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A successful association social media strategy doesn’t have to be a challenge. Simply follow the formula to navigate your way to an effective social media presence. The #1 Social Media Rule: Post things that are interesting, informative, and relevant to your members. See the rest of the formula along with post ideas for each category in the Association Social Media Survival Kit: Quick & Clever Social Media Posts. The Social Media Success Formula: Only 10% of your posts should be […]

When it comes to finding a conference speaker, associations work with a limited (if any) budget. The challenge, though, is that a talented speaker is a key to increasing attendance and engaging members. Get more tips to engage members with our on-demand webinar: Engaging the Disengaged Member with Shari Pash. Of course, there is an abundance of professional speakers available at a wide range of prices. But, when looking for an interesting, inexpensive presenter, a little creativity can go a […]

This third and final installment of the blog series, “Where to Begin Your Association’s AMS Search” provides a critical checklist for evaluating the vendor’s proposal. When narrowing down your search for association management software, the most important step is to ensure you understand what you are getting and what it will cost. Read Part 1 of the blog series to get an understanding of what features are available Before finalizing your agreement with the software provider, get a solid understanding of […]

Speed networking is an accelerated way for members to network and build community.

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 […]

Mastering the art of effective communication is the key to success for association professional management. As humans, there is one thing everyone has in common: the need to communicate. Regardless of who you are, what you do, or where you live, your existence depends on communication. Master effective verbal and non-verbal communication by keeping the following tips in mind: Don’t rush It’s important to keep things brief, but not at the expense of getting your message across. Take the time […]

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 […]

The demand for authentic brand-to-consumer connections continues to grow. Online communities have emerged as powerful platforms for fostering these relationships, offering a space for engagement, feedback, and loyalty building. For brands looking to make a mark this year, understanding the nuances of creating and managing online communities is key. Here are some best practices to consider if your brand is aiming to cultivate a vibrant, engaged online community this year: Define Clear Objectives and Values The foundation of any successful […]

In this installment of our blog series, 6 Proven Ways Associations Improved Member Engagement, we explore the different communications tactics used by associations successfully engaging their members. Some of the tactics are simple to employ right away, others may require some strategic planning, while a few may need to be included in next year’s budget. Regardless, associations know that member engagement is key to retention, which (should) allow more time for association new-member recruitment. All of which equals association growth. How […]

“The difficult people who we encounter can be our greatest teachers.” ~ Eileen Anglin Managing your emotional intelligence is the key to diffusing uncomfortable situations with association co-workers, members, and board members. Use the tips featured in the third of our 4-part blog series, How to Deal with Challenging Members, to help you stay in control while reducing stress in the process. REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL Avoid confrontations in front of others and resist the urge to complain to others about your […]