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If you’ve been working on WiFi for the last 14 months, a return to the office may be jarring. Association professionals made the pivot from usually predominantly people-centric office spaces to recreate what they could online.  Work styles and relationship equity helped many get things done. As we face another change now, in the return to offices, the future of work looks different. It’s hybrid, just like the future of events. A Deloitte study showed 61% of executives are focusing […]

In an effort to support organizations during these uncertain times, hundreds of tech companies are offering free use of their product, extended trials, discounts, and more. As a technology resource for associations and chambers of commerce, GrowthZone aggregated this list of relevant and useful programs to help member-based organizations. As the internet is fluid and the information included here was sourced from various websites; the information is reliable, but not guaranteed. Intended for information only. Products not endorsed by GrowthZone […]

“Leverage the strength that you have: that no one else can be you.” – Todd Wheatland When it comes to association marketing, differentiation is key. Identifying what makes your brand unique is critical to a successful strategy. The GrowthZone Marketing Toolkit is a collection of three critical resources developed specifically for association professionals. It includes: Marketing Plan Basics: A practical guide for writing your association’s marketing plan. Member Surveys: The 3-step process for gathering actionable data from your members. How to Conduct a […]

Low-cost (and free) ideas to retain employees & improve morale. There is a direct relationship between staff morale and retention. By focusing on a changing workforce culture and developing a retention strategy, associations can prevent (or at least manage) turnover. Time off and latitude in determining work schedules can be a significant contributor to staff morale and employee retention. 6 Ideas for Time Off and Flexible Work Schedules Give employees the option of working an altered schedule that accommodates family, […]

If you’ve invested in discovering your association’s VP (value proposition), and it’s been around for two or more years, you may feel like it’s time to put new life into it – to verify that your message is still relevant and that your organization delivers on the value you promote. GrowthZone AMS offers a comprehensive suite of productivity tools that allow association pros to do more in less time. Member needs and your organization’s strengths can change over time. Here […]

The next era of the association world is dependent on recruitment, engagement, and renewals of young professionals. This article covers two aspects of membership certain to appeal to this generation. Access to Exclusive Information The ability to quickly access exclusive content such as legislative policy updates, original research, and proprietary content is an excellent selling point. Training and Education Associations should plan to regularly host workshops, online training, and peer-to-peer learning designed to help members develop professionally. Young professionals are […]

You don’t have to be a math person to determine your organization’s renewal rates. Follow this simple 1-part formula to see how your association is doing! RENEWAL RATES: (the percentage of members that renew their membership over a given period of time) (# of Renewals) ÷ (Eligible Members) = Renewal Rate Example: At the end of 2018, 3,000 members were up for renewal and 2,825 renewed.  2,825 ÷ 3000 = .94  Renewal Rate = 94% Important Info: The # of […]

In the online community space, the role of a community manager has become imperative for any community looking to achieve long term success. Community managers play a dynamic role encompassing engagement, growth, and maintaining a healthy online environment. Contrary to popular belief, their responsibilities extend far beyond moderation. Community managers should also cultivate relationships, strategize for growth, and ensure the community’s voice is heard within the larger organization. Here’s a closer look at the role of community managers in online […]

The creation of online communities has become important for brands and organizations seeking to foster a sense of belonging and engagement around shared interests or goals. But starting a community is only the first step. The real challenge is maintaining its growth, engagement, and relevance over time. Sustainable community building requires thoughtful strategies aimed at long-term engagement and member satisfaction. Here are some key practices to ensure the health and growth of your online community. Cultivate a Sense of Purpose […]

For associations and chambers, goal setting isn’t always easy. And achieving goals is even trickier. In the current environment, knowing where to even begin goal-setting can be absolutely mind-boggling. By taking it one step at a time, the goal-setting process for member-based organizations can go from overwhelming to very manageable. There are broad goals and short-term goals. Often, a broad goal can be achieved with a series of short-term goals. The key to association success is to set a solid […]

By now your association should be up-to-speed on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It applies organizations located in the European Union (EU) or organizations that collect data from members in the EU. Not only is this regulation poised to protect data, but it will set a new standard by challenging many companies to remove antiquated systems and upgrade business processes. The new law also dictates how to report data breaches and how to transfer data across borders safely. See how your […]

There has been a flurry of articles written and forum topics posted over the past few months about the impending European Union’s (EU) General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR) that takes effect May 25, 2018. All this information has left many association staff dizzy, asking the question “what should associations be doing right now to ensure we’re compliant?” First, this regulation only impacts organizations located in the EU or organizations that collect data from members in the EU. If neither of […]