The MemberWise Network
MemberWise Network eUpdate
Issue 5
  October 2011
Dear Colleague 

Welcome to the lastest issue!

 

This month we have a great eUpdate that includes a unique membership professional CPD opportunity, a competition to win �10,000 of web development work (courtesy of this month's eUpdate sponsor, Refreshed Membership) PLUS 20 free �50 Google AdWords vouchers to help you 'kick-start' your online marketing campaigns.  

 

We also profile some of the 'hot topics' being discussed on our popular 'Member Only' online professional networking group

 
If you like this resource why not

 

I hope that you read this eUpdate with interest! 


Richard Gott
Founder
The MemberWise Network

In This Issue...
A competency framework for our sector
Refreshed Membership announce £10,000 Digital Challenge
Free £50 Google AdWordsvoucher give-away!
Governance Conference: Last chance to book
Online professional networking
Dates for the diary - October
A competency framework for our sector...

As membership professionals we (or at least most of us!) aspire to become more effective in our roles and contribute effectively towards driving up our respective organisations' member value proposition (MVP).

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities are available to us; however they usually focus on the development of our organisations rather than upon us as membership professionals.

 

frameworkAn ever growing number of membership organisations and associations have (or many aspire to have) structured lists of key competencies or competency frameworks that help their respective members' to understand what it takes to be a competent individual/member/professional.

So where's our framework? Why don't we 'walk the talk'? Good question!

 

Time for us to move things forward -We have compiled a comprehensive draft professional framework that you are invited to comment upon.

Why get involved?  

 

The consultation process will take place in a free-to-attend reflective workshop format so it will actually be a unique CPD opportunity in its own right. It will also be an opportunity for you to benchmark your knowledge and skill.

 

This initiative is a joint venture between the MemberWise Network and the Professionalism Group. 

 

Express an interest...
Refreshed Membership announce �10,000 Digital Challenge

From our discussions with a broad range of membership organisations we know that there's no shortage of 'digital ideas' in the sector.   

 

Many of you are asking:  'How can we create more attractive and engaging online and digital communications that give our members more of what they want, when they want it and also give us more valuable insights?'

 Digital Challenge logo

But we also know how difficult it can be to translate digital ideas into successful projects. That's why we're inviting you to take part in an exciting new competition.

  

Can you persuade our expert panel of Refreshed Dragons to invest in your digital/online project idea?  

 

There's �10,000 worth of Refreshed Membership design, development and technology expertise ready and waiting for the winning entry - and there are additional prizes for four runners up!  

So, if you'd
like to see your innovative or experimental idea become a reality - whether it's about improving member services, attracting new members, creating new benefits, improving marketing, raising the profile of your organisation, creating ePublications for iPad, tablets and smart phones or just achieving greater efficiency - we definitely want to hear from you!

The Refreshed Membership Digital Challenge 2011 will be open from 5 September - 14 October.  

 

It's free to enter and any UK based not-for-profit membership organisation, all entrants are invited to a free digital workshop with the dragons and the final awards in London on 10th November 2011.  

 

Find out more and enter online... 

Free Google AdWord Voucher give away!
We pleased to announce that we have been accepted on to the Google Engage program.

What does this mean? We can provide you with Google-specific information, advice and offers to help you market your membership organisation or association! E.g. AdWords.

What is AdWords? Let's explain...

If you run�50 Google Voucher a Google search for the words 'Accountant Qualification' you will see a number of 'Ads' that feature more prominantly above your organic search results. In this example you will see a number of qualifications providers.

These specific results are classed as AdWords and also feature (in return for small payments per click) on the right-hand side of your screen.

The more popular your search term (e.g. jewellery) the more expensive it is to feature. However, less popular terms (e.g. trustee training) are much cheaper and can cost from only a few pence per click.

A number of professional bodies are now using AdWords to promote their qualifications, membership and other products/services and we are hearing good things!

We have 20 x �50 AdWords vouchers to give away so that you can sample this form of marketing completely free of charge*

Why not try it out? It's free!

 

To request your AdWord voucher email [email protected]  

 

*Only available to new AdWords accounts and will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis. 

Governance Conference: Last chance to book...

We are now just 10 days away from our Embedding Sound Governance During Challenging Times conference and only 5 places remain!

This one-off conference will address the following key topics: 

  

- Embedding sound governance during challenging times
- Understanding Board members' responsibilities & liabilities

- Ensuring effective risk management
- Ensuring clear leadership and control, focus & direction
- Being open and accountable
 

Take a look our dedicated conference website...   


Representatives from the following high profile organisations have confirmed attendence, including:  


Association of Medical Research Charities, British Institute of Interior Design, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, England and Wales Cricket Board, Institute for Learning, Institution of Civil Engineers, Hurlingham Club, RSA, Sports and Recretion Alliance and many others.

 

Tickets will remain on sale until Friday 7th October.

Free Good Practice Article: How Sound Is Your Governance?

 

Published by conference media sponsor:

 

Association Management International magazine

Online professional networking...

A major benefit of being a MemberWise Network subscriber is that you have unlimited access to our 'member only' online professional networking groups.

Over 400 membership professionals are utilising this great resource and discussing a wide range of hot topics.

The interests of subscribers are diverse, so the group has a number of sub-groups including:

The latest discussions:
  • e-voting systems - Any suggestions? (9 comments)
  • Postal or electronic reminders? (8 comments)  
  • London 2012 - What is your organisation doing? (6 comments)
  • Webinar Pilot having problems (5 comments)
  • The difference between a member & a customer (5 comments)  
  • Changed your paper journal into a digital one? (3 comments) 
This is one of the few LinkedIn groups where you will not be marketed to directly by suppliers and peer-to-peer help and support is THE priority.

Join in the conversation...
Dates for the diary (October)
In this section of the eUpdate we sign-post key membership sector events.

 

October

 

10: Embedding Sound Governance During Challenging Times, MemberWise, London - Find out more...

13: Member Retention Strategies & Tactics, Sue Froggatt Training & Consulting, London

 

19: Member Research Fundementals, Sue Froggatt Training & Consulting, London

19:Corporate Governance & Financial Awareness Training, Trade Association Forum (TAF), London  

 

25: Seminar for TA Chairmen, Trade Association Forum (TAF), London

 

Don't forget to visit the MemberWise Event Calendar for events taking place later in the year...
We are always looking to develop and improve this e-update so if you would like to submit ideas/recommendations or enquire about sonsoring the next issue please get in-touch!

 

Yours Sincerely,

 
Richard Gott
Founder
The MemberWise Network

Our Sponsor
Refreshed Membership Logo
 

Refreshed Membership is a web development specialist with deep knowledge and experience within the UK membership sector.

 

We provide cutting edge online modular membership management solutions via our via our highly acclaimed integrated membership and information management system.

 

Take a look at our Digital Challenge...

 

Visit our website...


Featured Service...

Featured service  

Vacancy Service

Helping membership organisations & associations find the right candidate...  

 

Users include:

 

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

Londonwide LMCs


Association of Colleges (AoC) 


Oracle User Group

 

Royal Automobile Association (RAC)

Council for International Schools (CIS) 

 

100% success rate so far! 

 

Find out more about this service and/or submit your CV...

Quick Links

Update your details...
  

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Good Practice Updates
Vacancy Service
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Special Interest Areas Include:

 

 Membership & Marketing
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Spread the word!
Our Network is only as strong as its following!

If you like this resource please do forward to a colleague by clicking the link below:


MemNet
Think Tank
(Part 2
)   

 

Why not come and along and be part of the Membership Think Tank Part 2 taking place all day on the 22nd November in Whitehall, London.   

 

Topics to be covered in the sessions are:

 

1) Why belong and why stay? The membership offer & recruitment and retention

 

2) Only connect ? Member engagement and online communities

 

3) How does my data/content look? Member information and communications

 

4) Should we be more commercial and entrepreneurial? Defining added value for Members

 

Cost: �55 for MemberWise subscribers and �65 for non-members.

 

Find out more about this event...

Find out more about MemNet...