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While there are pros and cons to each approach (third-party programs, your own programs, or a combination), hosting your own programs is often the best option for member-based organizations.

We’ll review the four main reasons why in this article:

1. You can significantly increase member engagement.

Offering continuing education is a great way for member-based organizations to create meaningful interactions that provide value for their members.

Offering CE increases the number of touchpoints an organization has with its members and can help create a sense of community and connection.

Additionally, CE can aid in the development of your member’s professional development. When members improve their skills through your organization, the value they get from being a member increases.

Associations and similar organizations exist to help their members thrive, so the more opportunities you provide to update their skills, the better your member-based organization will be!

2. You can generate more non-dues revenue.

The ability to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is a valuable perk that can help member-based organizations attract and retain members. Not just that–by not sending your members to third-party learning websites, you get to keep that valuable non-dues revenue within your own organization!

Online courses are generally more affordable to produce than traditional in-person courses. However, even in-person sessions can be useful when building your member-based organization’s CE program; they can be recorded and placed online!

Recording in-person CE courses is often a more affordable option than building an entire online course from scratch, and it provides the chance for a greater audience to access your original sessions.

Not only does this produce a better experience for members, but it can also generate more non-dues revenue for the organization. Organizations can charge members a fee to access courses, and they can also sell advertising space on the course pages (or even offer sponsored courses!) to earn additional income.

The perks don’t end here, though! By hosting their own continuing education programs, organizations can provide their members with valuable content that’s geared towards their industry. This can include certification programs, which can be a major selling point for memberships!

If your member-based organization is looking for ways to generate additional non-dues revenue, consider creating your own continuing education program online; when you host your own CE program, both you and your members win!

3. You can gain insight into your members’ learning experience and translate it into better courses.

The online learning experience of your members is vital to the success of their professional development endeavors. When you send your members to third-party sites, you are no longer an active participant in their learning, which decreases the connection between an organization and its audience!

The solution, however, is simple: by hosting your own courses, you can ensure your members have the best possible learning experience–the one you curate just for them!

When you host your own online program, your member-based organization gains access to valuable data in the form of various analytics, such as course completion rates, average time spent on each course, and course popularity.

Having access to analytics will also help you improve your courses and make them more engaging for your members.

By analyzing the data from your learning management system, you’ll be able to target any weak areas in the program and allocate resources exactly where they’re needed. Even further, by understanding how your members learn online, you can tailor content to their unique needs!

The insight your organization can gain into the experience of its members can be invaluable. When properly utilized, it can help you improve the quality of your courses, better assess member engagement, and make decisions about the future of your programs. Once again, everyone wins!

4. You can provide a more valuable, tailored learning experience.

Third-party learning sites offer a wide variety of courses, but they may not cover the specific topics that members are interested in. These sites are made to cater to audiences in multiple industries, so the content that’s relevant to your members may end up few and far between.

By hosting their own continuing education programs, organizations can provide their members with a more customized experience. Each course is tailored to the needs of the member base, so it’s guaranteed to be useful and applicable!

Tailored content is not only more relevant, but it’s also more engaging. When members know that the content is created with their career goals and aspirations in mind, they are more likely to enjoy the learning experience your organization provides.

A more personalized learning experience might also be beneficial to your member-based organization because it may help you attract new members!

When potential members see that your organization offers courses that are relevant and industry-specific, they will see the value in joining your organization.

Conclusion

When member-based organizations create their own CE content, members are given the ability to learn about valuable, niche topics, while also allowing them to network with other professionals and members in their field–meaning your member-based organization can hit multiple birds with one stone!

You may also like: How to Improve Continuing Education for Your Association

At their core, member-based organizations exist to help their members engage, learn, and thrive. Don’t let your member-based organization fall behind when it comes to continuing education resources; aim for the top and create your own perfect program! Your organization’s members will be glad you did.

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For some associations, they choose to send their members to third-party eLearning sites for their CE courses. This is largely due to the convenience and affordability of these sites.

However, when associations choose to send their members to third-party learning sites, they are inadvertently doing more harm than good.

In this article, we’ll be examining why you may want to rethink directing your members away.

1. You’re losing out on valuable member engagement opportunities.

When members are sent to third-party learning sites, their overall engagement with your association decreases; they’re less likely to interact with your website (their courses aren’t there, after all!) and other communication channels.

You are inadvertently restricting your member’s ability to interact with your association by sending them to another site.

Remember–members are often drawn to associations because of their professional development opportunities.

If you aren’t providing these yourself, you’re distancing yourself from your audience. This makes it harder to engage with them and keep them up to date with your initiatives. It can even lead to member attrition!

2. You’re missing out on revenue.

When your members take courses on third-party eLearning sites, your association loses a huge area of potential for generating non-dues revenue.

You’re directing your audience away from your site–and any of its other possible revenue paths–into the hands of a likely unaffiliated entity.

These other organizations then have the opportunity to upsell and cross-sell products and services to your members–some of which may even overlap with your own offerings!

The convenience of being able to buy multiple products on one platform should not be discounted.

Consider: would you rather purchase several products on several sites, or several products on one site?

It’s easier for your members to buy from one place, and it’s easier for your association to sell products when you can upsell and cross-sell.

3. You’re losing out on valuable data.

When members take courses on third-party eLearning sites, your association loses out on valuable data that could be used to improve your services. Gathering useful data (including what courses are being taken, how members are progressing, and what their overall satisfaction levels are) is crucial for understanding the wants and needs of members, as well as how you can better cater to them in the future.

Don’t look down on analytics–they can pinpoint areas of weakness in your programs, as well as provide key insight on what makes your more successful products work. Information is valuable for a reason!

4. You’re sacrificing quality.

It may be cliche to say “quality over quantity”, but it’s a truism that applies here.

When you send members to take courses on third-party eLearning sites, you have no control over the course quality. This means that your members could be taking low-quality (or even inaccurate!) courses that do not meet their needs.

Additionally, third-party programs are typically created to appeal to the widest audience possible; they may not even offer courses that cater to the more niche needs of your member base.

As an association, you know your members better than anyone–so when it comes to offering quality, relevant content, it doesn’t make sense to send them anywhere else!

You may also like: Never Stop Learning: Continuing Education Inside and Out

Conclusion

So, while it may seem like a good idea to send your members to third-party eLearning sites, in reality, it does more harm than good.

If you want to keep your members close and nurture your relationship with them, it’s best to keep them within your organization. Not only does this allow you to better serve them–it also helps you grow your association as a whole in the long run.

The post The Inadvertent Dangers of Outsourcing Your Continuing Education to Third-Parties appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

While both systems have similarities, there are several distinct differences that you should keep in mind.

Association LMS vendors exclusively work with non-profit organizations.

They enable associations to sell and deliver continuing education (CE) courses online. This type of LMS is also CE compliant and offers features like CE credit tracking, eCommerce functionality, and tiered pricing.

Corporate LMS vendors work primarily with for-profit organizations.

For-profit organizations don’t need to sell courses–they need to train their employees. Corporate learning management systems are used internally to provide training on health and safety, compliance, and management processes.

Though each type of LMS provides online learning, they are vastly different systems.

In this blog, we’ll be going over the 4 main differences between corporate and association LMS:

1. Corporate LMS are for employees; association LMS are for members

Associations have members, not employees.

While it may not appear so at first glance, providing continuing education to members is drastically different from training employees!

Association LMS vendors understand this and offer features that are tailored to the needs of associations.

These features include:

• eCommerce functionality
• Continuing education credit tracking
• Non-skippable video (used to ensure that members can’t skip to the end of the course without watching the entire video)
• Integration with Association Management Systems (AMS)

Your members are not your employees; they are the lifeblood of your association.

Ensure that you are selecting a learning management system that is designed specifically for the needs of your members–and your association! This will lead to improved member engagement and a higher ROI.

2. Corporate courses are free for employees; members pay for CE courses

Association members need to pay for courses, while courses for employees are generally free, as they are provided by the corporation itself.

Unlike corporations, who generate their revenue elsewhere, associations need their courses to generate non-dues revenue.

Corporations need to train their employees; associations need to provide value to members (at a cost).

Association learning management systems are similar to eCommerce sites like Amazon and eBay. Members can search, purchase, and complete courses directly on the LMS, much like searching for an ebook on Amazon, purchasing it, and reading it in the connected app: all-in-one functionality!

On the other hand, corporate LMS are similar to libraries: you can access information, but you don’t have to pay for it.

3. Associations need to promote their CE; corporations don’t

Associations that promote their continuing education to their members effectively see a significant increase in the number of members that enroll in courses, as well as an increase in non-dues revenue and member engagement. Because of this, marketing is essential to success for associations.

You may also be interested in: 3 Ways to Increase Non-dues Revenue for Your Association’s Online Continuing Education Program

Corporations, on the other hand, don’t need to promote their LMS.

Their courses are mandatory for employees, so enrollment is guaranteed. Additionally, their courses don’t generate revenue, so there is no ROI to worry about.

4. Corporations focus on compliance; associations offer continuing education

Compliance training helps corporations reduce risk (and physical documentation); it keeps digital records to prove an employee was trained and informed of specific laws and policies.

Compliance training is also a critical part of any corporate environment. It ensures that employees are well-versed in the laws and policies that govern their job, while also keeping employee records that can be used in audits or legal proceedings.

Associations offer continuing education courses so that their members maintain their right to practice their profession.

Many careers require certification for practice and require those certificates to be updated over time.

Continuing professional development is also highly prized, allowing association members to gain more skills and increase their career value. Compliance training is for protecting the company; continuing education is for enhancing members’ skills.

You may also like: How to Improve Continuing Education for Your Association

Associations Need an LMS That Is Made for Associations.

Now that you understand the differences between a corporate LMS and an association LMS, it should be easy to spot them when you’re looking to purchase your own.

Make sure you pick the learning management system that caters to your association; choose it for your members, focus on non-dues revenue, let it promote your programs, and have it offer big CE value.

Don’t go “corporate”–go “association”!

The post Corporate vs Association LMS: Key Differences Explained appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Your LMS project can quickly go off the rails if it isn’t adequately planned and executed. According to the Project Management Institute, 30% of projects fail to achieve their original goals, and almost 40% exceed their budget. Neither of these is a category you want your association to fall into!

So, how can you ensure your LMS project is set up for success? With the right project management approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and launch your LMS with minimal disruption.

Without further ado, here are 6 simple steps to help you get started:

1. Establish Your Goals and Objectives

Before you even start looking at LMS software, it’s essential to take a step back and define your goals and objectives. What do you hope to achieve with your new LMS? How will it benefit your association and its members? Answering these questions will help you choose the right software and set realistic expectations.

Make a list of your objectives and turn them into SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. Once you’ve decided on your objectives, you can map a timeline to reach your targets. Make sure to use an iterative, Agile approach; as your project progresses, you may need to adjust your goals and objectives.

Related: See 5 Things NOT to Leave Out of Your LMS!

2. Choose Your Vendor

Not all LMS vendors are created equal! When evaluating potential providers, it’s important to consider more than just the software itself. You’ll also want to look at the vendor’s reputation, customer service performance history, and implementation process. Make sure you choose a vendor that’s a good fit your organization and has a proven track record you can verify with their existing clients.

As you research different vendors, it’s important to make sure that they specialize in learning management systems for associations. University and corporate learning management systems are not a good fit for associations because they do not include built-in e-commerce functionality and they’re not designed to be compliant with continuing education regulations.

3. Promote Your New LMS Early and Often

When you’re launching your new LMS, make sure to give your members a heads up! Educate them on the benefits of the new learning management system, how easy it will be to use, and how technical support will be readily available. Then, continue promoting your platform even after launch to ensure that your members (and the public) know about it.
There are a few cost-effective marketing and promotion tools that can help your association do more with less.

Jasper AI (Artificial Intelligence Marketing): Jasper is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing assistant that can generate an array of different works, including persuasive blog posts, marketing emails, landing pages, and more! If you find yourself having trouble coming up with advertising copy, you may find Jasper a great help. You can find Jasper AI here.

Canva for Nonprofits: Canva is a website that hosts graphic design templates that can be tailored to fit your association’s needs. If you tend to require a plethora of custom graphics, check it out! You can find Canva for Nonprofits here.

4. Test, Test, Test!

You want to make sure everything functions properly on your new system. Run through each course several times, checking as many different variables as possible. You want to find all the bugs you can before you launch. Whatever you can think of, test it! Quality assurance is a vital step in the process, so give it the attention it deserves.

5. Train (and Test—Again)

Your vendor should teach your staff how to use the new system. This will act as an internal soft launch for the platform, where your staff can experiment with the LMS.

This step also doubles as another round of testing, so make sure to listen to any feedback your staff offers during this time; try to incorporate it before going live.

6. Launch! (and Provide Ongoing Support)

After testing the LMS and training your staff, it is time to launch your new LMS officially–but the work doesn’t end here! You (or your vendor) will need to provide ongoing support for your LMS. This may include providing technical support for your members and staff, uploading new courses, and preventing cyberattacks from hackers.

Technology is constantly changing, and your LMS will need to change with it. LMS vendors typically offer a subscription model (software as a service, or “SAAS”) that includes regular updates. Make sure to understand the terms of your agreement so you can budget for LMS support on an ongoing basis.

Conclusion

Launching your new LMS can seem like a daunting task, but by following these 6 simple steps, you’ll be able to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful launch. Keep in mind that proper planning and execution are key, so make sure to allocate the necessary time and resources upfront.

With careful preparation and a focus on detail, you’ll be able to confidently launch your new LMS and reap the benefits in no time!

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Whether you missed the original livestream or want to watch it again, you’re in luck! Vocalmeet, the CPA (Canadian Psychological Association), and the CSAE (Canadian Society of Association Executives) partnered to bring you a fantastic discussion on growth strategies for associations in 2022 and beyond—a discussion you can catch online now!

Meanwhile, in this webinar recap, we’ll explore the 5 powerful growth strategies that were shared during the livestream conversation. Join us as we discover the strategies other association leaders use to maximize their ability to generate non-dues revenue for their organizations!

1. The Benefits of On-Demand CE Courses

Does your association hold live sessions? Do you livestream continuing education courses and workshops? Well, you’re in luck; you can record these streams and transform them into continuing education (CE) courses. Your association gets more courses to package and sell, and your members get access to new, premium content–everyone benefits!

That’s not all; you can also use previously recorded courses to create something fresh and new. By re-editing and updating your older courses, you can offer your members improved, modernized content. Consider packaging it with new courses for extra value!

2. Cost-Effective Marketing Tools and Promotion

When it comes to earning more revenue, your members and the public need to know about the benefits and programs your association offers. Thankfully, there are plenty of economical assets at your disposal. In our discussion, Anthony Campbell, Growth Manager at Vocalmeet shared a few cost-effective marketing and promotion tools that will help your association do more with less;

• Jasper AI (Artificial Intelligence Marketing): Jasper is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered writing assistant that can automatically generate persuasive blog posts, marketing emails, landing pages, and more! If you find it difficult to generate this kind of content, you may find Jasper a great help. You can find Jasper AI here.
• Canva for Nonprofits: Canva is a website that offers pre-made graphic designs that you can take and tailor yourself. If you find yourself needing lots of custom graphics, check it out! You can find Canva for Nonprofits here.
• Hootsuite: Hootsuite is a social media management platform that allows you to schedule posts ahead of time, as well as keep track of your content streams, mentions, and more. If your association uses several social media channels, Hootsuite is the program for you. You can find Hootsuite here.
• Vidyard: Vidyard allows you to record your computer screen and webinar at the same time, making window-in-window a breeze. Use it to personalize your presentation content and more! You can find Vidyard here.
• Calendly: Calendly is a program used to book appointments online. You select the dates and times you’re available, and your members can book time with you in just a few clicks; what a time-saver! You can find Calendly here.

3. The Importance of the Strategic Plan

Having a clear strategic plan is important for any organization. Your strategic plan should outline the association’s priorities and how you plan to achieve them. This is essential in order for the organization to thrive and grow in a competitive environment. Will your staff be able to facilitate and manage your new priorities? Will your current budget allow you to build and support new programs? The key to successfully implementing your strategic plan is to avoid it from turning into your operational plan. Your strategic plan is designed to help you achieve your goals and mission. Your operational plan helps you carry out the tasks needed to achieve your strategic plan’s goals and mission.

4. Combined Dues and Non-Dues Revenue Initiatives

No one said dues and non-dues revenue streams had to be mutually exclusive! Try offering members free continuing education packages for early renewal. If you want to get even fancier, try creating membership packages based on what the member selects; you can run the gamut from low-cost, low benefits memberships all the way up to VIP premium memberships that include all the bells and whistles! The number of membership types and the perks they include is up to you.

5. Technology Consolidation

By consolidating your association’s technology, you can actually improve its ease-of-use and its value. Remember to KISS: Keep It Simple, Silly! Simplification will reduce both complexity and costs while improving the efficacy of your tools.

That’s not the only thing your association can condense, of course; consider having all of your technological needs filled by a single vendor! You’ll build a better partnership, and you won’t have to keep track of who covers what. One account, one vendor, one contact! Additionally, your vendor will become more invested in (and fond of!) your association–they may even be willing to go the extra mile for you as your business relationship develops. Better still, by sourcing all your technology from one vendor, you’ll have fewer compatibility issues when it comes to expanding your tools (they know what you have and what connects to it, after all). Streamline your processes; go for a vendor that offers all in one!

Has your interest been piqued? By offering on-demand CE courses, marketing with economic tools and promotions, directing in a plan-focussed manner, creating varied membership packages, and unifying technology and vendors, your association will be able to boost its growth and increase its non-dues revenue!

The post Webinar Recap: 5 Powerful Growth Strategies to Boost Non-Dues Revenue for Your Association in 2022 and Beyond appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.