Ways you can use knowledge management in your association

Posted by Cindy Farris Wed, 07 Feb 2007 21:31:00 GMT

There are a number of reasons or motivations leading associations to undertake knowledge management initiatives.  The first and foremost reason is to help members gain the competitive advantage that comes with improved or faster learning and new knowledge creation.  KM programs or “managed knowledge” can lead to greater innovation, better member and consumer experiences, consistency in good business practices and access to reliable and relevant knowledge. 

Reasons to consider a knowledge management program for your association:

  • making available increased knowledge about all aspects of the real estate transaction and best practices in the profession
  • achieving shorter learning curves for new associates and brokers
  • facilitating and managing industry and local marketplace innovation
  • leveraging the expertise of people across the entire membership
  • managing the proliferation of information in real estate environments and allowing members to rapidly access useful and relevant knowledge resources and best practices guidelines (not all knowledge is good knowledge)
  • managing intellectual capital and intellectual assets in the membership (such as the expertise and “know-how” possessed by key brokers and associates in your marketplace) as individuals retire and new practitioners enter the workforce
  • making learning communities available to the membership

 Ideas for KM Solutions in Your Association

MLS

  • Online, searchable MLS Rules and Regulations
  • Online learning community for MLS training
  • Online self-help resource center with access to forms, system “how to” guides, FAQs, relevant industry articles, links to county public records information, etc
  • Online guide for completing profile sheets, required disclosures, and risk management tips
  • Printed “how to” guide with quick tips and techniques for either the MLS Rules and Regulations or using your MLS
  • Printed brochure addressing the most frequently asked questions received by your help desk.

Education/Knowledge Sharing

  • Using online learning communities versus online courses or instructor led classes
  • Create facilitated learning labs that combine instructors and online learning communities (this helps members adapt to using learning communities)
  • Online knowledge repositories for subject areas such as contracts, required disclosures, risk management, creating a value proposition, starting a brokerage firm, developing a business plan, etc.
  • Structured blogs that target knowledge for specific segments of your membership such as appraisers, commercial, new brokers, new associates, etc.
  • Printed checklist with tips and best practices for new brokers, new associates, or members trying to survive in a transitioning market
  • Monthly meetings to share marketplace statistics that includes guides in understanding what the numbers mean and how to adapt the information to listing presentations and consumer marketing pieces
  • Printed guide on best practices and tips for success from the best producers in your marketplace

Professional Standards/COE

  • Online searchable tool with the Code of Ethics and cases
  • Online learning community with staged “real world” video examples of COE violations and tips on how to avoid getting into trouble
  • A toolkit available to brokers to help them facilitate case studies, role playing and other COE learning activities that can be incorporated into weekly or monthly office meetings

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