Online communities and associations compete
August 3rd, 2009
Deirdre Reid’s question are experiencing the same benefits of online communities is not quite the right question. Members are participating. Some industries have stronger communities. Some associations have demographics that are more prone to be early adopters. I would suggest a few more specific questions.
- How strong are the online communities in my sector?
- How do the growth trend of online communities compare to the associations?
- Are members of these online communities predominantly members? Potential members?
- Are these communities offering a type of communication or information the association doesn’t?
- What topics are generating the most responses?
Its not wrong to consider these online communities as a threat or an opportunity.
It is a mistake not to consider them important.
SmartBlog Insights » Blog Archive » Are online communities a threat to associations?
We develop and deepen relationships with peers via online communities. Some question the value of their association membership as they now receive more of these critical benefits freely online than from associations. Are our members experiencing the same?
