In-house vs outsourcing for publications

This is an interesting article in Third Sector magazine about assessing whether it is more cost-effective to produce your organisation's magazine or newsletter in-house, or if that may actually cost you more in terms of staff time and opportunity cost. Check it out here.

7 ways to give your publications a pick-me-up

Given regular publications like magazines and newsletters are a key avenue for communication with your members, you need to make sure they remain interesting and engaging. It's easy to get into a rut, and just do what you've always done, especially if it works - the problem is, if your readers don't see anything new, they might stop reading. So if your publications need a pick-me-up, try one of these tips.

1. Ask your members what they want
Rather than assume you know what your members want from your publications, conduct a reader survey and ask what topics they are interested in, how often they would like to receive a publication, and which format they prefer. Try to be specific in your questions – for instance, if you are asking about topics of interest, provide a list of possibilities and a space for 'other', rather than expecting respondents to come up with their own topics. Then act on what you find out.

2. Try some fresh content
Introduce some new features – contributors or columnists providing expert commentary on issues in your industry, book reviews, Q&As, case studies... This not only makes your publication more interesting to read, it can also help when you are planning future editions.

3. Add some real people
If your publications tend to be issues-based, try adding some profiles or articles about members or your organisation's staff. It develops a sense of community, and especially if networking is a key benefit of membership, it provides the opportunity to get to know others.

4. Give your publication a makeover with a redesign
If your publication has had the same look for more than two years, it probably deserves a revamp. This doesn't have to be a complete overhaul, it could be a matter of mixing things up – changing the fonts, using more colour, using more pictures and so on. It will give you publication a fresher look, and might inspire members to take a closer look again.

5. Look at new ways to deliver information
Are you still doing a print newsletter because it's what you've always done? With the explosion in online media, there are opportunities to change your delivery mode to something members will engage with more readily (and possibly save you some money as well). If you have a print publication, why not try a digital version (like this)? If you have an e-newsletter, try adding a blog. The right option for your members may not be just one avenue, but a combination. Again, refer tip 1.

6. Get interactive
It can be difficult for some associations to get members involved and contributing to your publications (or even letting you know what they think). Build in as many feedback mechanisms as you can – letters to the editor, requests for articles or case studies, polls on issues of interest – and if possible, offer an incentive to contribute. Another strategy to provoke discussion and debate (although perhaps a controversial one) is to find someone who can write some provocative pieces about what's going on in your industry. While you might get some negative response, it might also get people talking.

7. Ask an outsider's opinion
Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees. If you're too close to the publication, it can be difficult to identify areas of improvement or new avenues to explore, so it can help to get the advice of a custom publishing professional - they will undoubtedly have heaps of ideas on how to refresh your publications... and might even get you excited about them again.

Industry leader retires from Green Building Council

Ché Wall, a founding Board director of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), has retired from the Board after seven years.
GBCA chairman Tony Arnel said Wall has been a committed sustainable advocate for many years and leaves a significant legacy for the Australian property industry.
"Ché's contribution, particualrly in championing the creation of the Green Building Council of Australia and the development of the Green Star environmental rating system for buildings has set the GBCA on its successful path," Arnel said. "Since Ché co-founded the GBCA in 2002, green building has penetrated the commercial property sector to the extent that today around 11 per cent of Australia's commercial property is Green Star certified."
Wall, who is also the managing director of the Lincolne Scott Group of Companies, has received national and international recognition for his outstanding leadership and commitment to green building on a global scale, particularly in his previous role as chair of the World Green Building Council.
In 2002, Wall was the recipient of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects President's Award for outstanding contribution to the architectural profession in the area of sustainable development. Two years later, in 2004, Wall received the prestigious Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award from the Banksia Foundation, as well as the National Exemplar Award from the ING Real Estate Year of the Built Environment, Towards Sustainable Communities. Wall was nominated as one of 20 Australian Financial Review BOSS True Leaders in 2006.

Blogging for associations

You might be thinking about including a blog as part of your association's communication strategy, but don't know where to start.
Here are some great tips on what not-for-profits can do with their blogs - and they are easily adapted to the specific needs of member organisations.
Notes for Non-Profits: Five Things To Do With Your Nonprofit Blog