All Posts

Planning for man-made and natural disasters is critical for association members It helps protect your organization and your livelihood. It also supports your employees, your members, the community, and the economy. Start by identifying who should participate in coordinating the plan. Then carefully assess how your organization functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep operating. Read more about association management and operations; download the Association Operations Toolkit today. Here’s a basic overview to […]

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 […]

There are a number of trends impacting the association industry. One of the top growth challenges mentioned is attracting young professionals. Regardless of size, budget, or mission, associations continue to struggle with ideas to engage 20-somethings. While there is not a singular answer to the challenge, even the simplest of ideas are worth trying, right? We put on our thinking caps and came up with a list of fun activities to incorporate into events geared toward your young professional members […]

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 […]

An association’s member onboarding program is the ideal litmus test for gauging success in member engagement. Many say onboarding is the foundation on which member engagement is built. The key to building a successful foundation is to regularly evaluate what is (and isn’t) working and make adjustments based on the evaluation. Quick tips for gauging onboarding success: ASK FOR FEEDBACK. Is the association meeting the new member’s expectations? Fingers crossed, maybe even exceeding their expectations? The answers will guide you […]

In the world of association management, extra time is scarce. Learn how to make the most of your day by following these simple tips. 1. Keyboard Shortcuts Learn keyboard shortcuts for the computer programs you use regularly. The time you save will really add up. 2. Internet Time Limit how many times a day you check social media, news, etc. Otherwise, leave them alone (seriously). 3. The Black Hole of Email Schedule specific times of day to check email. This […]

If you’re like many people, you keep hearing about AI (artificial intelligence) but have no idea what it really means. It’s okay to stop pretending. Take a couple of minutes to learn about AI. What is AI? Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. Some of the activities computers with artificial intelligence are designed for include: Speech recognition Learning Planning Problem-solving So, where do you […]

So, you’re in charge of planning and running association meetings. Congratulations! That’s like being the captain of a boat, but instead of navigating the high seas, you’re navigating a sea of opinions and agendas. We don’t envy you, but maybe these tips can ensure a fruitful and pleasant experience for all who attend: 1.     Set a clear purpose and agenda. Before planning any meeting, it is important to define the purpose and agenda of the meeting. What topics will be […]

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 […]

Fact: 50% of association revenue is generated from non-dues sources. Check out these 3 things you can do today to increase non-dues revenue using technology you probably already have: Social Media Advertising Your social media followers are a coveted group for vendors and suppliers. So why not use promoted or sponsored posts to generate extra revenue? Download the guide, Using Technology to Streamline Non-Dues Revenue, to get 10 ideas. Online Member Directory Advertising Connecting buyers and suppliers is a nobrainer. […]

How much time (and money!) does your association staff still spend on tedious billing, payment processing, and manual accounting tasks? Electronic billing enables staff to streamline their day-to-day tasks, increasing efficiency. ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRONIC BILLING For Associations: SAVES TIME & MONEY No need to mail invoices, process individual payments, and cash checks RETENTION Members love it CASH FLOW More predictable business planning AUTOMATION Payment information automatically updates your database EFFICIENT OPERATIONS Fewer collection issues and late bills For Members: CONVENIENCE […]