Recently the association for which I work affiliated itself with another. “My” association has two employees, the one we’re affiliating with has more than 20.  “We” have moved in with “them.”  I had expected to encounter some cultural differences between the two associations and I am trying hard to keep an open mind.

One of the striking differences today was experiencing something I had read about. People at this new place communicate with each other by email. Rather than picking up the phone, dialing an extension, and asking questions, they send an email. After receiving and sending a few emails with one of my new colleagues I picked up the phone and suggested that we meet in her office to go over her questions.  I was a little surprised by the note of enthusiasm I heard on the other end.  We met, discussed, and were finished in about three minutes.

The culture I am from is more spontaneous and we don’t hesitate very long before we pick up the phone to talk with the other associate.  We also have been in an office of  cubicles and, while they create separation of work space, things aren’t very private.  We generally have had a general sense of what the other is doing.

The offices we’ve moved into are “real” offices that are much more private and quite.  I suppose that sending emails, requesting appointment times to meet in the future to discuss various things is unobtrusive, but is it really efficient?  There is a “Do Not Disturb” button on my phone.  Maybe one assumes “DND” and sends an email so the receiver can address the topic at a time when it’s convenient.  Doesn’t that mean that your work progress is delayed?

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?