New member onboarding programs are technically advanced at some associations. These associations segment members and deploy sophisticated automated email campaigns. Production-quality videos are frequently employed. Advanced measurement techniques are used, like engagement scoring. These tactics can work well for the associations that have the resources, but what can smaller, resource-strapped associations do?
Here are some low tech, but impactful ways to onboard new members without breaking the bank.
Sunny welcomes
Through your tone and expression, make sure new members know they are welcome. Sunny welcomes happen at chapter events when someone escorts a new member from registration to their seat in the meeting room. Sunny welcomes are happening all the time now on new member phone calls, Zoom calls, and in monthly new member virtual orientations.
Introductions
New members want to meet other people. Not just other people, but they want to meet their people. Find out what they are working on, where their struggles lay, and what their goals are so you can introduce them to another member who is working on the same thing. Association staff and volunteers alike are facilitating new member introductions.
Watch for Inspiration Everywhere
Have you witnessed a great party host in action? How about a very personable restaurant server? Watch for all the onboarding techniques that organizations are using everywhere, from virtual summer camps to universities. There are all sorts of easy, low tech, no-cost ways to make your new member feel very welcome.
What else can you do to welcome new members? Take the New Member Engagement Study Survey and find out.
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