Showing posts with label affinity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label affinity. Show all posts

Chamber Loyalty: Do You Have It With Your Members?

There has been a lot written about this concept over the years.

Loyalty programs are programs that keep your members coming back.

Sounds like a golden handcuff to me!

For a previous blog post on golden handcuffs go HERE.

Think of the following loyalty programs:

  • Costco
  • Airline Programs
  • Credit card rebates
  • Dunkin Donuts

To build loyalty you need to have something your members can’t do without.  Have you identified what that is for our chamber?  Is it:

  • A directory
  • An advocacy program
  • Access to government officials
  • An affinity program (insurance, etc.)
  • Other

I like to call it a core good that your members can’t do without.  What is your core good?  It is critical that you can answer that question.

If you can’t answer that question you’ll continue to struggle with who you are, who you want to serve, and I bet you’re struggling with growing membership.

People will continue to be loyal as long as you’re delivery value.

As a side bar, I’ve been a Canon camera guy for over 35 years now and I’ll never change as long as they continue to deliver the goods.

Don’t you want to be like Canon or Nikon?  These two companies have the loyalty equation down pat.

Just a thought!

Golden Handcuff: Do You Have One?

If you’re not familiar with the term, a “Golden Handcuff” is essentially a program, product or service that your member can’t do without.

It compels them to send in their dues check year after year after year.

If you are familiar with the term, the attached list is nothing new.

What program, product or service are you providing that is your golden handcuff?

  • Insurance Programs (Workman’s Comp, D&O, etc)
  • Credit Cards
  • Certification
  • Affinity deals with office supply stores
  • Etc.

Let me give you one that you’ve probably never thought of – “Your Board of Directors.”

By show of hands, how many of your board members are non-dues paying members. That’s right, they’re all dues paying members. That goes for all your volunteers – committees, task forces, etc.

So the next time you’re asked if you have a "Golden Handcuff" – you can proudly say, YES, we have one, it’s my board.