Bridging the Communications Gap Between Professional and Trade Associations and their Members the Inalink Way

Busy professionals and trade workers can read only so many advertisements, emails, and publications before they opt for human contact instead. Inalink Corporation figured out 20 years ago how to close the gap between all the opportunities the associations have to offer and their members’ and potential members’ awareness of the benefits of joining and retaining membership. Utilizing warm and friendly one-on-one conversations (what a concept!), Inalink provides insight for potential and current members and growth and financial stability for associations.

Focusing on the typical association offerings, including continuing education, conventions, conferences, publications, and social events, Inalink provides assistance through unscripted, meaningful conversations with past, present, and future members. Other services include new- program and services announcements, subscription renewals and upgrades; member profiles; and advertising follow-up. The innovative firm also provides client-direct and project-specific fulfillment services, including toll-free inbound phone lines for special events. National clients of the premier service provider range from associations representing scientists and engineers to organizations for financial representatives and medical professionals.

An integral part of the Inalink proprietary methodology, the company’s detailed reporting offers insight into the desires and concerns of current and potential members as well as qualitative and quantitative information on membership and association services. The high-quality reports find use internally and as presentations to boards. Throughout its contract period, Inalink also updates member contact data systematically to purify mailing lists for email and direct-mail campaigns. Take busy work schedules and other business-related obligations, add in hectic family lives, and top them off with community involvement, and most professionals have precious little time to investigate their own industry associations. But most of us make time for the things we value, and we appreciate personal contact more than another email or direct-mail advertisement. Therein lies the brilliance of the Inalink model. The company’s representatives, highly skilled in communications, do not sell; they listen. As a result, associations win or win back members, and busy professionals find a valuable support system.