Far West Skier's Guide 2010-2011 - (Page 59)
Seriously?
Yup! For some of us, hey, nobody told us, when we joined our snowsports clubs, that we were going to have to be techsavvy, or gadget-friendly, and on top of that, own a computer! But, social networking is the wave of the future, and what a wave it’s turning out to be. In addition to the simple ones, like your club’s website and listserve e-mail, let’s check out a few social networks that work well to communicate and increase your club’s membership.:
Are your clubs using Social Media to communicate and help increase your membership?
by Sheri Parshall, NWSCC & Linda Scott, Intermountain Ski Council Twitter.....
Tweet, tweet, tweet! Twitter, while still wildly popular, may have peaked as a social networking tool. If you use it with any frequency, your tweets start increasing to the point of over-tweetness. Plus, the messages are size-restricted. Still, it’s a great way to get a quick message to your members. These are a few of the most popular social networks out there. Of course, there are more! In addition to all they can do mentioned above, another cool tool is that they will often keep the administrators updated on new members, page hits, etc. There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to social networking: You’ll need to take care that you don’t isolate your techno-phobic membership by making sure those who want to can still receive your hard copy newsletters. Additionally, you’ll need to have newsletter editors, website creators, and social network site administrators who are on top of not only the content, but the technology. A website that hasn’t been updated in six months is so sad, as well as counter-productive. You will lose your audience since they will figure they have already seen it and will not check back for new entries, scheduling and updates. Ditto with a Facebook page that hasn’t had a post in a couple of weeks. MOST IMPORTANT: Once you’ve put something into cyberspace, whether it’s the date of your next ski trip, or your credit card information, it is in cyberspace forever. You and your club will need to make the determination that the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to the systems you design to capture the personal information of the membership. Companies that set up your banking processes may sell “security,” but just keep in mind that nothing on the Web is 100% secure. Thank you for picking up the printed version of the Far West Skier’s Guide. This is a fabulous publication for us west coast skiers and boarders. Although it may be a little “old school” technologically speaking, you get to browse for councils and clubs in your area, and all absolutely wi-fi free*. But, we have to thank our kids and their friends, who are dragging us, kicking and screaming - sometimes - into the 21st Century. Of course, they may not thank us. Mom and Dad are on Facebook now, too! Tweet that! Editor’s Note: The Guide is even entering the twenty-first century with this issue also being converted into a digital edition. Clubs are invited to add the link to their club websites, Facebook pages and announce the new format by “Tweeting” it to L their friends. Contact fwsg@cox.net. L
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Facebook and MySpace.....
The Granddaddies of social networking, Facebook and MySpace started out as a refuge for young adults; a place where they could see and be seen, and “hang out” in a virtual world free from anyone they chose not to allow as a “friend” (i.e., parental units). Now they’re a fantastic tool to tell the virtual universe about your snowsports organization: what you do and when you do it. You can have fans all over the world! Best part of all — it’s free!
Yahoo Groups/ Constant Contact.....
Maybe one of the best tools for virtual meetings, chat rooms, and e-news, Yahoo Groups and Constant Contact can be tailored with more specifics than Facebook and MySpace. You can even build your own club “bank,” allowing payments for everything from dues to trips to take place on-line. They allow a lot more flexibility for customization for your club, but you’ll have to pay for some features.
MeetUp.....
MeetUp is also a great source for a virtual meeting. This one costs a little bit of dough, though…
LinkedIn/Plaxo.....
Although used more often by professionals to network, both of these sites can be used by clubs, as well.
Far West Skier’s Guide 2O1O - 2O11
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Far West Skier's Guide 2010-2011
Far West Skier's Guide 2010-2011
Contents
Board of Directors, Trustees
President’s Message: FWSA Offers Many Benefits, Activities & Travel
FWSA Committee Chairmen and Other Representatives
Far West Benefits from National Ski Council Federation
2011: A Season to Remember
Council Information
Communications: The Key to Success
FWSA 2010 Newsletter & Website Winners
Get the Most of Your Snowsports Program
FWSA Individual Membership Form
Order Form / FWSG
FWSA Travel Program
FWRA Board of Directors
FWRA Program
FWRA League Race Chairs
FWRA Race Schedule
FWSA Athletic Scholarship Program
Far West Ski Foundation Announces Partnership Program
FWSA 2010 Convention
FWSA Convention Industry Programs
FWSA 2010 Man & Woman of the Year
FWSA 2010 Convention Sponsors
Silent Auction & Travel Expo Participants - 2010
FWSA Recognizes Clubs with Over 50 Years of Service
FWSA Club History Recognition - 2010
FWSA 2010 Safety Person of the Year
FWSA Western Ski Heritage Award
FWSA Snowsports Builder Award
Snowsports Leadership Academy
FWSA 2011 Convention
Public Affairs - 2010 Update
Club Charity Involvement
But, Where Are The Other 9O%?
Common Snowsport Injuries
Far Off The Beaten Path
FWSA Plans Future Conventions
Facebook!? MeetUp? LinkedIn!? Tweeter?
Lodging Guide
FWSA Council & Club Information
Regional Ski Shows
Far West Skier's Guide 2010-2011
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