1. They make it Fun!
2. They provide decent Food & Beverage or other reward. 3. They make sure that their willing to get their own hands dirty. Model the Way.
4. They don’t waste the volunteers time by not having an advance plan of attack.
5.They recognize their contribution both publicly and privately.

I know I make it sound easier than it is, but hey, that’s what consultants are good at, right?

Dave Lutz – @velchain

I still have a question, though, about some of the less directly rewarding things that many smaller organizations depend on volunteers to accomplish. It can be hard for a volunteer to see how their stuffing envelopes impacts the the overall vision and mission of the organization – I know there are not-for-profits out there who make miracles happen, all with volunteers: I’d love to hear how they do it. Hmmm….this may be yet another blog post in the making…

Many old time members (and staff) tend to travel in packs. If you are able to get them to engage with the newcomers and work as connectors (introducing them to as many people as possible), I think you have a greater chance of delivering long term value and loyalty. Attendees need to feel a sense of belonging.

Make sense?

Dave Lutz – @velchain

@VelChain – you also make a lot of very valid points. In particular, I agree with your comments related to volunteerism building loyalty. I am a bit of a broken record on the idea of putting members in the drivers seat, and getting them to ‘roll up their sleeves’ as a key to turning an association into something truly unique.

A colleague challenged me on this the other day however, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on what he had to say: I have to admit that I usually am talking about the strategic level and not the operational level of an association when I talk about engagement – he pointed this out to me and suggested that while members are great for providing the input to set the direction and priorities of the association that it is much more of a challenge to get them engaged in the implementation – the stuffing the envelopes, answering phones and sweeping the floor – that is necessary to help the association achieve its goals.

What are your experiences with this? Is it true? If so, should members (where possible) be involved more at the strategic input level and less at the implementation level? I’d love to hear what you think!

Great additions to nonprofit predictions. As a nonprofit employee, we’ve discussed each of these as well. I think your prediction of “Focus on Core” is happening now with many associatons reevaluating their programs and services in light of their mission statement. They’re asking tough questions preparing to change either the direction of the association or change the programs and services to align more with their core. These will be interesting times indeed for associations.

Partnership & Co-Location – Before going down the M&A marriage road, associations will start dating, and maybe even get engaged, with other associations and/or for profit publication/shows.

Focus on Core – There are still quite a few associations out there that need to revisit why they exist and what business they are in. Associations that built proprietary software, will realize that it is now more of a liability than an asset. There will be more outsourcing of services that don’t directly touch their members. There will be a much more narrow focus, so they are working on the right things that will have the greatest impact to the majority of the members.

Ala Carte Membership – Membership value deviates by person. More associations will price their membership based on the selections chosen by the member.

Membership growth – More associations will tweak their membership model from individual or professional to unlimited or bundled company models.

Volunteerism builds loyalty – Dealing with volunteers is a pain. It takes longer. It’s easier and more efficient to just do it yourself. I used to have this mindset, until I realized that without the volunteer you lose your sense of pride and your biggest fans and evangelists. If you have active and engaged volunteers, you win!

Certification – More associations will look to expand their certification and certification maintenance to add credibility and stickiness…the golden handcuffs.

The next 60 months will certainly be interesting times for associations.

Dave Lutz – @velchain
Velvet Chainsaw Consulting