When it comes to association management, the one thing you need more than anything else is members. But how do you get those members, and more importantly, keep them?

Well, take a step back and think about some of your own relationships. How did you form those? Likely it was because you either approached someone or they approached you. And voila – a friendship was born.

Associations work in much the same way. It all starts with approachability.

So how approachable is your association? If the answer is “not very,” here are a few tips:

1. Provide readily available contact information

I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to visit a company’s website and not be able to find their contact information. It’s almost as if they don’t want you to contact them – and that’s not a good message to be sending. Now the same holds true of associations. If you want your organization to be approachable, you must put your contact information front and center. That means on your organization’s website, on your social media pages, in your email signature, etc. 

2. Be receptive and responsive

Think of this as an extension of point #1. If you’re going to put your contact information front and center – and again, you most definitely should – it’s important to then be receptive to the messages that come in. This means responding to phone calls, emails, and social media posts in a quick and timely manner.

If you need help keeping up with your social media accounts – particularly mentions of your organization and comments on your page – check out our post, How to Monitor Social Media in 20 Minutes Per Day.

3. Make customer service a top priority

Customer service and approachability go hand in hand. The nicer you are to people, they more likely they are to engage with you again – and for associations, that’s huge. So listen to your members; be welcoming and personable! And don’t let your association come off as “cliquey.” The more open and accepting you are, the better. (More on applying customer service fundamentals to your association here.)

Want more tips for engaging your organization’s members? Check out our free member engagement guide below!