For all associations that our company manages, a board binder is created. The board binder stores several important documents and information regarding that association and is an important resource for all board members and association staff. Why have a board binder? The board binder serves a number of purposes: [...]
All associations are required by law to hold an annual meeting of members, or Annual General Meeting (AGM) yearly. The AGM is to be held within six months of the association’s year end. The purpose of the AGM is for the membership to approve the financial statements of the [...]
Are you contemplating becoming a board member for an association, but have never sat on a board before? Are you unsure of the role of the board and responsibilities of a director? In this article I go back to the basics and review what a board is, the functions [...]
Whether you are attending an association Board or committee meeting in person, by conference call or videoconference, meeting minutes need to be taken. The meeting minutes are usually taken by an administrative staff member, the Board secretary or the committee chair. Meeting minutes serve as an official record of [...]
Thinking of switching membership management systems for your association? Here are a few things to consider before making the change. There are a variety of Association Management Systems (AMS) available. These systems are used for many association services, including membership signup, membership renewal, event registration, sales, and marketing. They [...]
Every association has their own method of recruiting members. Some do this through marketing campaigns online or through television/radio. Others, whose members require a designation/certification, find that the best way to recruit members is by attending speaking events and career fairs at universities or colleges, or simply by good [...]
I am frequently asked, “What is it that you do for work?”. When I tell people I work for Strauss Event and Association Management in an administrative position, I usually get a blank stare. Then, I explain what an association management company is, and what my role is within [...]
Do your staff know the difference between policies and procedures? Policies are the rules for the association. They state appropriate standards of action and behavior for all employees. Procedures are the instructions for the association. They describe who does the task, what steps must be performed, when those steps [...]
For those of us who work in the association management world, mid-November to January is our busy time of year due to membership renewals. Processing, keeping track of, and following up with association members regarding their renewals keeps us busy. If you do not have a plan in place [...]
Writing emails to members allows you to develop a more regular rapport, than you can build by sending letters in the mail. With this sort of potentially impersonal communication, tact will go a long way toward establishing a lasting and positive relationship with your members. Build a Trusting Relationship [...]
