IECA Membership: Responding to the Current Economic Crisis
For the first time in decades, IECA has launched its annual membership renewal drive in the middle of an economic recession. In many parts of the country, notably the industrial Midwest and much of California, conditions are beyond a recession. It is only fair to assume that members (and potential members) wonder if they should renew, or more specifically if the economy is going to cause a reduction in services or any decrease in our marketing and outreach efforts, or what IECA has planned to help members improve their own outreach to potential students and client families.
I am pleased to note that the Independent Educational Consultants Association has maintained its dues—with no increase—for 28 years, almost certainly a record in the world of associations. And each year we seek to add to our member services in ways that directly and positively impact our members. We have committed to significant improvements on our Web site for the year ahead that will deliver new member services through a members-only, password-protected portal. This will allow for greater exchange of information among members, permit the posting of upcoming tours and educational programs in an improved format, and increase the availability of services exclusive for IECA members that will keep your costs down. As you know by reading this blog, we have dramatically increased our use of new technologies, from social networking to communication sites, that have increased our ability to promote an understanding of the educational consulting profession to the general public, and thereby drive additional traffic to the IECA Web site, to our online searchable database, and to you.
We have worked hard to ensure that workshop and seminar topics are timely and valuable. We have explored the economic impact, marketing issues, social networking, and new therapeutic approaches at our conferences. We conducted our first webinar with much success and anticipate many more in the coming year. Experts say that remaining connected to one’s professional association is crucial during periods of a downward economy, because it is this connection that assists members in discovering new trends and conditions that can make a real difference in one’s own practice and assist them in speeding a recovery. We take this role seriously as we examine ways we can be of great help to members—many, many of whom call for advice and support—in trying creative efforts in their home community. In addition, IECA’s national outreach does bring many potential clients to the IECA Web site—thousands each month search our online directory.
Our goal is four-fold: (1) be a primary resource for you in gaining valuable information and knowledge of admissions, schools, colleges, and programs; (2) provide the best resource for outreach to potential client families; (3) aide in connecting you to resources and colleagues around the country; (4) be your partner in reducing the cost of running a consulting practice. Over the next several months you will see these new, real benefits join those that have made the Independent Educational Consultants Association the nation’s authoritative go-to resource for parents, educators, and the media. We look forward to serving all of our members (current and new) in the coming year.
Posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director
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- New Economic Data Suggests Recovery for Educational Consultants May be Delayed Until Fall
- A ‘Newbie’ Reflects on Applying for Professional Membership in IECA & Shares a Few Tips
- Breadth of New Initiatives Have Potential to Transform the Value of IECA Membership
- Economic Optimism
