Association board members who efficiently review and vote on issues of importance do a great service to the organizations they serve. They create a forward momentum that propels activities forward rather than allowing the organization to grind to a halt, unable to evolve. Yet one of...
A previous post offered a primer on non-profit board functions. It outlined five key activities of every effective NPO board member: Determine the mission and purpose of the organization Select an executive director of administrator Provide feedback, report, and review for the chief executive Foster effective organization planning Ensure an...
When I network professionally, I have discovered that becoming a member of a non-profit board is not a “hot topic” for younger people. Many think that they need to be older, wiser, or more experienced before they have something to offer. Nothing could be further...
LinkedIn is a professional, business-oriented social networking service. Over the past year, it has made significant changes in its functionality with real benefits to not-for-profit organizations. Unfortunately, many associations spend precious resources on paid marketing efforts when LinkedIn’s new-and-improved functionality can accomplish many of the...
When board members are elected or appointed to their posts in an association or non-profit, the information packets they receive are filled with facts and factoids about the organization’s past, present, and future. What would further foster effective board leadership is a board member’s primer,...
We work with both individual membership and trade associations and sometimes I’m asked to explain the difference between the two. The simple answer is, quite frankly, very simple – but beyond that there are two different cultures that these distinct organizations have. The simple answer is...
When people think of nonprofits they generally think of charitable organizations which are organized to help out society as a whole. The IRS, which grants corporations non-profit status indicates the following as the reason an organization can become a 501(c)3 - for any group “organized...
Who doesn’t love swag? Pens, mints, stress balls, mugs, Rubik’s cubes, t-shirts, bags, umbrellas, flashlights…the list goes on and on. As a general rule, If it’s mass produced you can get your logo it. As a non-profit association it is of supreme importance that your...
While membership and conference dues provide a good portion of revenue for an association, Sponsorships and the companies who purchase them are a crucial part of running a strong membership or trade association. And while the sponsoring company generally has their own marketing personnel or...
Conferences, like associations, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. To have the most successful conference, you should be careful to choose a venue that is optimal for your organization's event. There are many different considerations your association can make when it comes to...