A lot of professionals and associations have shied away from social networking because most sites have no barrier to entry. So you get approached by all and sundry. But membership of issociate is only open to professional associations and their members. And it’s designed specially for the needs of professional associations. It’s social networking – inside a red velvet rope.

2. It’s discreet

Most social networking sites leave you horribly exposed. Remember the incoming MI6 chief whose identity – and swimming trunks – were revealed on Facebook? issociate is much more discreet.

We give you greater control over who sees what. What’s more, when someone wants to become part of your network – but you’re not so keen – you can make them an Acquaintance. That means you avoid giving offence but protect your personal details and contacts.

3. It energises your membership

issociate will invigorate your association in 2 ways – by facilitating networking and by fostering debate.

More social. More networking.

A social networking site does exactly what it says on the can. It encourages social interaction. And it lets people network. Those are two of the reasons people join associations in the first place. issociate just makes it much easier.

Discussion and Debate

In the past, discussion and debate in your association have been largely limited to meetings and conventions. With issociate, they can share their thoughts the moment they have them – in forums or through working groups. It’s a national convention – 24/7.

4. It attracts younger members

Many associations are struggling to appeal to younger members of their profession. Gen Y wants everything now and if they can’t participate via their laptop or mobile phone they won’t participate. These people are already social networking. issociate just makes available that level of functionality, access, and immediacy in their professional lives.

5. It looks like it’s yours

Some professional associations have set up as groups on LinkedIn but it still looks like LinkedIn. What’s more, members don’t need you in order to be able to do that. They can just set up their own splinter group. But your members do need you in order to participate on issociate. And we let you carry your own branding – so it looks like your very own social networking site. Without the cost, which brings us to …

6. It’s cost effective

You possibly know that your association needs to get into social networking but if you’ve explored the possibility of creating your own site, you’ll have been horrified. It’s an expensive business – not just in money but also in time. issociate delivers all the benefits of social networking – without the prohibitive cost.

7. It earns money

If you create a group on LinkedIn, you don’t earn any money for your association. You earn money for LinkedIn. But on issociate, we let you carry advertising on your pages. The more pages you have, the more you can earn. You can handle the advertising or get us to handle it for you. We make it easy for you, which brings us to …

8. It’s easy to use

issociate is a breeze to use because it’s been designed for non-technical people. We’ve made it simple for your members. And we’ve made it simple for you. For example, we let you upload all your member details with a single click.

9. We help you nurture your network

Social networks are organic and need nurturing – just like your association. We provide ongoing tips to help create and maintain a social network that is vibrant yet safe and welcoming.

10. It helps maintain unity and strength

Other social networking sites represent a threat to your association. Why’s that? Because they enable your members to set up groups over which you have no control. If your members are engaged in these online splinter groups, they are less inclined to participate in your formal association activities. That fragments your membership and diminishes the power of your association. issociate delivers social networking in a way that enhances, rather than undermines, the strength and unity of your association.