Productivity

A simple breakdown of the steps involved for association management professionals to earn CAE designation.

The 2021 Association Industry Survey results revealed similarities in the challenges facing associations. The report includes detailed comments from respondents about their organization’s struggles. Regardless of association size or budget, the top 3 impediments were consistently time, money, and technology. We asked: “What would you say is the #1 impediment to doing your job?”   The top 15 responses were: Respondent comments included:   To see all of the association staff responses, download your copy of the report here: 2021 […]

It’s that time of year! GrowthZone recently released the 2021 Association Industry Survey results. This year’s report contains specific data on association value proposition recognition, COVID’s impact on organizations’ operating status, 2021 revenue trends predictions, etc. The report also highlights: Top non-dues revenue sources The shift to virtual events #1 job challenge COVID’s impact on member engagement and more A couple of interesting data points: The year-over-year change in net membership numbers shed light on the COVID’s impact on associations. In […]

Robust AMS (association management software) has far-reaching benefits to members, staff, the board of directors, and the organization. But justifying an AMS purchase can still be challenging. Most boards use a “big picture” approach to decision-making. To ensure your board is “seeing the forest for the trees,” prepare a presentation that outlines quantifiable vs. indirect benefits and defines the difference between ROI and VOI (value on investment). A convincing board presentation includes a summary of immediately recognizable benefits of Association […]

A compilation of strategic ideas to help organizations move forward. Over the past six weeks and after thousands of one-on-one conversations with chambers and associations, the GrowthZone team has learned a lot. Many organizations have risen to the occasion, reinventing themselves and are emerging better equipped to provide benefit to their members. Conversely, others have held on to a business-as-usual approach. As a result, demonstrating value has been a challenge. There are two paths forward: Return to business as usual […]

Membership Communications Expert, Melynn Sight recently shared her presentation “Crisis Communication Strategies to Strengthen Membership.” It proved to be one of our most popular webinars in recent years. The free, on-demand webinar is ideal for anyone interacting with members using the written word. While explaining the Top 6 Principles for Association Crisis Communications, Melynn discussed strategies for credible communication with members during periods of uncertainty. She also walked through the messaging basics and best practices for structuring association communications. A […]

Most people consider themselves good listeners, but genuinely listening to others is a rare skill. What is effective listening? Everyone wants to be heard and understood (especially your association’s members). To truly listen, one must actively absorb information, show interest, and provide feedback that reassures the speaker that you’re receiving their message. It sounds simple, but in reality, most of us haven’t mastered this art. Any number of things can interfere with our ability to listen actively – our thoughts […]

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on August 13, 2019. It has been updated. Effective meetings need a disciplined approach to be efficient. The second installment of our three-part series about meetings focuses on streamlining the event itself. Check out the first article, Avoiding Meeting Misery, if you missed it. Next Steps: Be punctual: Respect the time and effort of those that show up on time. Don’t delay the meeting due to the tardiness of other attendees (and don’t waste […]

Now, more than ever, to maintain a sense of connection even while being physically isolated, associations need to take advantage of technology to engage with co-workers and members. Like most associations, you are likely evaluating upcoming meetings and events to identify those that can be facilitated virtually so you can continue to provide valuable information and member benefits. If you’re new to hosting virtual meetings, chats, or events, here are five quick tips: 1. Select a virtual conference tool that […]

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. […]

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the FFCRA) was signed into law. The FFCRA seeks to assist employees impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and applies to employers with fewer than 500 employees, which likely includes your associations and many of the members and businesses you serve. Familiarity with the provisions of the FFCRA can further position associations as a valued resource during these and rapidly changing times. Following is a summary of key provisions of the FFCRA taken from the U.S. […]

The Center for Disease Control recently shared interim strategies for employers to use to manage the COVID-19 impact on their businesses. The relevance of strategies to associations is two-fold: It is a starting point for internal management and serves as a resource for associations to share with their members. We have included some of the suggestions below. Please visit the CDC website for the full article. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home: Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory […]