the chances that attendees become returnees in the future.

• Visual and Auditory Activities

On the one hand, visual learners find value in events with visual-aided presentations or live demonstrations. Auditory learners, on the other hand, might enjoy from a Q&A session or a roundtable discussion. Both visual and auditory learners may benefit from gaining access to recordings of these presentations, demonstrations, and discussions.

• Kinesthetic and Reading/Writing Activities

To accommodate kinesthetic learners, event holders may host workshops or walkthroughs that attendees can participate in. If they go home with a free trial, these hands-on learners can continue their engagement beyond the confines of the event. Learners who process best from reading and writing can benefit from many of the activities above, but they may also appreciate a take-home booklet or email with notes from the event, additional information, or a record of the discussions.

How to Integrate into Presentations

On their own or as part of a larger whole, quality presentations can add significant value to an event. They can also make a memorable experience for attendees and generate advertising and sponsorship opportunities. To get the most from a presentation, however, presenters should create meaningful connections with each of the different learning styles. This can be done in a number of ways, but the following tips might lead to more consistency.

• Visual Presentations

Since most presentations already appeal to visual and auditory learners, presenters don’t need to reinvent the wheel here, though they can make some small tweaks to enhance the effect. Powerpoint-type presentation still work effectively, but be sure to include charts and graphs for the visual folks. Also, try mind-maps and creating visualization-friendly examples and scenarios. When presenting, be sure to pause and give time for these visualizations to take hold.

• Auditory Presentations

With the advent of live streaming and applications like Google slides, presenters can now host live Q&A sessions during their presentation. This active participation can benefit all types of learning styles, specifically the auditory and reading and writing groups. Auditory learners might also appreciate a repeat-after-me section.

• Kinesthetic Presentations

For kinesthetic learners, a physical activity or participation element can work wonders. Presenters may involve movement or a component that utilizes something most attendees have access to, like a smartphone. A small group activity is enough to get the blood and the creative juices flowing for this segment of the audience.

• Take-Home Value

Another useful means for adding value to a presentation is to add a learning-style specific take-home component. Access to a recording of the presentation works for both visual and auditory learners, whereas a quiz or a fill-in-the-blanks section helps the kinesthetics and a written overview or transcript reaches the reading and writing crowd. Furthermore, by adding an effective take-home element or the rewatchability of a presentation, presentations extend the value of an attached sponsorship or advertising.

How to Integrate into Continuing Education

Preparing a course that satisfies each of the learning styles can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Associations can choose to create content that appeals to various learning styles or offer different options for different learners. Either way, the versatility should lead to more members enrolling in courses, more successful outcomes, and improved membership value.

• Visual and Auditory Courses

Many online courses today are designed for visual and auditory learners. Associations often design lessons with visual and aural aids, like verbal lectures and presentation-style courses with pictures, charts, and diagrams to help drive home facts and information. For video courses, content designers can break up large chunks of verbal or written information with animations or live-action scenarios. Instructors may choose to speak or lecture over rolling videos to capture the attention of both visual and auditory learners and help them process information.

• Kinesthetic Courses

Some of the latest and greatest continuing education advances have come in the field of kinesthetic learning. To appeal to these types of learners, courses now offer interactive scenario-based training in which students can apply their knowledge directly. Courses may also include simulations or practical demonstrations as a learning aid. Training may include more traditional lab participation or explore gamification as a modern way of reaching learners and getting them involved.

• Reading/Writing Courses

While large chunks of written content can be off-putting for some learners, reading- and writing-styled learners process information best this way. To accommodate these learners without sacrificing the content for other participants, courses can allow students to access a transcript of the course materials or a written overview. Video lessons might include closed caption options and the course could include a fill-in-the-blanks quiz.

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Continuing education courses are some of the most effective ways for professionals to acquire new skills and advanced training. For that reason, associations use continuing education as a powerful and attractive membership benefit. Yet, offering meaningful training requires commitment and effort, so associations look for validation and rewards from their work.

To help associations get the most from their investments, the following information highlights some of the best solutions for creating lasting and impressionable continuing education. Follow these tips to become the go-to association for continuing education.

Listen to Your Members

Associations have valuable information right at their fingertips. To best understand what members want most from continuing education, the association need only ask. Try conducting a member survey. Ask members what training they wish they had or would be interested in pursuing. Encourage members to provide honest feedback on current training and follow through on the suggested improvements.

Associations can also use member activity as inspiration. Choose educational topics that would enhance your member’s careers, businesses, or day-to-day operations. If members operate small businesses, for example, offer accounting courses or legal foundations. Associations can also examine their member base to identify demographics of the industry that their courses do not support. In addition to offering more variance and value for current members, this can lead to increased membership.

Demonstrate Value

While some members can certainly see the value in continuing education, it also helps to restate the possible learning outcomes and potential benefits. Don’t take it for granted that members fully understand the benefits of your continuing education initiatives. In addition, associations may want to list some possible careers that leverage such training, certifications that might help members advance professionally, or employers that seek out specific training and/or skills.

Another way to show benefit is by providing course demos for members to test drive continuing education. This may be to show off the online learning system in general or to display a new course or new material. Both value presentations give members and potential members a preview of what they might experience and what they can gain from taking the courses. This leaves little room for confusion.

Provide Guidance and Leadership

Many members look to their association to help guide their professional development pursuits. As the industry experts, the association can provide course and training recommendations catered to members based on their specific interests and career goals. While smaller associations can often provide personalized guidance to individualized members, larger associations have to be more clever in their approach.

For these associations, creating member subsets based on demographics, professions, and experience levels can be quite effective. From there, courses and training can be matched and sent as a recommendation to the entire subset. Not only does this give members the impression of personalization, it adds more value to the association in the member’s eyes. This level of support also cements the association as a helpful resource and one that has its member’s best interests in mind.

Make Sure the Price is Right

Pricing for continuing education has to be done carefully and with consideration to a variety of factors to make it effective and appealing to members. First, associations should analyze their competition. While they may not need to undercut the competition, prices should be in the same ballpark. Secondly, associations can analyze their member feedback and activities to evaluate how their members might value specific training. Match the price to the demand without making it obstructive.

In addition to standalone pricing for courses, training, and certifications, associations can provide alternative pricing options for older or reused courses. Courses may be repackaged and paired with related courses at a discount for members. Associations may also offer discounted rates to new members or those who enroll in a new course. There may also be value in offering early bird pricing for new courses or last-minute pricing for newly opened spots.

Integrate Training with the Entire System

No matter how they access your courses, contemporary users are looking for a seamless process in their experience. For an association with continuing education, that means users can transition between courses, account details, and the association website with ease. Associations can develop this experience by integrating the online learning system with the association management software, making everything accessible from a central hub.

By doing this, members only need to login once. They have access to courses and other membership content from the same location and everything stays on-brand, sporting the same look and feel. The ecommerce and customer service processes are simple and intuitive. Similarly, potential new members want as few roadblocks as possible between them and joining. The easier it is to join and make purchases, the more positive results the association will see.

Highest-Quality Content and Presenters

When it comes to continuing education content, more is not always better. Continuing education requires a significant investment of time and energy from members, so overloading them with courses or training that may not prove useful can have a negative effect overall. In other words, avoid creating content for the sake of creating content. Instead, fill training programs with only necessary and impactful information. Only create a new course when you acquire enough new content to fill it substantially.

 Furthermore, associations should invest in the highest quality of presenters, whether it’s for a new course, training program, or an event or workshop. The best presenters not only provide valuable content to audiences, they also generate additional interest and can attract new members. By focusing on the best content and production, associations signal to members that whenever new training pops up, it’s worth checking out.

Get Connected

Creating a social learning environment is not only beneficial for members, it also creates new avenues for advertising. This environment can be established by developing an open forum for members to discuss their training with other members and students. Peer-to-peer engagement can help motivate, stimulate, and keep members engaged in their training and coming back for more.

Associations can also connect the learning system to social media in interesting ways. By making modules or certifications that are shareable or linkable, members can discuss their training with friends and peers online. For graduates, a digital badging system allows members to share their achievements, providing the association with free advertising at the same time. For this to work, however, members need a reason to talk about their training, which requires high quality and meaningful content.

Stay On-Trend

 Remaining at the forefront of the industry is important for every association in everything they do, but it is especially important for those offering continuing education. Professionals often want the latest and greatest in training in order to gain a competitive advantage. If associations can identify where the industry is headed and offer training to help members lead the way there can go a long way in allowing them to stand out from other associations.

Furthermore, by focusing on the latest industry in-topics, an association can also position itself at the heart of the discussion. Leveraging the trend and the interest in a topic may help drive members to take new training and certifications. Associations can also utilize this interest to pair or package courses with other related materials or older courses.

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