The #1 question I receive when speaking with associations is, “How do I deal with membership ‘Free Riders’?”
I may have stumbled on the problem: It’s Us, not the free rider.
Many associations declare the “voice of industry” position. We have self-appointed status as representing the non-member – even when they purposely choose not to join us.
My challenge to you is not to represent the non-member interests, but those that invest in your association with time and money. And, recruit the heck out of the non-member. But don’t make it easy for them by saying you represent them anyway.
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