By now, you’ve received the AADE e-mail about the launch of its new and improved website. The redesigned diabeteseducator.org offers better navigation, easier-to-find resources and improved functionality—all suggestions we, as members, have voiced to AADE. Kudos to AADE National, for listening and acting on member feedback! Did you know all of the following are available at your fingertips when visiting diabeteseducator.org?
Key practice resources for diabetes education
FREE patient resources, including handy (and downloadable) tip sheets
Education and career opportunities
Current news and publications, including journals, a newsletter and a blog
A research section to demonstrate AADE’s value and benefits to an employer
Advocacy efforts and support
AADE even offers an opportunity for members to submit suggestions here.
As I was browsing the new website, I got to thinking, “What has AADE done for me lately?” The improved website is one thing, but what other benefits am I getting out of my membership in professional organization? This led me to also ponder “How does marketing (for example, of a new website) impact an organization’s members?” Effective marketing strategies attract members and engage a community, as a whole. My curiosity led me to uncovering articles about the interesting concept of content marketing.
“Content marketing is creating and sharing relevant and valuable content that attracts, motivates, engages, and inspires your participants, supporters, and influencers to help you achieve your mission.” Your content marketing strategy, then, is your blueprint to success.
Think about it, content marketing isn’t limited to professional organizations.
As AZAADE board members, here are some ways we aim to engage our members (YOU!) through the following methods:
Have Two-Way Conversations—by inviting feedback that applauds or constructively criticizes how we’re doing, you’ve provided us with insight into your needs as a state coordinating body. We’ve kept an open ear regarding your needs, and it’s allowed us to continually reevaluate and improve our messaging, content and delivery.
Engage Different Types of Volunteers—over the past couple years, the board has revised leadership positions, job descriptions and onboarding processes, all to provide a diverse and committed team of leaders. By engaging different types of volunteers, we’ve capitalized on individuals’ strengths and worked to develop areas of opportunity. In addition, several members throughout the state volunteer on different projects, committees, tasks, etc. and it’s important you know how much we appreciate all you do!
Communicate Across Multiple Channels—we’ve embraced the digital platform with open arms and view them as an expanded opportunity to connect with members. Additional channels of communication, such as MyAADE Network, social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as board meetings held via videoconferencing have allowed AZAADE to widen its geographic reach beyond the greater Phoenix area—aiming to meet more members’ needs and increase involvement.
In close, I’d like to extend a thank you to the AZAADE board and state members, alike. A strong leadership team and committed members, who offer valuable constructive feedback will allow us to collaborate, grow and learn from one another. Kudos!
Reference:
Volunteer Match