Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community

by Amanda Lea Kaiser

Your association’s members are real people – show them you are too.

If your association is struggling with a lack of engagement – members multitasking during virtual meetings, passing up on volunteer opportunities, or not renewing – you’re not alone. In a rapidly changing workplace landscape, many professional and trade organizations are seeking ways to stay relevant and keep their members actively involved. The good news is that engaging members does not have to be complicated, costly, or challenging.

In Elevating Engagement , speaker and author Amanda Lea Kaiser invites you to become your association’s Chief Experience Officer (CEO). You can take on this position immediately, whether you are already a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of your organization, association staff, or someone who serves in a volunteer capacity. All you first need to do is put on your members’ shoes and slip on their glasses, so that you can experience their journey with your association as they do. Not sure you’re ready for this new role? Kaiser provides real-life case studies, tools, and exercises to help you transform your association’s engagement in a way that is more personalized, responsive, and supportive.

In a world governed by algorithms, your members need to feel seen, heard, and valued. They need the things they can’t get from another digital platform, technology, or automated system. They need you!

Genres: Leadership

168 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2023

Reviews

[Jacquie Landeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with practical tips reinforced by engaging stories that are relatable and helpful. And the illustrations are adorable!

I read this book for two reasons: Last year I went to my first conference for a professional association and struggled to find “my place”. I came away hoping that I wouldn’t have to go again yet wrestling with knowing that I need to.

I am also a Toastmaster and member engagement is important. We get lots of practice connecting with visitors who come along to each meeting to “check us out”.

The ideas Amanda Kaiser shares around maintaining that initial engagement and enthusiasm are not only practical but also heart-centered and I believe important for clubs and associations to master. Creating environments and settings that engage and keep us all involved.

I’m excited to put what I’ve learned into practice. I’ve highlighted most of the book!

[Sydney Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the ideas this book evoked throughout a majority of it. There were some areas of the book that I didn’t feel extremely related to or to even tie back to the every day at work. There are definitely some good recommendations and good practices to follow, wow encouraging better experiences throughout membership and how to create those experiences. I felt related to a lot of the content, but I just didn’t realize how to classify it yet or that it was even a more common tactic to use in the hospitality field. I feel like I can definitely take these ideas and run with themfor an in depth presentation on how to grow experiences at the PGA for not only staff, but also our associates and members on a daily and weekly basis. Whether that’s through events or taking a little extra time to notice the small things that contribute back to the feeling that our company gives to those that encounter it.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work read! Provided valuable, innovative ways to engage members of your association. Doesn’t all relate to the Chamber’s work, but several helpful bits that I think can drive us to better retention for sure.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, practical advice

[Jeremy Deedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valuable ways to enhance engagement and deep insights into the nature and potential of associations.

Elevating Engagement is a must-read for anyone managing and growing a professional association, commercial membership site, or community of like-minded people. The book is excellent. Kaiser has distilled years of research, knowledge and experience into an easy-to-understand system of generating engagement, growth and success in associations.

I only wish I had her book while running my local education association. I stood down last autumn. However, I will recommend the book to the new trustees instead. My focus now is on building a new community based around money, money maturity and finding meaning, and Elevating Engagement will be at my side as I do so.

The six stages of engagement Kaiser identifies are very logical, and I can see now (from being a member of an association and running one) why there are so many falls at the first fence. However, the structure makes perfect sense and provides a clear pathway to build a stronger, transformative membership association.

It's a great book, full of valuable, practical ways to enhance engagement. However, Elevating Engagement also provides deep insights into the very nature and potential of associations. More than practicalities, this book is mindset-changing.