Our association has a members-only social networking site called “Myno”, short for MyNorthMasonChamber.com.

It has been a boon for our Chamber of Commerce.

Here are a few of the many reasons why.

• It is a “Velvet Rope” site. By definition, this means you can’t participate if you are not a member of our Chamber. We know that part of being human is wanting what we can’t (or shouldn’t) have. Because our site is cool, fun, valuable, active, etc……people want to participate. They can’t (unless they join the association). It is a big reason people are joining our chamber. If you run an association of any size you should have one of these sites and make it members-only. Ours runs on the Ning platform. By the way, it needs what I call “nurtured” because just creating it isn’t enough. But once it hits a tipping point, it becomes self-sustaining or perhaps even a living organism.

• “One of Us” – This came from Chris Brogan‘s book Trust Agents – I think of it this way…..If you were wandering in the desert and came across a tribe or village, they would probably feed you and put some shelter over you but you wouldn’t immediately be “one of them”. It takes time, trust, effort, relationships, etc….before you are fully accepted. In some groups or communities this could take years and years. But, once you are accepted….o the joy, the comfort, the bliss of knowing you have found a group that cares about you, validates you, understands you, looks out for you…..you get the idea. “Myno” brings new members much more quickly into the tribe.

• Retention – We have found that once people join the site and participate, they don’t quit the Chamber. The site acts as a powerful retention tool. Friendships are made, relationships are strengthened. New members become “One of Us” more quickly. If you drop from the chamber, you drop you from the site too.

There are many steps involved in getting your association up to speed on your velvet rope site. Email me at frank@frankkenny.net if you need help or encouragement.