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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. A Mission Statement is what ensures an organization stays on its intended course. Is it time to reevaluate and update yours? Is your Board asking for one? Are you asking your Board for one? Whatever the reason may be, taking time to review what’s in place vs. how your organization is […]

When it comes to selecting an association credit card processor, the provider should be efficient, accurate, and affordable. Be sure your organization is looking at the whole picture when it comes to the “fine print,” as you’re shopping for a company to process credit cards for your association, You’ll need to understand each component, be aware of all costs involved, especially different rates. Most importantly, do your research. Read on for tips to help you understand what to watch for […]

There’s no reason associations should continue to play by 20th-century rules anymore. There are (at least) 5 digital tactics member-based organizations should be using to drive participation and engagement in today’s world. TACTIC #1 Build Awareness Through Social Media Like most associations, you probably already have some sort of social media presence. But do y ou use it as a strategic tool to promote your organization? Are you using it to initiate discussions and dialogue? Don’t overlook social media as […]

As the year winds down, generating community ideas for association social media posts can be a challenge. Keep your social media fresh by posting about holidays and events. Here are several themes to get you rolling: Monthly Observances AIDS Awareness Month Bingo Month Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month Human Rights Month Safe Toys and Gifts Month Food Service Safety Month Weekly Observances 3-9                Handwashing Awareness 18-22            […]

There is a short window of opportunity to engage new members. If we do not reach them while the window is open, it snaps shut, forever. Most new members join with high hopes. They are curious to see what their membership will do for them because they do not specifically know what it will do for them, yet. They want to learn more because they want assurance they did not make a mistake in joining. During the first few days […]

As we wrap up another year, we are excited to share that GrowthZone has been recognized with multiple accolades from the Gartner Digital Markets brands – Capterra, Software Advice, and GetApp. Our product has been featured across various flagship reports released in 2024, a testament to the value we continue to deliver to our users. Check out our incredible badges: Capterra Association Management Shortlist Membership Management Software Advice Association Management FrontRunners Membership Management FrontRunners GetApp Association Management Category Leaders “GrowthZone […]

December is an ideal time for associations to post regularly on social media. Social feeds will be crowded with consumer-targeted advertising, so member-based organizations have the opportunity to stand out with useful and meaningful content. On the other hand, it’s the time of year when many association social media managers take time off. Plan ahead for days out of the office with these holiday and event ideas for your December posts:   MONTHLY: Toy Safety Month Bingo Month   WEEKLY: […]

Employee evaluations don’t have to be unpleasant. In fact, the process is the ideal opportunity to boost employees’ empowerment and work together to find common ground. It’s imperative to stay as positive as possible during the process. It’s not helpful to spend time telling an employee what they have done wrong for the past year. After all, it should be a conversation, not a speech. This can be a challenge if the association employee needs to make major improvements. In […]

It’s a critical time in the association membership landscape and the future is in your hands. Adults age 18-34 (a.k.a. Millennials) account for 1/3 of American workers and are the largest share of the US workforce. Effective communication is essential to engaging them with your association. #Communications  Millennials want to hear from you. But they also want to seek out information independently. Keep your association website updated! According to 75% of survey respondents, the biggest turnoff is information that has not […]

New-member onboarding is crucial for associations. A touch plan to improve the process builds a strong foundation for engagement and for a long-term membership. Association new-member onboarding and first-year renewal processes work hand-in-hand and should be a 12+ month program (at a minimum). Take a look at the steps for the first three months: Day 1-7 Send welcome email. Mail new-member packet. Call the member to say, “Welcome to the association.”. Day 14-21 Email instructions on how to access member […]

Association industry vernacular defines member onboarding as a process through which new members move from being organizational outsiders to becoming organizational insiders. Translation? Onboarding is a party and your association is the host. Consider the following two scenarios: In one scenario, you’ve recently met a new acquaintance and invite them to your party. When they arrive, you don’t greet them, you don’t point them to the buffet, you fail to introduce them to other guests, and when it ends, not […]

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