Technology

When it comes to videoconferencing, the fact of the matter is, you can’t avoid it forever. Set yourself up for success, so the only thing you’ll have to think about is making sure you look presentable. Use these suggestions to get started. LIGHTING Avoid fluorescent lights and/or overhead lighting at all costs, unless you like to look like you have shadows under your eyes. Light sources from above or below can cast shadows, making it hard to see your face. […]

Indirect costs are not directly accountable to something (e.g., a particular project, facility, or product). A robust membership management software system can generate great long-term ROI for associations. On the other hand, sub-par association membership software can be inefficient. Associations depending on outdated AMS software are often saddled with unanticipated indirect costs. The direct costs are clear—the amount spent on the association software. The indirect costs, however, can quickly add up. A subpar AMS can result in wasted time, missed […]

Could you use some more time or an extra set of hands in your organization? Most people would respond with an emphatic YES! to this question. Below, Membership Expert Frank Kenny shares his thoughts on marketing automation for associations: When you ask associations if they are using marketing automation to gain back time or get more done, the answer is still usually no, not really. The reasons for this vary, but three of the more common excuses are we don’t […]

Spreadsheets aren’t enough. Here are 8 ways association management software will improve your workday. Most associations use association management software to manage their data, process joins and renewals, track finances, cultivate member engagement, and streamline tedious tasks. However, some do not. According to research, 30% of associations still use Excel spreadsheets or do not use an AMS system.* At a glance, Excel has its advantages. It’s known by employees and easy to use, and most associations already have it. However, […]

When it is time for employee termination, protect your association against data theft with these tips. No one likes to be part of an involuntary separation, but sometimes, when there’s a bad egg, it’s the best thing for your organization. It’s crucial to be prepared when it happens because security will likely not be top of mind during this emotionally-charged time. Tip #1: Vetted Procedures Putting in place – and enforcing – employee offboarding policies and procedures is a must. […]

Smartphone use has disrupted the way we create and consume videos, but people love to hate vertical video – or do they? Vertical video has become the new default, despite the fact that the human eye prefers a horizontal plane. The use of smartphones (along with social media) quickly disrupted this fact. According to Ooyala, 58% of video plays worldwide are shown on mobile devices. Get shareable, member-friendly motivational quotes for your association’s blog articles, newsletters, and social media posts. Most […]

How to convince an Association Board of Directors to invest in Association Management Software (AMS).

THE CHALLENGE When Laurie Lourie came on board as Executive Vice President of the York Builders Association, she brought 22 years of association experience and a keen eye for continuous improvement. She knew that a dues-based organization had to have cost-efficient systems in place in order to provide members with valuable programs and services. Laurie identified costly inefficiencies at the association, including separate systems for managing programs, accounting, and member data. With limited staff, outsourcing technical support would prove to […]

You may not realize it, but you’re in the business of selling. Think about it. You sell memberships. Renewals. Sponsorships. Certifications. And conference registrations. Get the idea? But how do you really succeed in sales? It starts with being able to track and manage the sales process. Using a sales funnel, anyone can master the art of cultivating and closing sales. Watch a quick video about the GrowthZone AMS Sales Funnel Management Module » Not sure what a sales funnel […]

GrowthZone, leading providers of software and technology solutions for associations and chambers of commerce, recently announced it has acquired BuilderFusion. The acquisition solidifies GrowthZone as the leader in the home builder association (HBA) management software market. Both GrowthZone and BuilderFusion focus on providing innovative, quality software to help associations grow and streamline tasks. Read about one building industry association’s AMS success » BuilderFusion brings with it a multi-faceted product and an established customer base, complementing GrowthZone’s strategic initiative to expand […]

Imagine what you could do with $10,000 USD of in-kind advertising every month from Google. You could recruit more volunteers. Attract more donations. And share your story with audiences all over the globe. It’s all possible with Google Ad Grants. Get Your Copy of the Ultimate Non-Dues Revenue Guide for Associations. How it Works Google Ad Grants provides free Google AdWords advertising—up to $10,000 USD per month—on Google search result pages, to eligible nonprofit organizations. The program is designed to […]

It’s easy to become complacent when it comes to internet security – particularly when it involves passwords. But don’t get fooled today (or any day). Use this quick checklist to make sure you have maximized your online security. Avoid checking email, bank accounts, logging on to social media, etc. when on public wi-fi. Don’t use same password for multiple sites and consider using a password manager. Some of the most commonly hacked passwords in the last year were:123456 1234567890 qwerty […]