My first session at ASAE's Annual Meeting in Boston was Bill Dyszel's presentation on "Podcasts and Blogs That Excite Your Membership and Enrich Your Organization." Bill writes for PC Magazine and authored Microsoft Outlook for Dummies. Mickie Rops does a nice job of summarizing some of Bill's key messages so I will not do that here.
Based on the comments and questions during the session, it's still clear that many associations are eager to use the technology but don't know where to start. They're confused whether to use a blog, a message board or a listserv for their communities of practice. Some have tried to build an online community only to have it see little use by their members.
I suggest:
- starting small with one or two message boards or blogs for topics of special interest
- engage 1-3 volunteers who will commit to post regularly for the first month or two to "prime the pump"
- consider a blog around your major meeting or event of the year to stimulate interest before, during and after the meeting
- use excerpts from posts in your enewsletters with links back the blog or message board
Associations need to understand that they are no longer the sole proprietors of knowledge. We need to facilitate the exchange of knowledge among our members or someone else will do it for us.
Tagged: podcasts blogs communities of practice Bill Dyszel Mickie Rops
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