Growth

A collection of words of encouragement and wisdom for association staff by association staff. From the 2021 Association Survey Results.

More tricks and tips for association new-member onboarding planning. SET A BUDGET. Statistics show that it costs 7x more to obtain a new member than to retain a current one, and that first-year members have the lowest renewal rates. New-member onboarding is a process that is clearly worth investing in, and with some planning and organization, it will make a big difference in an association’s success. The above-referenced research shows that organizations that earmark as little as 1% of their […]

Member onboarding is more than simply sending out a welcome packet. It is a big piece (if not the biggest piece) of the membership life cycle. Get your copy of the New-Member Onboarding Plan for associations and watch your retention rates soar. Statistics show that it costs 7x more to obtain a new member than to retain a current one. Proper onboarding is critical to member retention and pays off in the long run. Connecting and engaging an association membership during their […]

The key to driving conference registrations is to make it as easy as possible for potential attendees to get approval to attend. Read the tip sheet: We’ve Got to Stop Meeting Like This and learn how to plan and run efficient meetings. A key component of your overall conference marketing plan should be a letter/proposal template that can be used by potential attendees to pitch the idea to their boss/board, etc. By helping them “sell” the idea, you’ve put the […]

Learn how to use voice search to grow your organization.

What story is your association telling with its social media posts? Does your story resonate with your target market? Is it reaching your members? Or is it rendering your message effectively invisible, hidden in plain sight? Get 30 more quick and easy ideas for social media posts for your association now » Recognize that everything you do tells a story. If someone dresses shabbily, it tells a story about them. If an organization is mainly self-promoting, that may tell their […]

What exactly is a mission statement? A well-developed mission statement is a practical tool used by associations to help guide decisions about priorities, actions, and responsibilities. A mission statement is what ensures an organization stays on its intended course. Association Mission Statements: How to Make Sure Yours is on Target Mission statements are often overlooked or ignored. But if an association is operating without one or paying no attention to what’s already in place, they’re making a critical error. Is […]

In the fast-paced world of association management, staying on target with an organization’s mission and goals can be a challenge. Learn about 3 ways to help your association thrive in The Association Success Kit. Association pros are tasked with running their organization’s day-to-day operations, finding ways to demonstrate value to members, and the list goes on… Our Association Success Kit provides proven strategies for associations bundled together in a single document. Its easy-to-read format is ideal for a short break […]

Hosting a physical conference, event, meeting, etc. can be challenging for many associations. With the technology available today, associations can reap the benefits of hosting their own conferences…virtually. Virtual conferences can offer: Member education An excellent marketing tool Networking opportunities for members (and presenters) Virtual vendor “booths” and sponsors for partnership inclusion Continuing education credits for certifications Coverage of broad subject matter (along with a deeper dive through individual workshops or programs) Here are 4 reasons to consider hosting a […]

In an article recently featured in Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine, GrowthZone Association Management Software explored benefits that attract young professional members to join associations. This demographic has high expectations for their association memberships; with the influx of millennials and Gen Z into the workspace, associations must continue to manage their offerings carefully. Providing association benefits that young professionals really want is critical. But more importantly, communicating these association benefits is key. Of all the benefits associations should promote in […]

A new-member welcome wmail is categorized as a “triggered” email that is generated when there is a meaningful change or event in a prospect’s behavior or profile. In this case, when a new member joins an organization. Triggered emails are different from and more effective than BAU (‘business-as-usual’) emails. A welcome email is a new member’s first exposure to the voice of an organization – and it’s the singular chance to set the tone. 3 ‘musts’ for an effective welcome […]

When creating a marketing plan, many Associations miss the opportunity to clearly differentiate between a strategy and the other, necessary plan components. “Strategy” refers to the long-term planning and implementation of methods to help an organization achieve its marketing goals. However, “strategy” is often misused to refer to a mission, goals, objectives, and tactics. A well-defined marketing plan with a clear strategy is vital for an organization. An excessively diverse, reactionary, and scattered strategy known as the “kitchen sink” approach […]