Membership trends continue to be a hot topic for associations and nonprofits. Recent reports from Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a global provider of nonprofit software, and Marketing General, Inc., a leader in membership marketing, suggest that, while a majority of associations are reporting a small...
Are you aware of the key asset that your association and a Fortune 500 company have in common? It’s your volunteers. In the for-profit world, these “volunteers” are called “interns.” They contribute time, energy, and considerable skills without financial compensation. What they receive in lieu...
By now you may have heard the rumor that – if you live in Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Washington State or American Samoa – you might need a passport to travel within the United States, which was initially scheduled to begin later this year...
I think one would be hard pressed to find a child when asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up" respond something along the lines of "When I grow up I want to manage professional membership and trade associations in order to...
Associations have an uphill climb when it comes to getting their message out and heard by the audience they wish to reach. With advertising and marketing budgets that are generally a fraction of what is being spent in the for-profit world, organizations need to think...
Many associations can boast a membership excited by the opportunities their organization has to offer. But if membership is stagnant, or dwindling, it’s time for the Executive Director and Governing Boards to take a look at what the organization has to offer its members. In order...
The fourth quarter is upon us, and you may be looking to begin developing your annual report – the (print or digital) document typically provided to your Board and your members each year. Whether you’re new to your association or a long-term employee, it is...
Non profit associations should strive for efficient operations at all times. The smoother all of the administrative processes are, the easier the day to day operations will be. The first step towards utmost efficiency is to move away from paper files and forms (which can...
Cross promotion is an essential aspect of running a trade organization that many associations neglect. But the benefits of forming strong relationships with others in your field are innumerable. Chances are, many of your organization’s members also belong to a similar organization in the field....
Ben Franklin coined the adage “time is money” well before the age of instant global communication—and yet there are few things in the business world more frustrating than wasted time in meetings. Here are some effective strategies for keeping your meetings productive and meaningful. Strong...