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.” [...]
An association task force plays an integral role in addressing specific challenges, championing new initiatives and driving the organization’s missions and goals. It is different than a committee as highlighted by my former colleague’s recent blog here. But when an association’s task force is divided on a particular issue [...]
In the dynamic world of trade shows and association industry events, there's always something new to learn and someone new to meet. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to attend a competitor affiliate trade show as a guest, and the experience was nothing short of enlightening. Here’s a glimpse [...]
When we’re busy, organized and effective record-keeping often falls to the bottom of the list. In between emails or rushing from your day job to an evening Board meeting, you save a few important organizational documents in a new shared folder, call it “Misc” (miscellaneous) and call it a [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
In the ever-evolving landscape of association management, maintaining financial stability is not just a goal but a necessity. Reserve funds or accumulated surpluses represent more than mere financial safety nets; they embody potential avenues for significant member-centric growth and development. For association leaders, the judicious deployment of these funds [...]
In the world of association management, setting goals is one of the most effective ways to motivate and engage members while also creating fulfillment and alignment. In Association management, setting and achieving goals is exclusively a team effort therefore, goal setting becomes a collaborative act. This guide aims to [...]
Who is your customer? How straight forward and easy a question is this for your association? For some associations, this is easy, members. For others it isn’t as simple, so Boards need to stop, assess, and ask this important question. Associations spend money on strategic planning. Post pandemic, strategic [...]
The association’s long-time executive director who managed every aspect of the professional association, is leaving and to fulfill this role, the association’s Board of Directors has hired an association management company (AMC). But what does this mean? How will it benefit membership? And will it be expensive? Just a [...]
