If you’re like many organizations, you’re consistently looking for ways to enhance your member experience. While some associations rely on hosting networking events or sending free branded swag, you can engage them simply by shining a spotlight on select members.
A member spotlight is typically a brief profile you write to highlight the person’s achievements and contributions to the organization. These member spotlights are often relatively short, just a few paragraphs with some quotes directly from the person, similar to this example from Builtin. Depending on where you publish your member spotlight, you can use the content to write a more robust profile on your valued member.
Benefits of Creating Member Spotlights
While creating a spotlight is a relatively low-lift task, the effort can pay off in spades for your organization. And the advantages go beyond just the warm-fuzzies of outlining the achievements of one of your members.
The most common benefits of creating a member spotlight include:
- Engaging members. As we mentioned above, member spotlights can catch the eye of current and prospective members. This simple form of member appreciation and recognition can go a long way toward making the members you spotlight feel special. This level of recognition enhances the member experience overall, and also encourages other members to submit themselves for future profiles.
- Helps your members get to know each other. One of the most common reasons people join associations and member organizations is for networking opportunities—and member spotlights are their own form of online networking. If you send out a member spotlight in your member newsletter, you’re introducing them to hundreds or thousands of people. And this introduction could forge valuable connections.
- Introduces members to new ways to participate. When you highlight a member’s contributions to your organization, this can inspire other members to become more engaged. On the other hand, profiling a member’s favorite events or volunteer drives can help others discover new opportunities to network and plug into your organization.
- Amplifies your reach. When you profile a person in a member spotlight, they’ll inevitably share it across all their networks. This helps you increase the reach for your association’s marketing as the member and the people in their network share and discuss the profile across social media and other sites. Just don’t forget to tag the member when you publish their spotlight!
20 Member Spotlight Questions to Ask
After choosing a member you want to spotlight, you’ll need to collect some crucial info to create your profile. To compile everything, you need to start writing, you’ll need to get in touch with the member and ask them some key questions.
But whether you choose to interview the member you selected via email or over a Zoom call, make sure you do your homework first. Prepare for your interview by looking up the member’s social profiles, reading through their website or portfolio, and writing down your list of questions ahead of time. Not only does asking all the right questions ensure you don’t miss any crucial information for your profile, but it also helps you steer the conversation and keep it on track.
To help you dig into your first member spotlight interview as quickly as possible, we’ve put together a handy list of 20 questions to learn everything you need about your member.
Professional member spotlight questions
The first portion of your questions for your member should center on their career experience. You’ll need to curate a list of questions that draw out the details of how they got where they are professionally. So, you’ll need to get an overview of their accomplishments, any accolades they’ve earned, and their future aspirations.
- How long have you been a member of [your organization’s name]?
- Why did you join [your organization’s name]?
- What’s your favorite part of being a member of [your organization’s name]?
- What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
- What is your current occupation?
- What do you love most about [your industry]?
- If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?
- What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter [your field]?
- What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
- What’s a recent project or initiative you’ve been involved in that you’re particularly proud of?
- What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
- What are your goals for the next year, either professionally or personally?
- What’s one thing you wish people knew about your profession?
- How has being a member of [your organization’s name] impacted your career or personal growth?
- What’s your favorite networking tip or strategy?
- What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
- What’s one book, podcast, or resource you’d recommend to others in your field?
- If you weren’t in [your industry], what career path would you have chosen?
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments?
- What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
- How do you balance your professional and personal life?
- What motivates you to keep pushing forward in your career?
- What does a typical day in your role look like?
- How do you handle work-related stress?
- What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
- What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
- What’s your favorite event or program hosted by [your organization’s name]?
- What’s one goal you’d like to achieve in your membership with [your organization’s name] this year?
Fun member spotlight questions
While many of your questions will focus on professional achievements and goals, your member spotlight should also include some facts about them as a person. Send them some prompts to help your readers get to know what motivates the member, a little about their background, and relate to them.
- What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
- What’s the last book you read?
- What is your favorite hobby?
- What’s the first concert you ever attended?
- What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
- Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
- If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- What’s one item you can’t live without?
How to Select Members to Spotlight
Whether you’re celebrating professional milestones or sharing personal stories, these steps will help you identify the right members to feature and ensure your spotlights resonate with your entire audience.
1. Leverage Your CRM or Membership Database
Start by using your organization’s CRM or membership management software to identify potential members to spotlight. Look for those who meet specific criteria, such as the length of their membership, involvement in committees, or active participation in events. This will help you find both long-standing members and newer ones who are actively engaged.
2. Ask for Nominations
Reach out to your members and staff for nominations. Encourage them to recommend peers who have made notable contributions or who are actively involved in the organization. This not only helps you find great candidates but also fosters a sense of community and recognition within your membership.
3. Highlight Award Recipients or Honorees
If your organization has an awards or recognition program, consider featuring recent recipients as spotlight candidates. These individuals often have inspiring stories or significant achievements that would resonate with the broader membership.
4. Review Social Media Engagement
Check your organization’s social media channels to see which members frequently engage with your posts or share their own experiences. Members who are active on social media are often enthusiastic about participating in a spotlight feature and sharing their stories.
5. Use Surveys and Feedback Forms
Include a question in your member surveys or feedback forms asking if they would be interested in being featured. This allows you to directly identify members who are willing and excited to be spotlighted, ensuring you feature those who are eager to share their experiences.
6. Target Diverse Voices
Aim to reflect the diversity of your membership in your spotlights. This includes varying demographics, career stages, and professional backgrounds. Highlighting a range of voices ensures that all members feel represented and valued within your organization.
7. Connect with Committee Chairs
Committee chairs often have insights into which members are highly active and engaged. Ask them to recommend individuals who have shown leadership or made significant contributions within their committees.
8. Monitor Recent Publications or Presentations
Look for members who have recently published articles, spoken at events, or contributed to projects. Featuring members with recent accomplishments can provide compelling content that highlights their professional growth and engagement within your industry.
9. Celebrate Member Milestones
Recognize professional achievements, such as promotions, certifications, or anniversaries. Featuring members during these milestones is a great way to acknowledge their accomplishments while showcasing the value your organization brings to their professional journey.
10. Encourage Self-Nominations
Create a simple application or form on your website where members can express their interest in being featured. Promote this opportunity through your email newsletters and social media channels to reach a broader audience and allow members to take the initiative to participate.
11. Balance New and Seasoned Members
Feature both new and long-standing members to provide a comprehensive view of your organization’s community. This approach highlights the benefits of membership at different stages and showcases a range of experiences, demonstrating the value and support your organization provides.
Moving forward with your own member spotlight
Now that you have a foundational list of questions, you can add or subtract questions based on your needs and send them off to the member you’ve selected for your spotlight. Once you’ve received their responses, you can start writing and shaping your profile!
If you want additional ideas on how to engage your members on your website, in your newsletter, or via events, check out our Membership Engagement Guide.
