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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 our key people, making it vital to prioritise staff retention strategies.Here are a few practical steps that can help you retain your valuable team members in an increasingly competitive landscape.<ul><li>Competitive Compensation: It’s important to ensure that your association offers salaries that are competitive within the industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.enterprisecare.com.au/portal-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://www.enterprisecare.com.au/portal-overview/">Benchmarking salaries against industry standards</a>&nbsp;will help you attract and retain talented professionals. Regular salary reviews and adjustments, in line with market trends, demonstrate your recognition of employees’ contributions and value their expertise.</li></ul><ul><li>Professional Growth Opportunities: Invest in the growth and development of your staff by providing ample learning and career advancement opportunities. Encourage participation in industry conferences, workshops, and training programs, and offer support for professional certifications. Prioritising personal and professional growth not only boosts employee engagement but also fosters a culture of continuous learning within your association.</li></ul><ul><li>Recognition and Rewards: Show appreciation for your staff’s hard work and accomplishments to create a positive work environment. Implement recognition programs that celebrate achievements, milestones, and exceptional performance. By acknowledging your employees’ contributions, you nurture a sense of loyalty, commitment, and motivation.</li></ul><ul><li>Work-Life Balance: Emphasise the importance of work-life balance in today’s workplace. Strive to create a flexible and supportive work environment that allows employees to manage their personal commitments alongside their professional responsibilities. If not doing so already, consider offering remote work options, flexible schedules, and wellness initiatives that promote a healthy integration of work and personal life.</li></ul><ul><li>Career Development and Advancement: Foster a culture of growth within your association by providing clear career paths and opportunities for advancement. Encourage regular conversations about career goals and aspirations, and invest in mentoring and coaching programs to support employees’ professional journey. When employees see a future within the association, they are more likely to stay committed and engaged.</li></ul><ul><li>Employee Feedback and Inclusion: Cultivate open communication channels and actively seek feedback from your staff. Involve employees in decision-making processes, policies, and initiatives. By valuing their input, you empower them to feel a sense of ownership and inclusion, which significantly contributes to job satisfaction and retention.</li></ul><ul><li>Emphasise Association Purpose: Reinforce the purpose of your association to inspire and engage your staff. Clearly articulate how their work contributes to the bigger picture and provide opportunities for employees to connect with the impact of their efforts. When employees feel connected to a meaningful cause, they are more likely to remain committed and passionate about their roles.</li></ul>In a competitive talent landscape, associations must proactively retain their key staff members. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can create an environment that attracts, nurtures, and retains top talent, ensuring the continued success of your organisation.Enterprise Care is Australia’s largest association salary benchmarking resource. Every year they collate data from associations throughout Australia to update their very nifty online salary benchmarking tool. They are currently looking for associations to contribute to their 5 minute&nbsp;<a href="https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s.aspx?s=7dbeda7d-754f-459c-b6a6-978c9676ecb2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s.aspx?s=7dbeda7d-754f-459c-b6a6-978c9676ecb2">FY24 salary survey</a>&nbsp;– and will provide an exclusive FY24 insights report to any association that contributes the CEO position.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@enterprisecare.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="mailto:info@enterprisecare.com.au">Reach out to Enterprise Care</a>&nbsp;directly if you’d like more information.

Retaining Key Staff in a Competitive Association Landscape

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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 bonds. Here are some of the approaches currently being used:Use social media and other digital platformsYounger generations are heavily reliant on social media and other digital platforms for communication and information. By maintaining a strong online presence and using platforms your younger members are already using, you can reach out to and engage with younger members where they already spend a significant amount of their time.Offer relevant benefits and opportunitiesYounger members are often looking for professional development opportunities, networking events, and ways to get involved and make a difference. Associations can tailor their benefits and opportunities to the specific needs and interests of younger members, such as offering leadership training programs or organising volunteer projects.Foster a sense of communityYounger members are often drawn to organisations that have a strong sense of community and connection. Associations can foster this sense of community by promoting collaboration and interaction among members, both online and in-person. This could include organising social events, starting discussion groups or committees, and encouraging members to get involved in the decision-making process.Use technology to enhance the member experienceYounger members are used to accessing information and services digitally and expect a seamless, tech-savvy experience. Associations can meet these expectations by offering online resources, such as webinars and e-learning courses, and by implementing convenient technologies such as mobile apps and online payment systems.Provide personalised communicationYounger members value personalised communication and appreciate being recognised for their individual contributions and achievements. Associations can use email marketing and other communication tools to provide personalised services, messaging and recognition to younger members.Promote diversity and inclusivityYounger members are often attracted to organisations that promote diversity and inclusivity. Associations can demonstrate their commitment to these values by actively recruiting and supporting members from underrepresented groups and by promoting a welcoming and inclusive culture.Stay current and relevantYounger members want to be part of an organisation that is current, relevant, and forward-thinking. Associations can stay relevant by keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies and by regularly seeking out new opportunities and partnerships.If you are looking for support to maximise the success of your membership program, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au">belinda@smsonline.net.au</a>. I would be happy to discuss how I can assist in more detail.

Attracting and Retaining Younger Members

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 engagment in volunteering opportunities …Clearly define roles and responsibilitiesClearly define the roles and responsibilities of volunteers to ensure that they understand their tasks and expectations. Consider creating job descriptions or outlining specific tasks and outcomes for each volunteer position.Match skills and interestsMatch volunteers’ skills and interests with appropriate roles and tasks to ensure that they are engaged and motivated. Consider offering training or development opportunities to help volunteers build new skills or expand their capabilities.Provide ongoing support and communicationProvide ongoing support and communication to volunteers to ensure that they feel valued and supported. Consider offering regular check-ins, training, and networking opportunities to help volunteers feel connected to the organisation.Foster a sense of communityFoster a sense of community among volunteers by regularly engaging with them and seeking their input. Consider hosting events or creating online forums where volunteers can connect with each other and share their experiences.Recognise and reward volunteersRecognising and rewarding volunteers can help to increase motivation and retention. Consider offering incentives such as a certificates, awards, or other perks to acknowledge the contributions of volunteers.Make volunteering convenientMake it easy for members to get involved in volunteering by offering flexible scheduling and opportunities that fit their schedules and interests. Consider using technology to facilitate sign-ups and communication with volunteers.Promote volunteeringPromote volunteering opportunities to your members through multiple channels, including email, social media, and in-person events. Consider featuring stories and testimonials from volunteers to inspire others to get involved.If you would like to connect with other Association Professionals and Industry experts to discuss association specific topics – just like this one – take a look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://comms.smsonline.net.au/ch/93441/1n2c4/3/FrsvnCuPPpte1Jy0MVHLU2DIl6hCGEjTcjEfUv1E.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="https://comms.smsonline.net.au/ch/93441/1n2c4/3/FrsvnCuPPpte1Jy0MVHLU2DIl6hCGEjTcjEfUv1E.html">Answers for Associations</a>&nbsp;online community. The Answers community is a place where peers can connect and discuss sector related topics, share ideas, experiences and resources, explore opportunities, and more.

Increasing Member Participation in Volunteering

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Are you ready to unlock the power of AI in transforming the way associations seek and service corporate partners?What the video of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.answers.net.au/member/video/sponsorship-update-how-ai-is-transforming-association-partnerships" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://www.answers.net.au/member/video/sponsorship-update-how-ai-is-transforming-association-partnerships">How AI is Transforming Association Partnerships</a>&nbsp;webinar (free account required).In this session you will:<ul><li>Discover the transformative impact of AI on association partnerships</li><li>Explore AI tools that streamline partnership and sponsorship activities</li><li>Gain valuable insights into post-COVID sponsorship trends</li><li>Explore strategic opportunities for associations to capitalize on these changes</li><li>Elevate your partnership game with practical tips and techniques</li></ul>Our expert speaker, Julian Moore, will share practical insights and real-world examples, enabling you to effectively leverage these new tools.&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-rd-gRd8Q56rHYVwxnUJRA#/registration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-rd-gRd8Q56rHYVwxnUJRA#/registration">T</a>ake advantage of this valuable opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and transform your association partnerships.

VIDEO: How AI is Transforming Association Partnerships

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Note this paper is current as at June 2023.We are excited to report the release of our new whitepaper, <a href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698639170111_WHITEPAPER_-_Navigating_the_AI_Revolution_June_2023.pdf" data-mce-href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698639170111_WHITEPAPER_-_Navigating_the_AI_Revolution_June_2023.pdf" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Navigating the AI Revolution: The Impact of AI on Associations and the Sectors They Represent.&nbsp;</a>As Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshapes our world, it is crucial for association professionals like yourself to understand the changes and their implications.&nbsp;Julian Moore and I have co-written a paper that provides valuable insights on how you can leverage AI to strengthen your association and the sectors you represent. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when you&nbsp;<a href="https://smsonline.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WHITEPAPER-Navigating-the-AI-Revolution-June-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="download the whitepaper (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://smsonline.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WHITEPAPER-Navigating-the-AI-Revolution-June-2023.pdf">download the whitepaper</a>:<ul><li>An Introduction to ChatGPT and AI.&nbsp;Overview of&nbsp;Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT, the&nbsp;functionalities available, and the transformative power of these technologies for the future.</li><li>How Industries and Professions will Evolve.&nbsp;A look at how the sectors associations represent will be impacted with insights into who will benefit, who is at-risk, and what new professions are emerging. It includes strategies associations can implement to help their members&nbsp;navigate their AI journey.</li><li>Adapting Your Association.&nbsp;The last section outlines the opportunities and challenges for associations, provides examples of AI use within associations, and offers ten actions to kickstart your association’s AI journey.</li></ul>

Navigating the AI Revolution: The Impact of AI on Associations and the Sectors They Represent Whitepaper

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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 members realise the unique value they seek from the association.Not all types of components are relevant to every association, and it often becomes a strategic choice to determine which ones align best with the association’s goals and its members’ needs.Let’s delve into the four main types of components:<ol><li>Regional Components: These refer to parts of an association grounded in specific geographic areas. Structured often as chapters, branches, or divisions within a larger national or international association, these components cater to regional interests and needs while maintaining cohesion and unity at the national or international level. For example, a national teachers’ association might have state branches, each focusing on issues pertinent to teachers in that state. An emerging trend is the increased use of digital tools to foster connection and collaboration within these components, breaking down geographical boundaries and enhancing regional activities.</li><li>Demographic Components: These components cater to the specific needs or interests of a subgroup within the association, based on shared characteristics, interests, or demographics such as gender, race, or age. For example, within a large engineering association, there might be a group specifically for women engineers. This subgroup offers a platform to address unique challenges, share experiences, and advocate for issues relevant to the subgroup within the larger professional community. Recently, there’s been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion, leading to a rise in these demographic-focused components.</li><li>Expertise-Based Components: Focusing on specific technical or professional areas within a broader field, these components cater to the diverse specialisations in a profession. For example, a medical association might have groups for cardiologists, neurologists, paediatricians, etc. These groups enable a deep focus on specialised areas, encouraging the sharing of advanced knowledge, best practices, and advocacy for issues specific to those technical areas. In response to the rapid pace of industry-specific developments, these components are becoming more dynamic and adaptive, frequently evolving to accommodate emerging trends and new areas of expertise.</li><li>Operational Components: These components fulfill specific purposes or roles within the association. They are instrumental in carrying out the core functions of the association. For example, the Board is typically responsible for oversight and strategic direction. Committees may be set up to handle specific tasks such as advocacy, policy, governance, finance, etc. These groups collaborate to ensure the association operates effectively and achieves its mission and goals. An ongoing trend is the growing importance of transparency and member engagement in these operational components, as members seek greater involvement in the governance and strategic planning of their associations.</li></ol>A strong component strategic is key to driving the strength and versatility of an association, making it capable of addressing a broad array of member needs and industry challenges.Identifying which components best align with your association’s purpose is key to driving strong member engagement, positive member experiences, and sustainable success for your association.At SMS we specialise in helping associations to build sustainable membership programs. This includes support to ensure your membership model and component strategy is aligned to your purpose. If you are looking for support to optimise your membership programs, please&nbsp;<a href="https://smsonline.net.au/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="contact us (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://smsonline.net.au/about/">contact us</a>&nbsp;to set up a time to speak further.

Blog

Retaining Key Staff in a Competitive Association Landscape

Attracting and Retaining Younger Members

Increasing Member Participation in Volunteering

VIDEO: How AI is Transforming Association Partnerships

Navigating the AI Revolution: The Impact of AI on Associa...

Leverage Your Components to Improve Member Engagement