This was the below the fold story headline in the Washington Post this morning. In Uniontown, PA the private club is opening (some) doors to non-members, thus blurring the social hierarchy in the town. Full story here: http://tinyurl.com/oxerrs. Isn’t “social hierarchy” passe’? What’s being offered by private clubs that can’t be obtained anywhere else. Flash back to Dr. Seuss “Sneetches“. Folks bought in, got their stars and when everyone had their star, membership wasn’t special anymore.
I couldn’t help but draw a parallel for the “association world”. A recent question was posted during an on-line twitter chat amongst association “peeps,” how do we keep our membership attractive to Gen Y? We perceive that the problem is that Gen Y can obtain most of the benefits we offer on their own. There is a wealth of knowledge on the Internet, shared opinions in blogs, on-line forums and discussion groups, etc.
What am I offering? (Easy to access credible education, information which helps my members do their jobs more efficiently, within the standards of production, and a seal of approval?) And, what are these private clubs offering to Gen Y that they can’t get without paying to be in the club? What does your private club offer that members can’t get anywhere else? Can I learn from the clubs mistakes? What is the opportunity that makes people beg to get in?
