Association Boards and Staff: Mutual Respect = Maximum Effectiveness
Healthy internal relationships and mutual respect are critical to the success of any organization, and professional and trade associations are no exception. But those relationships can be incredibly difficult to manage. For associations, this rings especially true between board members and the staff. Blurred lines of responsibility can leave the two parties at odds. When […]
How to Use the Gig Economy to Your Advantage
Uber, Doordash, Fiverr… what does your organization have in common with these businesses? They all benefit from the emerging gig economy. And the good news is that your association, too, is in a position to take advantage of this opportunity. The evolving employment marketplace is now flooded with so-called “gig” workers, who are defined as […]
Making Sense of Association Management Systems
Wouldn’t it be great if shopping for an association management system were as simple as buying a new shirt? You find one, try it on and – if it fits – you buy it. Unfortunately, finding the right AMS is a much bigger headache than a trip to the mall. There are many vendors to […]
Committed to Diversity? Prove it with a Board that Reflects Your Membership
When potential members look at your board of directors, do they see themselves represented? Today’s workforce looks quite different than it did just a few years ago. Most associations want to foster a diverse membership that reflects the makeup of the professionals in their industries. It’s a key strategic goal. Unfortunately, the answer is often […]
Survival of the Fittest: It’s Time to Rethink How Your Association Competes for Members
Build it and they will come is a business model that no longer works for associations. Gone are the days when workers looked solely to the professional society for their industry as the go-to source for information, networking, and development opportunities. Why pay for a membership when they can get most of what they think they […]
“To Live and Deliver Wow”: Lessons from a Visit to Zappos HQ
Kim Robinson, FrontlineCo Founder and President, had a great opportunity to spend the day at Zappos – a true innovator in customer service. As they put it, “We’re a customer service company that just happens to sell shoes, clothes, and stuff.” They have focused on a strong culture based on ten core values that permeate […]
Are You a good board member? 6 traits of effective volunteer leaders
You stepped up and took a leadership position as a member of the board for your industry association. That’s fantastic. It’s a great way to contribute to your profession while at the same time expanding your network and skill set. As a board member, it’s easy to get bogged down in meetings, emails, and committee […]
Allies Not Enemies: National and Local Association Chapters Need to Get Along
Are your association’s national office and local chapters working in harmony? If those two teams aren’t fully cooperating and communicating closely, you could be failing the most important people in your organization: your members. A disconnect between your divisions means vital data and valuable resources aren’t getting shared. Without that free exchange of information, the […]