how to define your ideal members

aKA: IDEAL MEMBER DANCE PARTY!​

Like dancers to the dance floor, a membership organization's success hinges on its ability to attract and retain the right members. These individuals not only align with your organization's values and mission but also actively contribute to its growth and vibrancy. In other words you want members who not only dance to the same tune but also throw in some killer moves to amp up the groove. To achieve this, you must uncover and understand your ideal member profile—an archetype that embodies the characteristics and traits of your most valuable members. In this blog post, we will delve (or swing to keep up our dance reference) into the process of defining and utilizing an ideal member profile to fuel the growth of your membership organization

Embark on a Soul-Searching Mission
Before identifying your ideal members, take a deep dive into your organization's purpose, goals, and values. Gain a comprehensive understanding of what your organization aims to accomplish and the value it provides to its members. This clarity will serve as the foundation for creating an ideal member profile that aligns with your organization's mission.

Go Undercover and Analyze your Existing Members
Examine your current membership base to identify the members who are actively engaged, enthusiastic, and satisfied with their experience. Look for patterns, commonalities, and shared characteristics among this group. Consider demographic data, professional backgrounds, interests, motivations, and engagement levels. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the qualities and traits of your ideal members.

Survey Says?! Conduct Surveys and Interviews
No need to get that intense overhead light for these interviews. To refine your ideal member profile, actively seek feedback from your existing members. Craft surveys or conduct interviews to gather information on their expectations, needs, and challenges. Ask questions about their goals, what attracted them to your organization, and what keeps them engaged. This direct input will help you gain deeper insights and validate your understanding of your ideal member profile.

Identify Key Characteristics and Traits:
Based on your analysis and member feedback, start identifying the key characteristics and traits that define your ideal members. These can include professional backgrounds, industry affiliations, educational levels, geographical locations, or specific interests. Dive into their pain points, aspirations, and the benefits they seek from joining your organization. This process will enable you to create a detailed and well-rounded profile.

Craft the Ideal Member Profile
Did you ever watch Criminal Minds? Here is your chance to be a profiler - a membership profiler that is. Using the information gathered, create a comprehensive ideal member profile that encapsulates the essence of your target audience. Give this profile a persona, complete with a name and a detailed description. Outline their demographics, professional attributes, motivations, and preferred modes of communication. Consider their expectations from your organization and how you can cater to their needs effectively.

Tailor Marketing and Communication Strategies
Speak their language, address their pain points, and make it personal. Armed with your ideal member profile, tailor your marketing and communication strategies to resonate with this audience. Craft compelling messaging that speaks directly to their goals, and desires. Utilize appropriate channels, such as social media platforms, industry events, webinars, or newsletters, to reach and engage your ideal members effectively. Personalize your communications to create a sense of connection and exclusivity.

Read the Room: Evaluate and Refine
Continuously monitor the pulse and evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies by monitoring key metrics: membership growth, engagement levels, feedback, etc. Assess the resonance of your messaging and tactics with your ideal members. Seek their input through surveys or focus groups to gather valuable feedback for improvement. Stay nimble, adapt, and refine your script to stay in tune with the ever-evolving needs of your ideal members.

Understanding and embracing your ideal member profile is knowing the right song to play to get everyone on the dance floor. By analyzing existing members, conducting surveys and interviews, and crafting a detailed ideal member profile, you can tailor your strategies to attract and retain the members who are most likely to contribute to your organization's success. Continuously evaluate and refine your approach to ensure you remain aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of your ideal members. With a clear understanding of your ideal member profile, you can build a thriving community that drives the growth and impact of your membership organization (or have the most epic dance party of the decade!)