Forj has emerged as a trailblazer in the world of association and professional network technology with the launch of their groundbreaking platform, Journey by Forj. The company is redefining how organizations engage with their members, combining the power of community with cutting-edge learning experiences.
Forj, a forward-thinking SaaS company, has spent the last five years meticulously studying member behavior and experiences. Their research revealed three pivotal trends: members join to learn, stay to connect, and leave due to fragmented, outdated experiences. Journey by Forj addresses these challenges head-on, offering a unified, modern solution that promises to revolutionize member engagement.
Kurt Heikkinen, CEO of Forj, emphasizes the platform’s potential impact:
“As work has become more specialized and virtual, today’s professionals are taking control of their career journey and turning to professional communities. Associations and professional networks have untapped potential to meet these needs, advance their mission, and grow their business.”
Heikkinen notes that an organization with 10,000 members could realize upwards of $1 million in annual revenue growth by integrating community and learning.
The innovation behind Journey by Forj lies in its ability to create personalized pathways for members to connect, learn, and grow. This approach aligns with modern consumer expectations, as highlighted by Dhaval Vasavada, Forj’s CTO:
“Seventy-one percent of us expect companies to deliver personalized interactions, and seventy-six percent of us are frustrated when this doesn’t happen. Technology that influences the way we learn should be no different.”
Journey by Forj comprises three key components:
- Forj Learn: This feature transcends traditional Learning Management Systems (LMS) by offering both assigned and self-directed learning opportunities. It extends the learning experience beyond conventional boundaries, integrating with the broader member community to enhance engagement, productivity, and innovation.
- Forj Connect: Recognizing the power of community in professional growth, this component provides members with 24/7 access to resources and peers. It’s designed to accelerate productivity by facilitating connections and problem-solving within the community.
- Forj Analyze: This data-driven tool measures community vibrancy, member behavior, and learning outcomes. It empowers organizations to make informed decisions and continuously improve the member experience based on actionable insights.
The platform’s innovative approach addresses a critical gap in the market. By combining learning and community in a single, intuitive platform, Journey by Forj aims to fix the “broken” member experience that has long plagued associations and professional networks. It offers a solution that not only attracts new members but also significantly improves engagement and retention rates.
Forj’s vision extends beyond mere technological advancement. The company sees its platform as a means to empower professionals who make the world better, providing them with tools to connect, learn, and grow their skills, potential, and happiness. This aligns with the changing landscape of professional development, where individuals are increasingly taking charge of their own career trajectories.
As work environments continue to evolve, becoming more specialized and virtual, the need for effective professional communities has never been greater. Journey by Forj positions itself at the forefront of this shift, offering a timely solution that could reshape how associations and professional networks operate in the digital age.
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The launch of Journey by Forj marks a significant milestone in the realm of community and learning technology. By addressing the core reasons why members join, stay, and leave organizations, Forj is not just providing a new tool – it’s offering a new paradigm for member engagement and growth. As the platform rolls out, it will be fascinating to observe its impact on the landscape of professional networks and associations, setting a new standard for member experience in the digital era.
