Thanksgiving is perhaps my most favorite time of the year. It is during this time we reflect on what we are grateful for, allowing for a perspective shift from what we want to what we have. As leaders of associations and chambers, what we have to be grateful for includes our members, vendors, and staff. Without any of these three groups, we could not effectively do our jobs.
Member appreciation. Is there a member who has done a lot for your community this year? Maybe they’ve made strides to become more green or hosted a local charity event. Call them out on social media – mention them in a tweet or Facebook post. When you do this, two great things happen: (1) You show them you care (2) You give them a larger audience.
Vendor appreciation. Is there a vendor you use for your annual conference that you feel goes above and beyond the call of duty to make your event a success? Find them on Facebook and write a recommendation on their page. This act won’t go unnoticed by the vendor and can only make your already positive relationship stronger.
Staff appreciation. Without your staff, your organization would not function. Each staff member’s role is essential. Social media – in particular Facebook – is a great avenue for humanizing your organization. Take a picture of your staff, and post it on your Facebook page with a note of gratitude for each member of your team. Perhaps you could even invite your Facebook audience to “Like” the post to show their appreciation.
As a leader in your organization, you know how best to show appreciation for your members, vendors, and staff. The above suggestions should not be seen as mandatory but as guideposts to help you decide how to best thank those who help your organization acheive success. And while Thanksgiving may only occur once a year, remember that these suggestions can be applied all year long.
