If you have trouble engaging young members, you’re not alone. Many associations struggle to connect with the younger generation, particularly when there’s an obvious age gap in play. But let’s face it, Millennials pack power in numbers alone, and it’s critical for your association to connect with them. Not sure how? Check out these five easy ways.
Meet them online
Ok, this one’s a no-brainer. It’s no secret that Millennials love technology. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest – you name it, they’re on it. But don’t just post a few sporadic updates and call it a day. Engage with your members by asking them questions and sharing content that actually aligns with their interests. They’ll appreciate it and keep coming back for more.
Speak their language
Don’t give up on white papers and case studies just yet, but do understand that Millennials are a generation used to consuming content in small bites – think YouTube videos, tweets and blog posts. It’s fine to have some long content pieces here and there, but make sure you also have short pieces to capture the attention of Millennials.
Minimize lecture-driven meetings
Take it from me, Millennials hate long lectures. They need meetings that are interactive and, if possible, hands on. For your next big meeting, consider breaking up into smaller groups or even encouraging your members to tweet using a certain hashtag. Not only will this keep them engaged, but it’s also a great way to get your association’s name shared throughout social media.
Create a targeted event
To make Millennials feel more at home, try planning an informal event just for them. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but something as simple as a quarterly pizza night will inspire young members to get more involved. Plus, the more friends they make in your association, the more likely they are to remain a member over time.
Go to the source
When all else fails, ask! I promise you Millennials will be more than happy to tell you what it is they want and need from your association. Use surveys, focus groups or even interviews to ask your members what motivates them to get involved, then use that information to better your association over time.
Looking for more ways to engage your members? Download our free member engagement guide below!
