by So, I've been thinking hard about the value proposition for LOPSA–what makes it worth being a member? When we recruit new members, what do I tell them about LOPSA (e.g., "You should join LOPSA because…")
It's been a tough question to ask. Here's why: motivations.
As with any group, there are bound to be a number of people who have different motivations for becoming part of that group. In the communication field, there's a theory (Uses and Gratifications Theory) that talks about this very phenomenon.
I've talked to a few members and there are those who know the intrinsic benefits of joining: networking, access to knowledge, etc.
But what about new members? Here are three hypothetical groups to
think about.
Group 1 – The "easy-joiners"
There are going to be like-minded people who think, like I did after being told about LOPSA, that it's obvious wny I would join. I want to advance my profession, advance my skills through being exposed to new practices, and I want to be about people who know the pains and joys of syadminery.
These new members are the "easy-joiners." They get it, they don't have to be told, just exposed to LOPSA.
They're easy wins and they'll continue to champion the sysadmin profession.
Group 2 – The "convince-me's"
Not everyone gets the value of being a LOPSA member–they'll need something more tangible, things that provide an immediate benefit to them that will entice them to join. Conference discounts, insurance discounts, getting training materials on the cheap, etc.
They may not be the champions, but once they're in, they see the benefit and will stick around as long as those benefits continue.
Group 3 – The "slow-movers"
Call them social lurkers–they'll come to chapter meetings, but never join. They need to see what we can offer, both materially and socially as a community of sysadmins. They'll want to be sure of their decision and know that they'll be getting the best out of the time and effort put into membership.
So what do you think? Are there more groups to consider? Why did you join LOPSA? What motivated you to become a member?