—6 Tips to save time and money Association management companies (“AMC”s) provide operational support for small membership organizations– typically with an all volunteer board, no office and no full-time staff. These firms manage the day-to-day operations of the organization on behalf of the board. When it’s done well, it’s a seamless service. Members call or…
Vision, Mission, Member Value – Oh my! I always suspected these were a load of crap but over the years, I have gained a deep appreciation of the importance of having thoughtful mission and vision statements that align with clearly defined member value propositions. Frequently member organizations write mission and/or vision statements –that are vague…
Do you know that approximately three quarters of the Gross World Product is produced using human knowledge and creativity? “Knowledge is power” and successful membership organizations flex their knowledge muscles to boost their success and that of their members. Knowledge products are meaningful, highly focused information resources that impact outcomes. They disseminate information that helps…
When it comes to getting your message heard, humility is no virtue. I’ve noticed that many membership organizations put a lot of hard work into their advocacy efforts but often their efforts are barely noticed by their stakeholders. If you’re hiding your light under a bushel you’re sabotaging the impact of your efforts. Instead take…
I just read a very interesting article written by an ex-Microsoft employee. In it he identifies seven points related to the Microsoft Culture which need focus. I implore you to read this, and think about the impact on your organization. You may find yourself rubbing your chin in thought. Say “Yes” instead of “No” and support someone’s…
Benchmarking has become a hot topic for associations. The 2008-2009 downturn prompted many associations to assess their performance and the value they deliver to members. Benchmarking is being used to set a base level for associations to track their own performance growth and as a tool to compare themselves to other associations. A benchmark is…