Discussing pay packets can sometimes feel like treading on eggshells. It’s all about striking the balance between offering attractive salaries and what the association can realistically afford. When walking this tightrope, it is worth considering the benefits of externally benchmarking salaries. These include: Fairness and Transparency This approach bring fairness and transparency to the table….

In the hustle and bustle of an association’s daily operations, we often find teams falling into the trap of working in their own worlds. If this becomes a frequent habit, it can put a dampener on creativity and efficiency. Following are a few strategies to help you break down these walls and foster a closer-knit,…

Your membership categories are not just an administrative classification. The labels you apply to your membership categories play a significant role in shaping member expectations, fostering inclusivity, and optimising the allocation of resources. Labels create expectations. Consider the implications of using the term “member” versus “supporter”. The former generally evokes a sense of personal benefits…

When: Fri 27 October. 9.30am-11.30pm. Cost: Free for Answers Paid Members. Otherwise, $55 AUD. Want to ask specific questions about AI? This workshop is an opportunity to pick my brain on all things Artificial Intelligence! Julian will tackle any and all questions you might have. So, whether you’re curious about the latest trends, or have…

When: Fri 6 October. 9.30am-11pm. Cost: Free Following our ‘ChatGPT for Association Professionals‘ workshop, SMS is back with more! This time, we’re zooming out to take a look at the broader landscape of AI tools and solutions that can really make a difference in associations. Julian will be at the helm again, ready to show…

This week’s article was brought to you by the dynamic duo of Julian Moore and ChatGPT4, who are filling in for Belinda as she is down with a bad case of writer’s block … Let’s take a little trip down memory lane – not too far back, just to the pre-AI days, say around November…

Thanks so much for this question in the Answers community after last week’s article which inspired today’s message … When looking to grow your association’s revenue do you go out and hire a sales professional to get the money rolling in? Or do you get everyone on your team selling the dream? It’s a classic debate between…

Do you believe people are better off as members? Do you believe members are better off if they are engaging with association offerings? If so, then an effective sales process should be regarded as critical for success. And let’s be clear. I’m not talking about the hard-sell, high-pressure type of sales techniques that have given…

In this highly practical webinar, you will gain an overview of AI tools relevant to people working in associations. Through a live demonstration of key functions, you’ll see firsthand how AI-powered tools can dramatically enhance your effectiveness across a range of common tasks. In this live demonstration you will learn: An overview of all the…

ChatGPT is enabling people around the world to increase their productivity and streamline their operations. Associations are finding many ways to make the most of this versatile tool to optimise their operations, enhance member experiences, and drive their success. In advance of our free ChatGPT Skills for Associations Professionals live demonstration webinar running on Thursday 7…

There has never been more competition for a share of your members attention or wallet. This makes it crucial for associations to deliver a personalised and compelling value proposition that creates a significant impact. Achieving this goal requires a deep understanding of what members find important and how they perceive the association’s effectiveness in those…

Well constructed insurance programs enable associations to deliver a valuable benefit to members while generating a strong revenue stream for their association. Here are a few steps associations can take to maximise the success of their insurance program:  Understand the insurance needs of your membership. Understand the needs and demographics of your membership to ensure…

A few weeks ago, we presented our Navigating the AI Revolution: The Impact of AI on Associations and the Sectors they Represent” webinar and presented on AI at the Association Leaders Retreat. We’ve had a fantastic response and it’s not surprising – AI is about to transform the world in ways we can only begin…

The need for associations to retain their talented and dedicated staff has never been more critical. Skilled association staff are in high demand, and with a limited talent pool available, losing key employees can significantly impact an associations’ performance, reputation, and ability to achieve its purpose. Success often hinges on the expertise and commitment of…

Younger members bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the immense potential to shape the future of associations. Recognising and tapping into their potential isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity for the ongoing vitality and sustainability of associations. However, younger members approach membership differently and require targeted strategies to engage them effectively and build enduring…

Volunteers play a crucial role in associations, and getting the right members engaged in the right volunteering activities can help to achieve your purpose and goals. Whether you are looking for Board members, speakers at your next event, or an extra pair of hands to help out, here are a few ideas to increase member…

Are you ready to unlock the power of AI in transforming the way associations seek and service corporate partners? What the video of our How AI is Transforming Association Partnerships webinar (free account required). In this session you will: Discover the transformative impact of AI on association partnerships Explore AI tools that streamline partnership and sponsorship…

We are excited to report the release of our new whitepaper, Navigating the AI Revolution: The Impact of AI on Associations and the Sectors They Represent.  As Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshapes our world, it is crucial for association professionals like yourself to understand the changes and their implications. Here are three ways we can help: Download the…

In the vibrant world of associations, the term “components” is used to denote the various subgroups that exist within an association. These may take the form of branches, specific interest groups, or communities of practice. There are four types of components that can coexist within a single association. Each type is designed to help different…

As those who know me will attest, I am rather enthusiastic about taking on any (and all) projects that I feel will make an impact. This normally isn’t an issue … until the past year. Recently the number of projects has grown to the point where finding time in my calendar is more challenging than…

Sponsorship is a valuable source of funding for many associations. Tailoring a compelling sponsorship package is crucial for associations looking to create a package that appeals to potential sponsors to secure their support. Following are important elements to consider when creating your compelling sponsorship package.   Identify your target audience. Before you start putting together…

Every experienced association leader has encountered a challenging Board member at some point. I recall an incident from my early career where I served on a Board with an individual who resorted to throwing things at people when faced with disagreement (not surprisingly, I didn’t remain on that Board for long). Dealing with a difficult…

A clear sense of purpose and vision is essential for the success and growth of your organisation. However, it can be easy to fall into common pitfalls when it comes to developing these important guiding principles. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when seeking to create a purpose and vision that truly…

As an association, it’s crucial to stay competitive and relevant in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. One way to do this is through the use of marketing automation. Marketing automation refers to the use of software and technology to streamline, automate, and measure marketing tasks and workflows. Save time and resources Marketing automation allows you to…

Sponsorship plays a vital role in the financial health and success of many associations. However, retaining sponsors can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you develop strategies to keep your sponsors engaged and committed to your association: Establish clear expectations and deliverables. Before entering into a sponsorship agreement, make sure that both…

Developing a strategic plan is an important step for associations looking to achieve their purpose and goals, but implementing the plan can be a challenge. Here are some practical tips for successfully implementing your association’s strategic plan: Communicate the plan Clearly communicate the strategic plan to all stakeholders, including staff, members, and board members. Consider…

In the association sector, cultivating a sense of community among members is critical for building strong relationships, encouraging engagement and loyalty, and achieving organisational goals. Here are some of the ways successful associations are making it happen: Facilitate communication and collaboration among members One of the ways associations can cultivate a sense of community is…

As the leader of an association, your actions and decisions can have a significant impact on the success and growth of the organisation. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for effective leadership, there are certain characteristics that have been proven to be valuable in association leadership including: Clear vision and goals Exceptional association leaders are…

Sponsorship can be a vital source of funding for associations, providing the financial support needed to host events, develop programs, and achieve their goals. Sponsorship can also provide valuable opportunities for brand exposure and partnerships, which can help associations better serve their members and the community. However, it’s important for associations to carefully consider and…

A nimble, innovation mindset is crucial for associations to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their members. However, fostering this mindset can be a challenge, especially in a traditional, hierarchical organisation. Here are seven tips for encouraging creativity and adaptability in your association staff and board: Encourage open communication. Encourage open and transparent…

Goals are an essential part of the strategic planning process for associations, providing a roadmap for the organisation’s direction and priorities. Goals can be classified as either strategic or operational, with strategic goals focusing on long-term outcomes and operational goals focusing on the day-to-day activities needed to achieve those outcomes. Setting realistic and achievable goals…

Member volunteers play a crucial role in the success of associations, and it’s important to recognise and appreciate their contributions. Volunteering allows members to get more involved in the association and contribute their skills and expertise, which can help the organisation achieve its goals and better serve its members. Without the support of dedicated volunteers,…

An online community can be a valuable resource for associations, providing a platform for members to connect, collaborate, and engage with the organisation. Here are seven ways to build a successful online community for your association: Clearly define the purpose and goals of the community. Before launching an online community, it’s important to define its…

Sponsorship can be a valuable source of funding for associations and having the skills to approach and secure sponsors is crucial for the success of the organisation. Sponsorship revenue can help support the association’s programs and events, and can also provide valuable opportunities for brand exposure and partnerships. However, approaching prospective sponsors can be a…

Associations have played a significant role in connecting people for thousands of years. From hunter-gatherer societies to modern professional organisations, associations have taken many forms and have had a profound impact on society. In recent years, rapid changes in technology, economics, and culture have necessitated a transformation in the way associations operate, and the COVID-19…

I’m presenting a briefing on Association Trends, Shifts in Strategic Planning, and the Evolution of Membership Models in Auckland next Wednesday. The two-hour session will be divided into two parts. A briefing on current trends in associations, shifts in strategic planning, and the evolution of membership models. An interactive “ask me anything” format to ask specific…

Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important for associations as they seek to make informed decisions and drive the success of their organisation. Here are seven trends in association data and analytics that you should be aware of: Big data The volume of data being generated by organisations is increasing at an exponential rate, and…

Chapters and branches can play a vital role in building relationships and achieving association goals. However, effectively managing and supporting these local groups can be challenging, especially for associations with many chapters and branches. Using some of the following ideas, associations can maximise the effectiveness of their chapters and branches: Clearly define roles and responsibilities…

It’s important for associations to not only provide valuable learning opportunities for attendees at conferences, but also to create a memorable and immersive experience that will keep them coming back for more. Here are a few ideas to consider for your next conference: Offer diverse and interactive sessions. Instead of solely relying on traditional lectures,…

A good strategic plan acts are a roadmap to the future of your association. If you want that roadmap to be as clear and easy to follow as possible, ensure you have considered the following:  Clearly defined goals and objectives It is important for associations to have clearly defined goals and objectives that are aligned…

Sponsorships and partnerships play a vital role in providing funding and resources to support the work of association. While return on investment is still king, following are some of the trends associations should be leveraging to ensure their success in 2023. The importance of digital partnerships In the digital age, it is more important than…

In the association sector, events are a key element of organisational success, providing opportunities for networking, education, and community building. However, there are many competitors for the time and attention of association members, and it is important for associations to ensure their events are evolving to remain competitive and to keep their members engaged. Following…

As the association sector continues to evolve, it is important for CEOs and Boards to stay abreast of the latest trends and understand how they can impact their organisation. Here are a few that are particularly relevant at the moment: The rise of virtual events. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the way we…

We are excited to announce the release of Associations Evolve: 2023 & Beyond Journal, a compilation of articles from over 50 association thought leaders from around the globe. This journal offers a unique perspective on the future of associations and the role they will play in shaping industries and communities. From innovative ideas for growth…

Since COVID began, the pace of change in associations has accelerated. I’ve been documenting these shifts and here are the 11 major shifts I’ve noted so far … 1. The Pace Of Change Isn’t Slowing. Associations had to make significant changes when COVID struck. Necessary shortcuts were taken. They are now working to ensure the foundations…

It is usually nations who are the main actors in the theatre of war. Corporations generally take on a supporting role – such as when Steinway & Sons dropped pianos to troops during World War 2.  The war in Ukraine represents a significant shift. For the first time companies are acting on a large scale…

Forty-six association experts from around the world have collaborated to produce a collection of articles showcasing contemporary thinking on governance, membership, revenue, events, and much more. This is a great resource for those looking for inspiration and motivation to make 2022 your best year ever. It makes great holiday reading for those who are feeling particularly…

The outputs of our recent association hackathon have been released. A hackathon is a great way to generate a solution to a problem in a short timeframe. We worked with hackathon specialist Joanne Jacobs from Disrupters Co to develop and deliver a online hackathon for associations. Thirty amazing association professionals volunteered. They split into six…

(By Colin Perry, Optimum Contact) When COVID-19 hit in March this year, many Australians were forced to change the way they live due to increased financial pressures as a result of losing their job or taking a pay cut. For some, this may have meant cutting down on extra luxuries but for others, it might…

Following is a summary of a recent presentation I delivered on Association Event Trends When COVID-19 hit most associations responded by replicating their existing events online. Most had a very positive experience and intend to integrate online events into their regular programming.  However, many also realised that most face-to-face formats don’t lend themselves to an…

A great strategic plan conveys a compelling shared vision of the future of your association – as well as a clear pathway to get there. It is a fabulous tool for motivating your Board, staff, members, and other stakeholders. It also ensures your strategy creates a tangible and long-lasting positive impact. For more than 25…

Associations are a critical element of a successful democratic process. They are a useful mechanism for people to act collectively to achieve shared goals. The specific goals vary from association to association but include outcomes such as: Proactively influencing their legislative landscape. Accessing services and support specific to the needs of the collective. Enhancing the…

426 associations participated in this comprehensive research project that provides insight into the current and future impact of the COVID-19 crisis on associations. Learn what associations did, what they learned, and what insights we need to integrate into our future planning processes. The report includes a “what did we learn” section to enable you to…

This past month has seen a number of really exciting sponsorship and partnerships proceed. In this session Julian Moore will talk about what sponsorship deals are closing, who is currently looking to sponsor, how best to approach, and opportunities that are currently available for associations seeking sponsorship funds. In this session Julian shares the highlights…

This pandemic crisis will gravely impact the health and livelihoods of many. However, it also creates the need to build union capacities even more pressing. This paper, written by Belinda Moore and Chris Walton, explores the current landscape for unions in Australia and outlines innovative pathways forward for unions to more effectively empower Australian workers….

A new community for association professionals has launched at www.answers.net.au. With an interface similar to Facebook, this site is a collaborative effort by the association community to develop a piece of software that will enable associations to build better online member communities. By creating a site that meets the needs of association professionals, we are…

In this webinar Belinda will discuss how the gradual shift from traditional membership models (service provider models) to community membership models (including subscription models) has accelerated with the pandemic. This session will cover the major factors impacting change and how different are adapting their membership models to the new operating environment. Watch the video.

This is a recording of the 45 minute webinar run on Friday 3 April 2020. COVID-19 has decimated the traditional funding sources of many associations. With events and their associated sponsorship in disarray for the foreseeable future, associations are scrambling to deliver enhanced services to members remotely and remain financially sustainable. Sponsors are facing their…

This is a recording of the 45 minute webinar run on Friday 27 March. In the association sector, the wide-spread cancellation of events is having a major impact on the financial sustainability of many associations. We are already experiencing a massive flow across the economy as a myriad of jobs and other opportunities that associations…

Business as usual is not an option in 2020. Associations wanting to navigate through this crisis need a clear, simple, and focused strategy that delivers powerful value for members while also securing the sustainability of the association. To assist with this, we’ve developed a free Pandemic Strategy for Associations template for associations to use as…

The impact of COVID-19 is being felt by everyone throughout our community. We are all dealing with challenges we could not have imagined just a month ago. The whole toilet paper shortage was funny at first. Then I ran out of paper. It got dramatically less funny with each additional store I visited. It became…

Australasia’s first comic strip for Association Executives is now a book! Join Association Annie as she traverses the highs and lows of leading an association. Share the wonders and frustrations of dealing with Boards, staff, members, volunteers, sponsors, and other stakeholders while trying desperately to turn a struggling association into something relevant and sustainable.  “Association…

The operating landscape of associations is undergoing a seismic shift. Associations need to act now to ensure they can navigate these shifts to emerge stronger and more relevant than ever before. In my new whitepaper, Association Apocalypse, you can read more about the: Six fundamental shifts occurring in the association operating landscape, Three key models associations…

Interested to know your future for 2019? Concerned about unforeseen surprises that might jump out at you? Worry no more as our 2019 Horoscope for Association Executives will reveal your future … Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19) Many years of database frustrations will be overcome when a Board member will recommend a friend who…

Associations and sponsorship go hand in hand. But developments in technology and changing brand requirements have seen these partnerships shift significantly in recent times. Julian Moore from Strategic Management Solutions (SMS) explains these factors … read more. 

Are you looking to effectively manage a membership program for your organization? Look no further than The Membership Managers Handbook! This comprehensive guide covers all the essential aspects of membership management, from acquiring and retaining members to developing member benefits and creating a successful membership strategy. Filled with best practices and real-world examples, The Membership…

One of my first jobs with an association was back in 1994 where I organised a study tour into China for a group of members seeking to do business in the region. When I mentioned this to someone recently it gave me a bit of a shock when I realised that was 24 years ago!…

A number of powerful generational, cultural and economic forces are colliding to create a perfect storm that will make the next 5-20 years some of the toughest ever faced by associations. Associations who don’t adapt face a slow decline into obscurity as they are replaced by newer, more innovative, less bureaucratically challenged, less change resistant…

Potential sponsors don’t sit at their desks all day waiting for your proposal to arrive on their desk. For many, sponsorship is one part of a larger role which keeps them very busy. This means your proposal isn’t just competing with other sponsorship proposals (of which there will be many) but also with many other…

P&Cs face demise as structures alienate younger members. P&Cs need to adapt to the changing nature of membership associations. Those that do will emerge stronger and more powerful than every before. It’s time to focus on developing a powerful sense of purpose and developing ad hoc volunteering opportunities that cater to all parents (even those…

Sitting in a class room surrounded by other parents I was appalled by the list of chores we were being given. As a full-time working mum of four children, my free time is already limited to how long I can stay locked in the toilet before my 3-year-old grabs his chair and tries to break…

It is impossible to make informed decisions regarding your membership strategy without knowing your membership statistics. At the most basic level you should know your Retention Rate, Growth Rate, Loss Rate and Average Tenure – by each membership segment. If you don’t know how to work out these statistics, please download The Membership Managers’ Handbook to get…

I have worked with a number of associations recently who have wonderfully high retention rates but very low growth rates. After investigating further, it became apparent that all these associations have a wonderful range of services, many very happy members, and absolutely no sales function whatsoever. To fix this situation, and to effectively recruit new…

I was sitting in an association board meeting recently and a discussion on the topic of “how much should we be charging sponsors” was underway. The discussion became quite robust and when I heard one person argue that they shouldn’t raise the sponsors fee because “we don’t have thousands of members” I had to step…

When selling membership, the fee you charge is not the most important factor. Instead it is the value the membership fee represents and how effectively that value is communicated. Many associations struggle to articulate the true value of membership because it is generally intangible and therefore somewhat challenging to explain. So people default to speaking…

ecuring new, high-value partnerships is NOT about selling your organisation.  When you send your proposal, the purpose of your proposal is not to tell the potential sponsor everything about your organisation. The proposal is a teaser whose role is to excite the reader into wanting to learn more.   When you follow up your proposal on the phone,…

There is a distinct difference in the “tone” of communications between associations who are successfully engaging their members and those who are performing poorly. Those doing poorly have a very transactional communications style. It is geared only to convey information in a bland and unengaging manner.  For example: Welcome to the association. Your membership number is…

How does the prospect of a significant economic downturn affect the day to day operations of your association? Business Models – During a downturn your organisation becomes particularly vulnerable to losses and can easily miss opportunities for gains due to tight financial and staff resources. If you’ve got an ancient business model that is barely surviving…

With the right approach, great things can be achieved by associations working with few staff and limited financial resources. Following are tips for those wanting to achieve a significant turnaround in their organisational performance. Prioritise – and stick to it! – You don’t have the resources to be all things to all people. If you try…

Potential sponsors don’t sit at their desks all day waiting for your proposal to arrive. For many, sponsorship is one part of a larger role which keeps them very busy. This means your proposal isn’t just competing with other sponsorship proposals (of which there will be many) but also with many other distractions for a…