I remember fondly, the activity of setting up the water pump to draw water from a nearby lake every spring at the family cottage. This activity would ensure that we had enough water on hand for the entire season. My dad referred to this activity as “priming the pump.” [...]
I've been thinking a lot about what frustrates association volunteer leaders based on my own experience and those I work with. I now see the work of associations divided into two columns: proactive work and reactive work. Some might see proactive work as positive and reactive work as negative. [...]
Congratulations on starting your journey as an association leader! Welcome to a very dynamic and fast paced environment, rich with adventure and problem solving. As you get started, your first tasks are to understand your role and equally, your association(s). Getting to know your association quickly requires a strategic [...]
Communications is fundamental for fostering strong connections and engagement within associations. Among the multitude of communication channels available, email remains an essential pillar for associations. When used strategically, email marketing best practices can be a powerful tool for reaching members, promoting events, and driving action. In this article, I [...]
The old adage "knowledge is power" still stands true today in marketing. But what good is knowledge if it's not organized, analyzed, and outlined with a clear call to action? This is where marketing reports come into play. Marketing reports serve as the compass guiding associations through the ever-changing [...]
In the complex ecosystem of association leadership, the Board of Directors plays a critical role, acting as the brain trust that guides strategic direction and innovation. The infusion of diverse perspectives within the boardroom is not merely beneficial; it's a strategic imperative that catalyzes growth and adaptability. This [...]
A marketing dashboard is a practical e-tool that can provide significant value to an association by helping them effectively track and optimize their marketing efforts. But what is a marketing dashboard and how is it used? It is a visual representation of key marketing metrics and performance indicators [...]
Communication with members is the heart of every successful association. Whether it's announcing important updates, sharing valuable resources, or encouraging a sense of community, effective communication is a steppingstone for a growing organization. When members and staff are on the same page, great things can happen. In this blog, [...]
For brand new volunteer association leaders, trying to figure out meeting minutes might be intimidating. What are action items? What’s a motion? Do you need to write everything everyone says? This quick guide will help familiarize yourself with association meeting minutes and write minutes that are efficient, easy to [...]
Marketing Communication (marcom) pain points within an association can be common. But they can also be frustrating for the association’s Board, staff and members leading to mixed messages, negative member experiences, and halted decision-making, which can potentially stunt the association’s overall growth plans. Examples of pain points include [...]
