Ten Marks of a Great Co-Worker
There is no shortage of literature on leadership. Being a good leader means supporting, equipping, and galvanizing a team to fulfil its potential. But given that the potential of a team is so much greater than the sum of its parts, it is strange that we rarely talk about being a good co-worker. Ernie Smith’s recent piece gives […]
Light a ‘SPARK’ in your association’s strategic plan
In “Business Associations for the 21st Century”, the Washington, D.C.-based Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) describes associations as voluntary business-, professional-and community-improvement groups that combine their synergistic power by working together to solve mutual problems. Often partnering with government, associations have developed programs and encouraged public policies that help expand economic bases. “Were it not for business […]
How to Implement a Successful Email Onboarding Campaign
First impressions matter. When members join an association online, their first impression occurs via email. At my association, we use an email onboarding program to guide them through the first 90 days of their membership. With so many benefits available, it can be overwhelming for a new member; our approach allows them to easily digest the […]
Trust in Diversity: How to Make People Feel Welcome
Revamping has become a buzzword. Everybody wants to be different and do something that will make them stand out. This applies to all aspects of association culture, including diversity and inclusion. How can associations go from talking the talk to walking the walk when it comes to inclusion, at their events and in all aspects of […]
Retaining Longtime Members: What We Thought We Knew
Last year, we noticed a trend at our association: A segment of longtime members was not engaging with us or renewing. We thought we knew how to respond, but what we learned surprised us, and changed our interaction with this segment of our membership. When Exponent Philanthropy acquired a more powerful database in 2016, we started tracking and analyzing […]
SURGE Optimism: Know Before You Go
SURGE is our free interactive virtual conference for association professionals – and it’s happening this week on November 7-9th! Here are some things to know before you go: THE BASICS What to expect: The event consists of 15 sessions, shown over three days, from 12-5PM EST. As the sessions play, an attendee chat will run alongside. Speakers will […]
SURGE Optimism: Know Before You Go
SURGE is our free interactive virtual conference for association professionals – and it’s happening this week on November 7-9th! Here are some things to know before you go: THE BASICS What to expect: The event consists of 15 sessions, shown over three days, from 12-5PM EST. As the sessions play, an attendee chat will run alongside. Speakers will […]
Quick and Easy Tips For Revamping Your Association
Revamping can revitalize and grow all aspects of your organization. There are unlimited ways that the concept of revamping can be used in the association arena. However, it comes with risk and uncertainty. To help you prepare for this process, I have compiled a checklist of things to think about as you embark on any […]
Why Do We Need Diverse Boards?
Associations must be prepared for future disruptors. Look at the horizon: what are the big challenges that your organization, members and wider world will face? Frame these disruptors not as objects of fear, but of opportunity. How can you capitalize on these changes? I believe that this preparation for change requires associations to prioritize diversity […]
What’s Hiding in Your Day-to-Day Data?
Before you dive into implementing a new technology at your organization, be sure to look at what’s going on in your day to day operations. Ask staff who work with volunteers or members: what issues are they facing? An easy way to track this is by logging the problems or issues raised from your member […]