Businesses and professionals are scrambling to stay afloat in today’s environment. The constant changes in regulations, market conditions, and technological advancements are leaving many uncertain about how to move forward.
Now more than ever, your association has a vital role to play in helping your members navigate these challenges. You can provide the guidance, support, and community your members need to survive – and thrive – in these turbulent times.
With Zoom, or similar webinar software like GoToWebinar or WebEx, you have the perfect platform to engage your members, facilitate important conversations, and offer the education and resources they need to adapt.
Here are 10 ways you can use Zoom to serve your members more effectively and increase your value as a leader during this period of uncertainty:
1. Host Virtual Member Meetings and Town Halls
As businesses face shifting regulations and economic instability, your members need consistent communication.
Use Zoom to host virtual town halls, where you can provide updates on your association’s activities, share your advocacy efforts, and discuss how the current political or economic climate is affecting your industry.
This gives your members a direct line to you and ensures they feel informed and supported.
- Example: Organize monthly or quarterly town halls to update your members on industry developments, regulatory changes, or upcoming events. This helps your members stay connected and engaged.
2. Offer Educational Webinars and Workshops
Your members are likely scrambling to adapt to new regulations, technological changes, and economic pressures.
Use Zoom to offer educational webinars and workshops that address these pressing topics, such as navigating a recession, complying with new regulations, or integrating AI into their operations.
These sessions will empower your members to stay ahead of the curve and feel more confident during times of uncertainty.
- Example: Host a webinar with experts discussing how AI is reshaping industry trends, offering your members actionable insights on how to leverage this technology in their businesses.
3. Facilitate Virtual Networking Events
Networking is more important than ever as businesses look for solutions and partnerships during times of chaos.
Use Zoom breakout rooms to create smaller, more intimate networking opportunities where your members can meet, share challenges, and discuss solutions with others in similar industries or facing similar issues.
This type of connection fosters collaboration and gives your members a sense of solidarity.
- Example: Set up a virtual networking session with breakout rooms focused on specific topics, such as innovation, compliance, or international trade. This allows members to connect with others who are facing the same challenges.
4. Conduct Focus Groups for Member Feedback
To effectively support your members, you need to listen to them.
Host virtual focus groups on Zoom to gather valuable insights into what your members need most right now.
This feedback will guide your future programming and help you tailor your resources to provide the most relevant and timely support.
- Example: Organize a focus group to discuss what resources or support your members need to navigate the current economic climate. Use this feedback to shape your association’s initiatives and make sure you’re meeting their needs.
5. Run Industry-Specific Roundtables
Your members need targeted, industry-specific advice.
Create Zoom roundtable discussions with key leaders or experts from your industry to allow your members to engage in deep conversations about current challenges.
These roundtables will provide actionable insights and help members strategize together.
- Example: Host an exclusive roundtable for your tech industry members to discuss how new regulations are impacting their businesses and share solutions for adapting to these changes.
6. Provide Virtual Member Onboarding and Training
New members might be especially uncertain about how to navigate your association’s resources during challenging times. Even long-time members might not be fully aware of everything you do for them.
Use Zoom to offer virtual onboarding sessions that walk members through your association’s tools, resources, and upcoming opportunities.
This helps them quickly get up to speed and start benefiting from their membership right away.
- Example: Organize a “Welcome to the Association” Zoom session where you introduce new members to key resources, events, and ways to get involved in advocacy efforts.
7. Host Virtual Expert Panels
To effectively support your members, you need to listen to them.
Host expert panels via Zoom, where you can invite industry leaders, government officials, or specialists to share their insights on critical issues such as policy changes, economic trends, and technological advancements.
- Example: Organize a panel discussion with regulatory experts and CEOs to address the latest trade laws and their potential impacts on businesses, providing members with the knowledge they need to adapt.
8. Create Virtual Member Support Sessions
During times of crisis, members may need one-on-one support.
Offer virtual support sessions on Zoom, where members can drop in for advice and personalized guidance on specific issues.
This makes them feel heard and supported during a time when they may be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
- Example: Hold weekly office hours via Zoom where members can drop in for one-on-one advice on navigating new regulations or managing operational challenges.
9. Stream Live Events or Conferences
When in-person attendance is not possible, Zoom’s live streaming capabilities allow you to ensure that all members can still access important content.
Use Zoom to stream keynote sessions, workshops, and discussions, making sure that no one misses out on critical insights, even if they can’t attend in person.
- Example: If you’re hosting a major event, use Zoom to broadcast the keynote sessions and workshops so that members who can’t attend in person can still participate in the learning experience.
10. Conduct Virtual Polls and Surveys During Meetings
Get immediate feedback from your members by using Zoom’s polling feature during meetings, webinars, or events.
This is a great way to gauge opinion on a variety of issues, such as new initiatives, advocacy strategies, or even members’ opinions on the latest economic or regulatory changes.
- Example: During a Zoom town hall, launch a live poll to ask members for feedback on a potential new initiative or advocacy strategy, ensuring they feel involved and valued in decision-making.
Bonus Tip: Record Sessions for Later Access
Not all your members can attend live events, and that’s okay. Zoom allows you to record sessions, making it easy to share important content later.
This ensures that all members, regardless of time zone or availability, can access the valuable information you’re providing.
- Example: Record a webinar on navigating regulatory changes and share the video with all members afterward, giving them access to the content whenever it’s convenient for them.
Start Right Away
Your association can be the hero your members need during these challenging times. By leveraging Zoom to facilitate virtual meetings, educational sessions, expert panels, and support opportunities, you can provide the guidance, community, and resources your members require to thrive amid the chaos.
Now is the time to step up and lead, showing your members that you’re not just a resource, but a powerful support system during uncertain times.
With Zoom, you have the tools to enhance engagement, offer valuable education, and create stronger connections that will make your association indispensable to your members.
If you need help integrating Zoom with your iMIS system, we have a pre-built integration that allows you to get the most out of both Zoom (or GoToWebinar) and iMIS. Let’s talk!