Many member-based organizations are eager to explore the technology’s potential, but getting started safely requires a thoughtful and intentional approach.

Now, while specific usage guidelines vary from one organization to another, we come to you today with recommendations to help you build a strong, secure, and practical foundation for integrating AI tools.

1. Define Clear Goals

Know what you’re setting out to solve or improve.

• How do you want to use AI in your organization?
• What problems can it help you overcome?

2. Build a Shared Understanding

Before taking the plunge, you’ll want to familiarize yourself (and your team) with the basics of AI. Be open and transparent about your goals.

We suggest creating an AI Code of Conduct to guide your team’s adoption and use of AI-enabled tools.

3. Choose the Right Tools

Select platforms that genuinely meet your team’s needs. Don’t be fooled by buzzwords–a lot of companies like to boast about their AI, but you’ll want to take a minute to look into what they actually mean.

This also means reading the legalese in the terms and conditions. Look for answers to questions like:

• Who owns the data you feed it?
• Who owns the results?
• Can you delete your data from the system?

Wherever possible, you will likely want to use the paid version of these tools. Whichever tool you adopt, it should have a solid framework in place for protecting your Personally Identifiable Information (PII), as well as your company information (lparsons, 2025).

Keep in mind: When there’s no cost listed, the price is you. If a tool appears to be free, it may be collecting or using your data as compensation.

4. Start Small

Test new AI tools on low-risk projects before scaling them up. Even with thorough research, there’s always a chance that something is missed, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Watch for Bias

Stay aware of how datasets influence results and review them carefully. AI is excellent at spotting patterns, but there are often underlying factors that can influence its direction (Coffin, 2024). The more familiar you become with these influences, the easier it is to spot their effects and adjust.

6. Invest in Learning

As AI constantly evolves, so should your team. Empower them to improve and grow as much as possible.

As your team learns more, you can adjust your Code of Conduct to match (lparsons, 2025). AI is evolving quickly, so you want to be aware of how this will affect your rules.

7. Track Performance

Monitor performance, measure real outcomes, and optimize your processes as needed. If you find a tool isn’t working out, that’s ok–it just means you’re one step closer to finding the one that does!

Conclusion

Start small, stay curious, and keep refining your approach as the technology evolves. Using these guidelines, you’re now well on your way—so here’s to a smarter, more empowered AI journey ahead!

Works Cited

Coffin, B. (2024, February 21). Six Ethical Artificial Intelligence Principles for Your Code of Conduct. Ethisphere Magazine Website. https://magazine.ethisphere.com/six-ethical-artificial-intelligence-principles-for-your-code-of-conduct/

lparsons. (2025, June 26). Building a Responsible AI Framework: 5 Key Principles for Organizations – Professional & Executive Development | Harvard DCE. Professional & Executive Development | Harvard DCE. https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/building-a-responsible-ai-framework-5-key-principles-for-organizations/#What-Are-the-5-Key-Principles-of-Ethical-AI-for-Organizations

The post Curious About AI? Here’s How to Start Smart appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Choosing the right AMS for your organization is crucial. Remember: it’s not just about getting the shiniest new technology–it’s about organization, automation, and enhancement. After all, the right AMS can improve the efficiency (and ease!) of your administrative processes, help you boost revenue (of both the dues and non-dues variety), and increase engagement.

On the other hand, the wrong AMS may result in inefficiencies, wasted resources, and frustration–oh my! Thankfully, you’re not alone. Today, we’ll be covering the right questions to ask when you’re looking for a new AMS. For instance…

1. “What are my organization’s current goals and challenges?”

Before evaluating any platforms, you’ll want to take a moment to assess your organization’s current situation. What do you aim to do? What challenges (“pain points”) are you facing, and what could help you solve them? Make some lists.

For inspiration, you can ask yourself things like…

• What administrative tasks do I have that are manual and/or time-consuming? Could they be automated?
  • Example: tracking memberships, sending expiry notifications
• What challenges are my staff and members experiencing? What hinders engagement?
  • Example: resources are hard to find, navigating the platform is difficult, each system is its own separate ecosystem
• What key functions am I looking for?
  • Example: organizational memberships that oversee individual memberships, coupon codes, automatic membership renewal
• How will the AMS align with my organization’s long-term strategic goals?
  • Example: automated notifications can keep members more informed, automatic membership renewals make it easy for members to keep their standing

More high-level features to consider may include:

• A member database with advanced search and segmentation capabilities
• Event and conference management tools that include online registrations and virtual event integration
• Automated communications, like marketing and notification emails
• Detailed reporting and analytics capabilities for data-driven decision-making
• Integrated financial management tools that allow for things like invoicing, payment processing, and subscription tracking

Now, you can use what you’ve created to make your own requirements document. While this may sound daunting, it’s actually just another list!

Requirements documents, at their most basic, typically sort features into two groups:

• Must-have features: these are do-or-die requirements, functions that will make or break your platform. These are the functions that, if they aren’t included, you will not be able to go further with this platform; these form the foundation of your cake.
• Nice-to-have features: requirements that are helpful (or even really exciting!) but won’t sour the whole platform for you if they aren’t included; these are the icing on your cake.

Then, if you want to really delve deep (or indulge in a possible pipe dream!), you can add one more type:

• “Flying cupcake” features: these are your maybe-crazy, “perfect world” requirements; these are the sparklers and gold leaf decorating your cake.

While you may wonder why putting more far-fetched requirements on your list would be worthwhile, you may find yourself surprised–a good vendor may suggest viable workarounds to get the result you want. After all, it never hurts to ask!

By clearly outlining your organization’s objectives, challenges, and needs, you can ensure that the AMS you choose is the one that’s right for you!

2. “How well will the AMS integrate with my existing systems?”

An AMS should work seamlessly with your existing software to maintain efficiency and data accuracy. Compatibility is crucial to ensuring that all of your components work harmoniously.

Consider the following:

• Does the AMS integrate with your current CRM, financial tools, and email marketing platforms?
• How easy is data migration from your existing system to the new AMS?
• What API capabilities does the AMS offer for custom integrations?
• Can I consolidate multiple systems with it?

Poor integration can lead to inefficient processes, duplicated efforts, and frustration among staff. Choosing an AMS that integrates well with existing systems can prevent these issues and enhance productivity.

But wait! There’s Another Solution!

What if I told you that there’s a way to get an AMS without dealing with the pain of managing integrations? What if there was a one-stop shop for all your system needs?

With an all-in-one solution, you can skip the extra steps with a single unified (but modular) solution. Check out the benefits of using an all-in-one platform HERE!

3. “What’s the cost?”

This is probably the question you’ve been waiting for; after all, some things really do just come down to money.

However, when it comes to picking an AMS, there’s more than just the upfront figure to consider. Yes, the initial cost is important, but what’s even more crucial is calculating long-term expenses (both spent AND saved!).

When it comes to money spent, you’ll want to think about the following:

• Pre-implementation costs
  • Does the licensing act like a subscription?
  • Is there an upfront price for implementation?
  • Is maintenance (e.g. keeping integrations and security up to date) included or separate?
  • Is there a fee for data migration (i.e. moving data from your current platform to your new platform)?
• Post-implementation costs
  • Do you need to pay for training for staff? For members? Is training billed by staff members or by the hour?
  • What types of customizations are included, and what do you have to pay for?
  • Is end-user technical support available?

Then, compare the above to what you could potentially save:

• Return on investment (ROI) and long-term cost-effectiveness
  • Are you automating tedious, time-consuming tasks? Remember, time is money–if you’re saving your administrators time, that’s like getting cash back!
  • An intuitive, streamlined platform can increase engagement and bring in more members–meaning more dues revenue!
  • Can your AMS integrate into a wider all-in-one platform? By switching to a comprehensive, unified system, you may be able to go from paying lots of vendors to just a single one. All-in-ones don’t just increase efficiency and ease-of-use–they save you money!

When choosing an AMS, you want to create a detailed cost analysis to avoid unexpected expenses. It’s essential to assess what you’re actually getting for your money; while an AMS may appear to cost more than some of its peers, factoring in the potential ripple effect can prove that you’d actually end up saving!

4. “How user-friendly is it?”

A user-friendly AMS can enhance productivity, improve engagement, and ensure smoother adoption by members and staff. If your platform is clunky and frustrating to use, your members won’t want to spend time with your organization. Instead, aim for a clean, seamless experience that will keep your audience coming back for more!

To judge the friendliness of a system, ask yourself the following:

• How intuitive is the AMS interface for both administrators and members?
  • Remember, you want to consider both sides of this story. If the front-end experience of a platform is great, but the back end is not, it’s going to be hard for staff to keep up. Conversely, if the back-end experience is smooth but the front-end is hard to navigate, you’ll find your audience losing interest fast!
• What training resources are available to support new users and staff?
  • Does the platform come with tutorials–and does it even need to? Some designs are so clear that even someone with minimal experience on a computer can engage with ease!
• Is the AMS mobile-friendly, allowing members to engage from any device?
  • These days, it’s all about tablets and smartphones. Don’t make your members pinch-to-zoom on every page–let the desktop view stay on the desktop where it belongs!

• Can the platform be customized easily?
  • This one’s a tricky one. Every organization has different needs, and true customizations can cost a pretty penny. Thankfully, there’s a work-around: find an AMS that’s built to have the look and feel of a customized piece WITHOUT all the programming. What does this mean? Look for platforms built specifically for your type of organization!

Overall, if your AMS is difficult to navigate, it can lead to frustration, inefficiencies, and resistance. Keep your platform simple, sleek, and effective for the best results!

5. “What level of training and support do I get?”

We touched on this above, but it bears repeating; after all, reliable support ensures smooth operations, from implementation to beyond, so evaluating the kinds of customer service provided is essential.

When you’re looking for an AMS, you’ll want to ask about…

• Vendor support options, which can include things like 24/7 availability, live chat services, and dedicated account managers
• Onboarding programs, training sessions, and knowledge hubs
• Software update schedules, maintenance, and inquiry responsiveness

To learn more, ask about the different options for service level agreements (SLAs) and pick the price point that’s right for you. Providing your members (and staff) with dedicated support will ensure that everyone can use your AMS worry-free.

6. “How secure is it?”

Data security and compliance should be amongst your top priorities when choosing an AMS, regardless of your industry. With increasing concerns over data privacy and cyber threats, selecting a secure AMS is vital.

Consider the following:

• What encryption, backup, and recovery measures are in place to protect sensitive data?
• Does the system maintain compliance with relevant regulations and best practices (e.g. HIPAA)?
• What policies exist regarding data ownership, member privacy, and risk management?
• Does it offer multi-factor authentication?
• Where is the data stored?

Having a secure AMS will protect your members’ sensitive information, build trust, and ensure regulatory compliance. Remember the age-old saying: Safety first!

7. “What are their other clients saying?”

They say the best advertising is word-of-mouth. Thankfully, the internet makes “mouths” a lot more accessible! Testimonials, success stories, case studies, and client lists are now often only a click away.

Reading the experiences of other associations can help you make a more informed decision. So, while you search, consider…

• Reading online reviews, testimonials, and case studies
• Speaking with current clients to gain firsthand insights
• Researching the vendor’s industry reputation and years of experience
• Requesting product demos and trials to evaluate real-world usability

Nothing beats real-world information straight from the source!

Conclusion

It’s no secret; choosing the right AMS requires careful evaluation, strategic planning, and thorough research. Thankfully, when you ask the right questions, you can make solid, informed decisions that align with your organization’s goals and needs.

While you search, keep this in mind: an AMS is more than just a software purchase—it’s an investment in the future of your organization!

Want to learn more? Contact us to schedule a meeting and we’ll discuss how we help organizations like yours!

References:

57 Essential Questions to Ask Your AMS Vendor Before You Decide to Buy. (2017). Arment.com. https://www.arment.com/armstrong/armstrong/case-studies/57-essential-questions.aspx

Ketcham, A. (2017, August). 5 Questions to Ask Potential Association Management Software Vendor. Associations Management Online. https://www.associationsonline.com/member-management-system/5-questions-to-ask-potential-association-management-software-vendors/

Six Features to Look for in an Association Management System. (2019). ASAE. https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2019/may/six-features-to-look-for-in-an-association-management-system

The post What to Ask When Choosing an Association Management System appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Unfortunately, not all mentorships are the same; while their success often depends on the mentors and the mentees involved, associations can greatly improve the chances of things going well by laying the proper groundwork.

By taking the time to properly plan and dedicate the appropriate resources to build a mentorship program, associations can make a substantial addition to the value of their memberships, thereby allowing members to reap the benefits.

Read on to find out how a solid mentorship program can help make the difference between a good year and a great year for your association–and your members!

1. Start Members Off Right

Much like a solid onboarding process, a strong mentorship can be incredibly useful for members at the start of their membership.

A mentorship is helpful for new members looking to get their feet wet in an association, easing them in while also giving them the confidence to participate. Mentors can encourage their mentees, cheering their efforts on and providing them with moral support. This type of program also demonstrates an association’s commitment to bettering and investing in its members.

As with every relationship, associations get only one chance to make a first impression. When a mentorship is used during this integral early period, it can pave the way for a successful, lasting, and loyal connection.

When building these programs, consider what other components new members might benefit from, and work to turn the mentorship into a complete association introduction. While early mentorships often prove to be the most effective, associations should vary the program in order to offer moderately and semi-experienced professionals something as well. There should be a little something for everyone!

2. Think Purpose and Promotion

Purpose and promotion are both important considerations when designing a mentorship program and its benefits. In the design process, associations need to think about how the program aligns with their overall mission, goals, and strategy. When made in conjunction with these, the mentorship will not only help the association accomplish its targets, but it will also enlist new mentors and mentees in the pursuit of them.

In regards to promotion, during the program design process, associations should highlight the areas that mean the most for new members, such as connecting with association ambassadors, highlighting past program successes, and helping professionals progress throughout their careers.

Ensure that prospective members are aware of your mentorship programs, as well as of the type of industry mentors they might engage with.

Overall, mentorships add to membership value and should be promoted accordingly.

3. Build Confidence and Drive Engagement

Mentorships can encourage members to engage in their association in different ways.

For new members–as mentioned above–a strong membership can act as a pleasant introductory process. They can learn the ropes while also becoming comfortable with participating in different events as their guide supports them.

But, did you know? A mentorship can have this same effect even on more experienced members, especially for those who typically have low engagement levels!

To make the mentorship as effective as possible, associations should consider integrating the program with other events and workshops. Attending one of these events with a buddy can help break people out of their shells. With any luck, this can have a ripple effect that leaves members with the engagement bug for future events.

It’s not just mentees who benefit from mentorships either, as mentors are provided with a platform to give back and share their experience. Mentors can gain renewed confidence and drive after experiencing an increased level of authority and esteem–they’re the experts here, after all!

4. Diversify Your Benefits

For associations, providing members with a mentorship program can really expand the value of the membership in different ways.

While the program can add an entirely new component to the membership for both new and experienced members, it may also provide unexpected bonuses. Associations can develop events specifically for mentorship participants, such as events that are run directly by mentors.

Additionally, mentorships offer mentors the chance to practice leadership, management, and training skills–powerful tools for members looking to take the next big step in their career development!

5. Promote Career Development

One of the main reasons that people join associations is for career development assistance.

Aside from the obvious sharing of knowledge and experience, mentorships can really help members advance in their industry and navigate the waters of business. For example, associations can have mentors and mentees take courses and industry certifications together, which can increase engagement and improve results.

Outside of courses, mentors can motivate mentees to persevere through career challenges by sharing their stories of successes and failures, demonstrating that drive and commitment can lead to positive career outcomes.

By encouraging mentees, mentors can also help their charges overcome self-doubt and other workplace challenges. With experience comes know-how–and your mentors will be fonts of professional knowledge!

You may also like: Let’s Get Digital: 3 Strategies to Boost Member Engagement Online

Conclusion

If you want a solid, engaging program like no other, look to starting some good old-fashioned mentorship programs for your association. Members of all levels of experience will be able to bond and connect, benefiting each other and increasing the value of your membership in tandem.

Everybody wins!

Sources

The post Extending a Hand: Hosting a Solid Mentorship Program appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Today, we’ll be looking at some of the key challenges of digital transformation for professional associations–and how you can solve them!

1. Legacy Systems

The Challenge: Professional associations may have legacy systems that are difficult to integrate with new technologies. This can make it challenging to modernize an organization’s IT infrastructure and implement new tools, such as learning management systems.

The Solution: Instead of attempting a complete overhaul of their IT infrastructure, associations should consider a phased approach. 

Start by modernizing one system or a set of related systems at a time. 

This allows for better resource allocation and minimizes disruption; it also enables the organization to learn from each phase before proceeding to the next.

2. Cultural Resistance

The Challenge: Change management can be a significant challenge for professional associations, as some members may be resistant to change or unfamiliar with digital technologies. This can make it difficult to gain support for digital transformation strategies.

The Solution: The answer lies in clear communication and transparency. 

Associations should ensure that the goals, benefits, and rationale behind their digital transformation initiatives are clearly communicated to all members and stakeholders. 

Provide regular updates on any and all progress, challenges, and expected outcomes. 

Transparency helps to build trust and understanding, reducing resistance to change.

3. Comfort with the Status Quo

The Challenge: Many people are comfortable with the way things are and may not see the need for change. They may also be hesitant to disrupt existing systems–even if they’re inefficient or outdated.

The Solution: Create a sense of urgency. Clearly communicate the reasons why change is necessary and the risks of maintaining the status quo. 

Highlight external factors (such as industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving member expectations) that necessitate adaptation. 

By creating a sense of urgency, you can motivate members and stakeholders to embrace change and overcome their comfort with the existing systems.

4. Lack of Understanding

The Challenge: Sometimes, people may not fully understand the benefits of updating technology to reduce complexity. They may not see how it will improve their work (or the organization as a whole), leading to resistance to change.

The Solution: Clearly communicate the advantages of the transformation. Develop a comprehensive communication strategy to clearly outline the benefits of updating technology to reduce complexity; make sure to use concrete examples for the best results! Look into similar organizations and see how they have used digital transformation to thrive. 

Explain how the new technology will simplify workflows, streamline processes, and improve efficiency for staff, while improving the user interface and experience for members. Emphasize the positive impact transformation will have on the organization as a whole.

5. Fear of Failure

The Challenge: Changing processes can be risky, and some people may be afraid of failure or making mistakes. This fear can lead to a preference for sticking with what they know.

The Solution: Break the process down into manageable steps. By deconstructing transformation into smaller, more achievable steps, an association can reduce the level of risk and increase their likelihood of success. 

On the member side, a phased system of change allows an organization’s audience to build confidence as they learn the new technology. 

6. Inadequate Training and Support

The Challenge: If people don’t get adequate training and support when switching to new processes, they may be reluctant to change. They may also feel overwhelmed by the new technology and processes, making them hesitant to update.

The Solution: Develop comprehensive training programs that cover the new technology, processes, and any associated changes. 

Offer a variety of training formats, including workshops, webinars, e-learning modules, user-friendly documentation, and one-on-one coaching. Ensure that the training is tailored to different user roles (as well as for staff and for members) and skill levels, providing step-by-step guidance and practical examples. 

Consider also hosting dedicated support channels (such as a helpdesk, email support, or chat support) to address member questions and concerns promptly. 

7. Cost

The Challenge: Digital transformation can require significant investment in new technology and systems, which may be a challenge for associations with limited budgets. 

The Solution: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the potential return on investment (ROI) of the proposed changes. Associations should identify the areas where their investments will have the greatest impact and align them with their organization’s strategic goals. This analysis can help prioritize investments and demonstrate the value of digital transformation to stakeholders. 

Next, explore funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, or sponsorships that specifically support digital transformation initiatives. Look for government programs, industry associations, or foundations that provide funding for technology upgrades or digital initiatives. 

Collaborating with other associations or organizations in the same sector may also provide cost-sharing opportunities.

8. Security

The Challenge: With more data being stored and transferred digitally, there will always be concerns about data breaches and cyber attacks. Professional associations must ensure that they have thorough security measures in place to protect their data and their members’ data.

The Solution: Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify potential risks and address them promptly. These assessments will help point out potential points of vulnerability in an organization’s systems, processes, and infrastructure. Audits should also include an evaluation of network security, data protection practices, access controls, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Additionally, associations should educate staff and members about security best practices, such as strong password management, phishing awareness, and data protection protocols. Regularly conduct training sessions and awareness campaigns to keep security practices top of mind. 

9. Skill Gap

The Challenge: Digital transformation can require new skills that staff and members of an organization don’t possess yet. Associations may need to develop or hire new talent to support the transition.

The Solution: Conduct a thorough assessment of existing skills within the association to identify the gaps that need to be addressed. Determine the specific competencies required for successful digital transformation and compare them to the current skill sets of staff and members. This analysis will provide a clear understanding of the areas where additional training or new talent is needed.

Then, develop training programs to meet these needs. Offer a variety of learning opportunities (such as workshops, online courses, webinars, or mentoring programs) to help individuals acquire the necessary skills. 

Associations can even collaborate with external training providers or industry experts to deliver specialized training in areas such as data analytics, digital marketing, or technology implementation. 

Encourage continuous learning and provide ongoing support to ensure skill development.

10. Legal and Compliance Issues

The Challenge: Digital transformation may also bring new legal and compliance requirements that associations need to be aware of, such as data protection laws and regulations.

The Solution: Conduct an assessment to identify potential legal and compliance gaps within the association’s existing processes and systems. Associations can evaluate their data handling practices, consent mechanisms, security measures, and any other areas that may be impacted by regulatory requirements. This assessment will help identify areas that need attention and ensure compliance with relevant laws.

11. Stakeholder Management

The Challenge: Professional associations often have multiple stakeholders, including members, partners, and regulators. Managing the expectations and needs of these stakeholders during periods of digital transformation can be challenging.

The Solution: First, set realistic expectations with stakeholders regarding the timeline, outcomes, and potential challenges of the digital transformation process. Be transparent about any limitations or constraints that may affect implementation. Clearly communicate the benefits and value that the transformation will bring to stakeholders to gain their support.

Then, work on actively engaging with stakeholders to gather their input and involve them in decision-making processes wherever possible. Seek their opinions, ideas, and suggestions to shape the process in a way that everyone will be happy with.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, the benefits of digital transformation far exceed their challenges. While making the change can be difficult, associations that implement digital transformation improve their ability to engage members, deliver value, and drive growth. 

Take the plunge and discover how your association can start the process today!

The post 11 Challenges (and Solutions!) of Digital Transformation appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

For convenience and simplicity, many rely on their association to provide them with these opportunities.

In fact, many members go to their associations first for professional development! 

For obvious reasons, associations should be ready, willing, and able to answer the call.

It may sound difficult to become the landing spot for all your members’ continuing education needs, but it can be done with the right LMS and the right plan. 

Optimizing your CE system is more than just providing great content; associations need their entire system and all of their processes working toward the same goal. 

The results will speak for themselves: increased revenue and more engaged members! 

To get your association’s CE on the right path, follow the steps below:

1. Connect Everything

Your continuing education platform shouldn’t be an island. 

Ensure that your CE is interconnected with your entire system–including your event center, career services, and CRM software. 

With proper integration, members are able to access your association’s store, job board, and main page directly from the CE platform, allowing these sections to work together to enhance the user experience. 

Your continuing education platform should look and act the same as your main website–you want to provide the most seamless transition possible! Ideally, users shouldn’t even notice they are going between different platforms.

The easy exchange of data across your entire system allows for additional benefits, including single sign-on (one login for everything!) and a better shopping experience overall. 

2. Get Social

Your association should also consider integrating various social systems, like connecting their CE to social media and establishing a member forum. Continuing education isn’t only courses and training, after all; social learning in peer discussions and communities can offer some of the most valuable and relevant lessons available!

Consider creating a course-related forum section for current and past learners to discuss the material–or even open the forum up to all members! You can even mix and match with specific threads within your forum. Encourage discussions by posting think pieces, industry news, and relevant topics.

With social media, learners can share about their learning experiences, which can grant them validation and support. Additionally, by creating a digital badging system, members can showcase the training and certifications they’ve completed on social media, member forums, and job boards–promoting their achievements and your CE all at once! 

3. Personalize It

The most effective learning systems organize their entire experience around each individual user. 

The advanced AI present in many learning management systems today can create personalized learning recommendations for members based on usage and interests. For example, course and certification suggestions can be generated based on past job searches, showing members what training is a prerequisite or could give them an advantage. This can work for non-members as well–effectively turning your LMS into a recruitment tool!

Don’t be afraid to ask members for more information about their likes, interests, and goals, either. You can use this information and create a personalized development path as well. Offer them training in the formats that appeal to them most, suggest training that might serve some of their objectives, and provide recommendations that can give them a helpful career boost. 

4. Support and Evolve

Even with the most intuitive LMS, members will still need support from time to time. Make sure that your association’s lines of communication are open, that your instructions are clear and easy to understand, that there is someone to contact when necessary, and that training and support resources are easily accessible. 

This goes beyond technical support, however; members can also benefit from continuing education support. Provide assistance and advice for members as they plan their careers and educational development paths; a little help can lead to a lot of loyalty! 

Next, you want your association to be at the forefront of your industry. Your courses need to evolve over time, and your materials need to be updated to reflect any changes in the industry. If compliance regulations shift, be sure to offer courses and training that allow members to update and maintain their skills. 

Be sure to incorporate the latest in learning trends and technologies–your members want you to be cutting-edge, and keeping your courses (and platform!) modern will go a long way. Keep your content as up-to-date as possible so that members will be confident in your CE and your association overall. 

5. Create New Opportunities

To get the most out of a training course, associations may need to advertise it and offer it in various ways. Consider making your in-person conferences hybrid, which can improve attendance, engagement, and revenue generation. When it comes to online sessions, record them! You can then use the resulting videos to make fast, easy on-demand courses for members.

Associations can also look at repacking and repurposing older courses with newer ones to help renew interest in past content. Try offering different price levels for different groups–member tiers can create an additional revenue stream and let members pick the plan that’s right for them. That’s instant personalization!

Finally, pin any training that is related to current industry news or changes–this highlights the importance of both the item and your CE. The most important content is that which is evergreen (always relevant) and that which is relevant to the now. Be creative with it! Filling niches is one of the best things an association can do.

You may also like: How to Sell Your Online Courses to Your Members

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, becoming the go-to continuing education resource for your members is a goal that can be achieved with the right tools, strategies, and dedication. 

Combine the right LMS with a well-thought-out plan, and you can provide your members with the best CE experience around, rewarding your members with new skills and your association with repeat renewals for years to come!

References

The post Become the Go-to Continuing Education Resource for Your Members appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

It’s what most members look for and what most associations look to provide. How career development support is delivered and how effective these offerings are, however, can vary considerably between associations. 

Largely, the more effective your association is at helping to develop its members’ careers, the more value you can offer them. 

To give you an idea of different ways that your association can add to its membership, we’ve highlighted some of the best career development options available. By integrating these different components, your members will do better in their careers, find more value in professional development, and value their membership (and your association) more than ever before!

1. Offer Career Services Assistance

Many members look to their association to provide them with career development advice and expertise. By providing basic career assistance, such as offering resume building workshops, access to job boards, and interview tips, you can provide an invaluable service for your members. 

You don’t have to settle, however; try taking your association offerings beyond this to really provide members with resources they can’t get elsewhere!

Use your position as a knowledge center in the industry and offer your members insight on the job market. 

Answer questions like the following:

• What type of credentials are required? 
• What do employers seek from applicants? 

The more information you give members, the more they’ll be able to excel!

Next, you can consider offering your members varying levels of access to career services support. For example, you may offer heightened access to your job boards for a fee, giving paying members direct access to job openings or sending them job opportunities that might suit their qualifications. 

2. Chart a New Path 

When a new member joins, it’s important for the association to learn what makes them tick professionally. Uncover what ideal career development looks like to them by asking them where they see themselves in one year, five years, and ten years. With this information, you put your association in the optimal position to help them reach their goals!

One of the most effective ways to go about this is through continuing education. 

Via your LMS, lay out a continuing education roadmap customized to help every member reach their goals. When one requisite course is completed, for example, the next requirement opens up–giving members an easy-to-follow, actionable plan.

In addition to career advancement, your association can help facilitate entire career changes with continuing education. 

First, understand the different career pathways that are available to members in different stages of the industry, and consider what it would take for them to pursue each direction. Your association can then provide members with the training and skills necessary to switch professional directions. 

3. Incorporate Trends and New Developments

When providing career training and information for your members, you will want to focus on the core concepts of your industry, of course–but many members look for cutting-edge elements that could give them even more of a competitive advantage. 

To accomplish this, your association should integrate the latest in industry news and developments into its training content. Keep your content updated and current, and don’t be afraid to take risks when thinking about training types and formats!

Consider incorporating training courses that feature new technologies or help students gain new niche (but relevant!) skills that may help them in their careers. Contemporary professionals often seek out peer reviews and video-based training, so please your target audience by meeting their demands. Beyond giving members a boost, this can give them something that’s unique and unavailable elsewhere, in turn giving your association an advantage over the competition!

4. Create Relationships with Members 

While there is still a place for traditional networking opportunities, many contemporary members place great value on personal relationships with their association. 

Building a personal relationship with each member may seem like quite the challenge for larger organizations, but it can be accomplished by offering personalized communications, robust training, meaningful social media interactions, and greater access:

• To personalize your communications, segment your members into groups, demographics, and career types; this allows you to send targeted emails and promotions to like-minded groups. 
• To bolster training, try to offer smaller workshops or courses that enable learners to engage with their peers and their instructors. 
• To engage more on social media, associations can post helpful resources and use polls to gather feedback.
• To make your association more accessible to its audience, ensure that your association is available on a variety of channels (social media, website contact forms, forums, etc) and keep traditional lines of communication open as well. 

By taking advantage of all the tools the online space has to offer, your association will be able to foster better relationships with its members.

5. Provide Networking Opportunities

Networking is one of the key benefits of joining an association for many members. To improve the impact of these opportunities, try varying the types of networking you make available. 

Consider, for example, hosting different networking events throughout the year, like workshops and events. This can better connect members with like-minded professionals to give them the best chance of expanding their professional networks.

Associations can also give their members a more permanent networking opportunity by establishing an online community and/or forum. 

Many learning management systems (LMS) allow associations to set up an online social learning platform, which provides members with a place to connect, communicate, and learn from each other. Furthermore, with a digital badging system in place, members can show off their training and credentials and connect to (and with) other professionals and employers!

6. Establish a Mentoring Program

A strong mentorship program gives members a little bit of everything. It can help build networks, offer support, and provide motivation for members who are new or inexperienced in an industry. 

To get the most from the program, it’s important for the association to set a structure to it. Give it a timeline and follow up with each participant from time to time. Offer suggestions as to how mentors can help, and check in to see how each communication has gone.

Associations can get creative with their mentorships by offering different settings and experiences for the mentors and mentees to meet up. For example, you may want to have mentorship meet-ups at events or have the pairs attend a workshop together. You can also recommend that partners take a course or certification together, giving a little variety to the mentor-mentee relationship. 

By mixing up settings, associations can bring their mentorship pairs closer and allow participants to give and to get something new from each experience. 

You may also like: Keeping Members on Your Association’s Website

Conclusion

As an association, you have the opportunity to provide your members with a range of career development services, from career counseling to networking to mentoring opportunities and more–and, by integrating and customizing these services to the needs of your members, you’ll be able to help them reach greater heights than ever before. 

Your association has the ability to help members get where they want to go; with the right services and resources in place, you can ensure that you’re accomplishing exactly that!

References

The post How Associations Help Members Reach New Heights in Their Careers appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

When implemented right, mentoring programs can lead to more engaged, loyal, and productive members. 

To give you an idea of what’s possible, we’ve highlighted some suggestions for running a successful mentor program–and what you stand to gain!

1. Attract Young Members

Attracting young members is a major concern for associations. Rather than leaning on associations to network and get ahead in their careers as they used to, young professionals are now more likely to use social media and their own means to accomplish this. 

On the other hand, with a mentorship program, associations can leverage the experience of their older members to offer more thorough, quality support to young members, boosting membership value and making it more enticing to join. 

The results are hard to ignore. 

According to a Sun Microsystems survey, professionals with a mentor earned promotions five times more than those without!

Try matching new members with mentors in a similar profession to maximize professional enrichment. Mentors can provide help and offer advice for specific career benchmarks to make the program even more effective for new participants.

2. Empower and Engage

Though both the mentor and mentee benefit professionally from these types of programs, there’s also an especially empowering quality to mentorships. These relationships foster a sense of support and security that can pay major dividends down the road–both personally and professionally. 

With the experienced guidance of their mentors, mentees can feel assured that they’re on the right path and that it’s possible to achieve their career goals. The mentors, meanwhile, gain a sense of fulfillment from the mentorship, giving back and sharing their hard-earned knowledge and expertise. 

The reality is, mentorship programs provide engagement opportunities for members at every level of their membership, leading to more loyal and committed members. Everyone benefits when you work together!

3. Strengthen the Onboarding Process

When combined with the onboarding process, mentorships get started on the right foot. The mentee will feel supported and connected to the association right away, while the mentor gets to guide their charge through every step of the process–building both bonds and lasting relationships! 

Offer participants walkthroughs of the program so that they can learn how the program works and get a feel for the kind of support they might receive. At the same time, provide mentors with training resources to ensure that they feel confident to support their partners.

To improve the chances of success for your association’s mentoring program, give it a formal structure and a specific timeframe. Not only does this help keep mentors and mentees motivated and on schedule, but it can also improve the participation in programs, as an open-ended commitment can be off-putting. With a solid, actionable mentorship plan in place, members will be excited to sign up and give it a try!

4. Plenty of Settings

In the past, mentoring programs were held in face-to-face formal settings, but things have changed over time. People are no longer limited to geographical locales–they can now meet online or connect via forums! 

Members aren’t limited to discussing the program either. Mentors and mentees can take part in professional development programs or attend events together; learning is always more fun when you do it with a friend! By upskilling together, mentors and mentees can keep the relationship feeling fresh while collecting new experience to pass on to future members.

5. Evaluate the Program

While mentorship programs can be easy to manage once they get rolling, they aren’t entirely set-it-and-forget-it. 

To make sure things are moving smoothly, consider checking in with both parties from time to time. Ask them about the amount of communication they’ve had and about the quality. Get a feel for how effective each side believes the mentorship is and give suggestions about how they might enhance the experience. 

Wondering how to get feedback? Something as simple as a Google Form or a social media post (including Twitter polls!) can help you out. You can even start a thread on your association’s forum or create an email campaign soliciting replies.

Checking in can go a long way to keeping the mentorship a priority for members while ensuring everyone what they’re hoping for from the experience.

6. Change Things Up

You don’t want your program to get stale, so try spicing your program up every so often to attract more members. By offering mentoring opportunities at events and training programs, you’ll double their value and likely improve attendance. 

Additionally, your association could consider running a peer-to-peer event during which mentors and mentees run the discussions (instead of a traditional keynote speaker). This is a great way for new members to learn from more experienced professionals, as well as for veterans to be inspired by the younger generation. It’s a win-win!

You may also like: How to Bring Your Association Closer to Your Members

Conclusion

When it comes to it, mentoring programs can be a great way for associations to engage their audience, boost morale, and attract new members. After all, you’d be providing a unique, valuable experience to both the mentor and the mentee.

By putting the right strategies in place, mentor programs can be cost-effective and rewarding. Ultimately, the key to success lies in creating a program that fits the needs and goals of your association’s members. There’s no better time to start than now–so get plannin’!

References

The post Engage & Empower: the Impact of Mentoring Programs appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

If your association is strong and healthy today, it not only has a better chance of surviving a recession, it may even thrive during one!

In general, the less an organization suffers a downturn, the further beyond their competition they reach post-recovery. Your association needs to be prepared for the worst, but planning for a recession is a daunting task. You can’t simply stop developing or taking risks, after all! 

Thankfully, there are some solid precautions you can take now to protect your association for if (and, unfortunately, when) the worst does happen.

1. Keep on Keeping On

In the case of a recession, it may be tempting to eliminate or pause various aspects of the business to instead focus on preservation, but associations should try to maintain as much of their regular operations as possible. 

For example, continue marketing at the same or similar level as you would pre-recession. You may want to track the ROI of your marketing efforts at different intervals, such as every month or quarter, to ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck. 

Your association can, however, make some changes to better accommodate members in trying times. Consider offering extended payment plans or allowing for installment payments. This flexibility can go a long way for members when finances are tough. Show your members kindness and understanding, and they’ll reward you with loyalty in kind.

2. Invest in Your Future

One of the best ways to protect your association against a recession is to invest–both in financial opportunities and people. 

First and foremost, don’t wait for an economic downturn to search for capital or investment opportunities. It’s also best to pursue additional capital, even when you don’t really need it. While you’ll probably want to avoid making any risky investments during an actual recession, associations can still explore their options. Look into any areas that thrive during recessions, as well as into those that typically bounce back quickly afterward. 

Similarly, look into investing in various relationships and partnerships. Make arrangements with suppliers, venues, and sponsors. It’s not a bad idea to discuss the possibility of a recession with these organizations and learn what plans they have in place. It’s also smart to seek out alternative options on the off-chance that your needs change!

3. Keep Your Members Satisfied

If you wait for a recession to hit before you start making your members happy, it’s probably far too late! While many members will still renew their memberships during a recession, they’ll only keep it up if the value you offer is clear and robust. 

Ensure that your future events are scheduled well ahead of time and promoted thoroughly. Additionally, you must ensure that your association’s continuing education (CE) offerings are high-quality, up-to-date, and, at the very least, comparable with your competition. 

If your association decides to add something extra to your membership to give members bonus incentive to renew during a recession, even better! Some incentive options may include dues-forgiveness programs or discounts on courses or event registrations. 

Your association can even turn the pain of a recession into a plus: offer your members courses that teach recession survival skills–your organization isn’t the only one hit by the downturn, so let your members know you have their backs. You may even consider shaping an entire conference around this theme, and/or provide workshops and presentations that teach your members how to thrive in difficult times.

Remember: you’re all in this together!

4. Keep Your Staff Happy

Your staff makes your association tick. To keep it running smoothly during even the hardest of times, you need to focus on their happiness and well-being. 

Ensure that you provide your staff with training that allows them to upgrade their skills and further develop their careers. You’ll also want to ensure that you’ve hired sensibly leading up to this point. Having excess staff may sound like a good idea during the good times, but it can lead to layoffs during the hard times. 

Keep morale up by maintaining your staff and making the most of the situation! 

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

5. Cut Costs Without Cutting Corners

In an economic downturn, cost-cutting is one of the first things that any and all organizations pursue. However, this should only be employed strategically. After all, you want your association to continue operating in a similar manner. 

Cut costs in a way that positively impacts your business in all climates. For example, perhaps it’s time to assess your operations and look for inefficiencies. Perhaps you should try consolidating your technology, or evaluate any continuing education you may have outsourced. Be sure to look into the Return on Investment when it comes to software, programs, and partnerships.

Additionally, you can consider training staff to handle a larger or more diverse workload without putting in more time. If you can find ways to improve productivity, either through personnel or your operations, you’ll be better protected overall–and less vulnerable to any major changes or shake-ups!

6. Prepare for Recovery

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about a downturn is that there will, at some point, be a return to normal–or even an upturn! 

To brace yourself for the post-recovery world, ensure that your training reflects the new environment and any industry changes. You may want to consider how certain courses or content has changed because of the recession. What’s different now? What should you make sure your CE focuses on?

Think about what your members will be looking for most when the economy rebounds, and prepare to offer it to them as soon as the upswing strikes. Just as they’ll appreciate recession resources during a downturn, they’ll value helpful “how to adjust” material during an upturn.

You may also like: 5 Powerful Growth Strategies to Boost Non-Dues Revenue for Your Association in 2022 and Beyond

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, the key to surviving a recession is to be prepared and plan ahead. 

Start by ensuring that you’re keeping staff and members happy, and that you’re investing wisely in your future. 

Make sure to reduce costs (without sacrificing quality!) and that you maintain your association’s course. Your members come to you for quality resources, and recession or not, that’s what they should receive.

Finally, strategize about what to do when the economy begins to recover; a plan that holds no hope is a plan that’s doomed to fail, after all.

By following these steps, your association will be well-prepared for a recession–and be able to come out even stronger on the other side!

References

The post How to Recession-Proof Your Association appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Don’t worry, though–we’re here to help! 

In this article, we’re going to look at what associations really need from an LMS, while also clearing up some of the “unknowns” you may find yourself encountering. 

Here are some common questions:

• What should you and your association look for in an LMS? 
• What are members looking for from these systems? 
• What do you do after you get your LMS?

Below, we’ll answer these questions and highlight what your ideal LMS will include–helping your association get the most out of its continuing education!

A User-Friendly LMS

User-friendliness is one of the most obvious (but also perhaps the most important!) thing to consider when establishing your LMS. 

It doesn’t matter how powerful or how complex the system is behind the scenes–it needs to look and operate in a simple, straightforward way on the surface. 

Because users possess a variety of technological experience and comfort levels, your system can alienate basic users if it’s too complicated. Besides that, an intuitive LMS and interface don’t mean they lack depth; rather, they’re just cleaner and easier to operate for everyone. 

Another aspect of user-friendliness that associations should consider is that of training and operation resources and documentation. 

While many LMS vendors offer training resources that come with the system, it is sometimes up to the association to create their own. Ensure that your documentation is as clear as possible and that users can access it easily. For best results, keep this material up-to-date and add a “Frequently Asked Question” section populated with answers to users’ most common queries.

Personalize the Experience

Whether your LMS does it for you or you find a way to accomplish it yourself, personalizing your training in a way that makes each learner feel like it’s been designed specifically for them can make for a very powerful learning experience. While this may sound like it requires a significant time investment, it can actually be accomplished fairly simply!

For example, most systems allow administrators to ensure learners see only the learning content that applies to their specific careers, experiences, and training levels. You can also offer training and certificates that help learners further develop their careers or make a change to their profession. 

Allow learners to set their own goals and create a roadmap for them to follow. As they complete their training, they’ll move along the path and will be able to better visualize how close they are to realizing their goals! Now, that’s incentive.

(Mobile)ize Your Training

It probably goes without saying these days, but mobile access is absolutely necessary for modern training courses. Most learning management systems today include mobile-ready and responsive designs, which allow users to access the content from any type of device or screen size, but it’s important for associations to create mobile-friendly content as well. Remember, training should be designed with mobile users in mind!

For instance, training should be offered in small, snackable segments to allow learners to complete their training in short bursts. Few working professionals can set aside hours at a time for study, so small chunks of training allow them to complete and digest mini-lessons. 

Additionally, to enhance engagement, mobile-compatible modules should be interactive. Have users complete in-lesson quizzes and knowledge-testing activity games to make the learning process fun.

Furthermore, allow users to connect to and from social media straight from your platform, as the majority of social media use is done via mobile devices. This can help boost your association’s social media status, too!

Learn from the System 

Regardless of how good your training is in the beginning, it’s never a good idea to leave it unaltered and unsupported. Some of the most powerful tools provided by an LMS are the tracking and reporting options. 

To get your training to its most effective, and to help your learners get the most from their training, use these tools to improve your CE components as much as possible. Get the system to track your learners’ progress and produce reports documenting weak points in your training. Are the majority of users getting hung up on a specific module? This can indicate a problem in the material!

By paying attention to analytics and spot-fixing any issues you encounter, your association will be able to boost your content’s efficacy quickly and easily. Don’t forget to pay attention to modules and courses that are doing especially well, either–you can set them as an example and learn from their popularity! 

Basically, your LMS can offer you insight into how your users are interacting with your system: which courses are performing best, and which ones still need a little TLC? Determine what content and learning formats produce the best results, then replicate them. 

In general, this process can help associations create highly effective training for their users. The better your content, the more value for your members, the higher the renewal rates!

Make No Mistake: Integrate!

Integration makes life easier for everyone on a platform, as users can seamlessly move between systems without getting lost or confused. An integrated system allows learners to access the association’s entire system–including the main website, the LMS, and the online store–all with a single login.

For administrators, system integration allows for better and easier reporting and transference of data. Learner activities can be shared with other department systems, and information can be accessed from a centralized location without having to move between management systems or transfering data. 

Many systems contain built-in integration features, whereas some accommodate it through their customization capabilities. Either way, integration is quickly becoming one of the more important features an LMS can offer. 

Keep It Updated

Updates are an essential part of both online learning and an association’s LMS. Content-wise, training needs to stay current and relevant. Industry changes and compliance mandates need to be reflected in your content, and learner feedback should be continually incorporated to ensure your CE offers the most effective training possible. 

The system itself also needs to stay updated–in a number of different ways! Your security and privacy controls need to remain current and intact to keep users (and their information) safe and protected.

The way you keep your system up-to-date will vary based on your platform. If you use SaaS (Software as a Service), you’ll get automatic updates. If your platform is custom-built, however, you’ll have to maintain any updates yourself–or else hire someone to do it for you. This can get costly if your platform is especially custom, since anyone fixing your software will have to learn it first!

Any apps or plugins that the LMS uses should be updated as well to keep things operating efficiently. Have you ever left updating your computer or browser a little too long? Things start to get a tad buggy when you do, right? The same goes for apps and plugins, so to keep your system working smoothly, you want to keep everything current.

Finally, different system features and components should be updated regularly. Your association should stay on top of the latest developments in training and incorporate these new additions whenever and wherever necessary. Your members don’t want to waste their time on outdated education, after all!

Be Supportive

After you’ve implemented your learning system and posted your training content, the next stage of the training begins: the support stage. 

Ensure that your members and learners feel supported in every way. Keep traditional lines of communication (like phone and email) open and accessible. Post and update training materials to assist learners, and make sure these resources are hosted in an easily-found location.

Again, here’s where an association’s social media channels can come in clutch; by maintaining a solid social media presence, you can address issues and concerns as they appear. More and more, people are reaching out to organizations on their Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn feeds when they want a real human answer, so be sure to give them a friendly, helpful, and timely response when they do!

You May Also Like: 5 Things NOT to Leave Out of Your LMS

Conclusion

While choosing and supporting the right learning management system can feel like a daunting task, with the right checklist, it becomes a simple process. 

First, it’s important to understand what your association and its members need, and how those needs will be met by your chosen LMS. Your ideal LMS should be user-friendly and offer personalized education options; mobile-responsive, snackable learning modules; and integration capabilities. Once implemented, you should be regularly updating its content and offering members support. 

With the right system, you can take your continuing education to the next level. Provide members with an enjoyable, informative experience, and they’ll continue to come to your association for their needs for years to come!

References

The post So, You’re Picking an LMS: What to Look for and What’s Next appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In an increasingly competitive world, the ability for associations to distance themselves from their competition is becoming more and more difficult.

Associations everywhere are looking for new ways to increase profits, attract more members, and retain them for longer. Thankfully, continuing education–particularly of the online variety!–has proven to be the most effective method of meeting all three demands.

For members, the need for continuing education is only growing stronger, regardless of field. Additionally, industries are evolving faster than ever before, meaning both knowledge and experience become outdated quickly.

In this ever-changing world, those who stay up-to-date with industry knowledge and trends through continuing education are the ones who thrive–and the associations that offer this education are poised to reap the profits!

When it comes to associations offering continuing education, increased profits come in several different sizes and shapes.

The first, and perhaps most important, is the revenue stream that online continuing education opens for associations. For career-driven members, the cost of education is more than justified by the value of the return. Moreover, continuing education presents a variety of benefits, including generating new leads, bringing in new members, enhancing member engagement, and even positioning your association as an industry leader.

1. Continuing Education as a Revenue Stream

For today’s workforce, the ability to stay ahead of the curve (or even just to stay competitive) within a given industry depends on the skills and education one can acquire–as well as how up-to-date both are.

In the past, experience went a lot further than it does now; today, current knowledge is a necessity, and it requires proof, typically displayed through degrees, diplomas, and certifications. Consequently, associations that offer members the chance to stay up-to-date on industry trends and educational requirements provide not only a highly in-demand service, but one that is crucial in almost every industry!

For the association with an established continuing education platform, they now have a constantly evolving and replenishing revenue stream in place. The more options and opportunities an association makes available to its members, the more potential revenue continuing education offers the provider! Everybody wins.

Additionally, as industries evolve and require new certificates or skills, associations gain equal opportunities for new revenue streams. The cycle of revitalization that new and changing industry certificates and educational requirements provide an association is a blessing in disguise. While you do have to create the courses that match trending topics and new requirements, the demand will easily lead to a great return on investment for any association that participates.

Industry trends aren’t the only factor affecting continuing education, though; ever-increasing globalization taps continuing education in to provide international knowledge and education. E-learning means that your association’s reach can expand far beyond geographical boundaries, as well. Consider: you could be bringing new members in from across the globe, sharing your education with people from everywhere!

2. Continuing Education for Lead Generation

Another great benefit for associations offering online continuing education is that it can bring an increase in both new and potential members.

Take, for example, the offer of a free course. This can be used to attract potential members to an association’s website in exchange for their contact information. From here, the association can target this new and qualified lead in the future with association information, other course offerings, and advertising.

Don’t want to go the free course route? You can instead use continuing education as a point of approach for potential new members. You’re providing something of value to discuss with and offer your candidates.

If nothing else, continuing education gives an association yet another benefit to tempt members interested in registering, while also positioning your association above any competitors who lack educational opportunities.

3. Continuing Education for Member Engagement

One of the most important and most overlooked elements of an association is the matter of member engagement.

It stands to reason that the more engaged in an association members are, the more invested and willing to renew they will be. By offering continuing education, associations establish a system that keeps members involved, simply by keeping them up-to-date on current industry trends, demands, and opportunities.

But, it’s also more than that!

Continuing education encourages members to participate and advance in their fields by keeping them educated and informed. An informed member is a valuable asset, not just to an association, but to the industries they belong to! There’s no better way to help advance careers (and industries!) than by cultivating a member base filled with skilled, knowledgeable professionals.

At the end of the day, continuing education is a service that members are better for receiving and they, in turn, reward their associations with their loyalty year after year.

4. Continuing Education for Industry Positioning

Part consequence, part intent, offering continuing education to members also establishes the providing association as a thought leader within the industry.

Those who keep members engaged and informed in their industries and those who provide industry education tend to become a hub for industry discussion and involvement. For most associations, this is a very welcome and profitable side effect to offering continuing education!

Members seek out associations that represent their needs and provide them with a voice, so what better choice than one that seeks to better its members in return? The potential opportunities that result from this are plentiful for associations, including a more significant and visible presence within the industry, as well as the option to expand into other educational content (such as with tutorials, webinars, and conferences).

From this new industry position, associations will typically see increased interest, memberships, renewals, and–most importantly–profit!

You may also like: How to Recession-Proof Your Association

Conclusion

In conclusion, offering online continuing education can be a great way for associations to increase profits, attract new members, and retain existing ones. With the need for lifelong learning only increasing, the provision of quality continuing education not only becomes a valuable asset for any association looking to differentiate itself from its competition–but a crucial one!

Overall, the benefits of offering online continuing education to members are clear, and associations that prioritize this service will be well-positioned to thrive in the competitive landscape of today’s environment!

The post Profiting from Online Continuing Education appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.