Failing Fast, Hard and Often – How to use strategic risk strategies to succeed

Change is critical. It’s also risky. There are 4 inescapable facts to keep in mind. We cannot succeed without regular, meaningful change Some changes will fail Some changes will fail at first but become successful over time There will always be a vocal contingent of opposition There are some changes that are simply essential. You…

Association Trends – What’s Happening in Europe?

By Asif Ahmed, Manager at Zzeem Zzeem recently hosted an European-Canadian summit to exchange views on how associations and Association Management Companies (AMCs) operate across Canada and abroad. The 10-member delegation represented various Dutch associations and AMCs. There seemed to be a lot of similarities and differences between Europe and Canada not only in the…

Even Associations Experience the “Seven Year Itch”

The “Seven Year Itch” is more than just a romantic notion made famous by Hollywood, where partners take stock of their relationship and decide whether it’s working or it’s time to find something new and “better”. This also happens to associations and their association management partners. After all, association management is like any other relationship.…

Bylaws – Your Association’s Playbook for a Winning Team!

Many directors think bylaws are something the association is required to have but don’t see it as a vital tool for how they do business. It is considered complicated and full of legal language that no one really understands. Often no one looks at them and they gather dust.  This is a CRITICAL mistake! Think…

Attracting and Retaining Sponsors – Remember the Holy Trinity

Your ideal sponsor partnership is not about “selling” your event to a sponsor. It’s all about delivering value to each major stakeholder; the “holy trinity” is that crucial intersection between your association, your sponsors and your members. When you get it right, all three stakeholders are receiving value from the relationship.   What’s in it…