What is the traditional logic of business associations on how they operate? They typically have the following:
- They have big name organizers
- They screen membership
- They have monthly membership meetings (now webinars)
- They have dress codes
- They have big connectors
- They have big donors
The last few months during this pandemic have shown online Facebook groups and communities disrupting traditional business groups, wherein they have created a new logic in helping business people survive during this unprecedented pandemic. Take a look at how they operate:
- They are not big businesses
- They are inclusive and welcome everyone who needs their help tapping into a wider customer base
- They don’t have monthly membership meetings because they already read each other’s posts daily and interact accordingly
- They tap into an unoccupied white space
- Everyone can be a connector and give pieces of advice for crowdsourced requests
- They operated collectively without big donors
They have turned the traditional business association model on its head by being agile in not just responding to a major need, but also being quick and selfless in helping strangers survive their business crisis.
I have been observing two particular groups the past few months. I have seen niche groups like Fil-Chi Taoke (boss) with over 30,000 members and Fil-Chi Ho Tsia / Ho Dim (good eat / good drink) with over 50,000 members help their followers and link suppliers and customers together, creating value for each other at a time when collective leadership is most important to help each other find new value, new meaning, and new hope. I am sure there are other groups you can share with us so we can also recognize them.
I salute these online groups making a big difference to the community.
What about the associations you belong to? What would you miss if they ceased to exist today?
