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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 membersOne of the ways associations can cultivate a sense of community is by facilitating communication and collaboration among members. This can include providing online forums or discussion groups, hosting regular webinars or conference calls, and facilitating in-person networking events. For example, a professional association might host a monthly virtual roundtable discussion on a specific topic of interest to its members, or an industry association might host an annual conference that brings members together in person.Encourage member involvement and participationAnother way associations can cultivate a sense of community is by encouraging member involvement and participation. This can include providing opportunities for members to volunteer their time and expertise, or to take on leadership roles within the organisation. For example, a trade association might encourage members to participate in committees or task forces that help to shape the direction of the organisation, or a hobbyist association might provide opportunities for members to lead workshops or presentations at annual events.Foster a sense of belongingAssociations can also cultivate a sense of community by fostering a sense of belonging among members. This can include creating a welcoming and inclusive culture, recognising and celebrating member achievements, and providing opportunities for members to connect and socialise. For example, a sports association might host a member appreciation night at a local game, or an alumni association might hold a reunion event for former members.Promote a shared sense of purposeA shared sense of purpose is another important factor in cultivating a sense of community. Associations can promote a shared sense of purpose by clearly communicating their mission and vision, and by providing opportunities for members to contribute to the organisation’s work. For example, an environmental association might provide opportunities for members to participate in conservation projects or advocacy efforts, or a healthcare association might offer opportunities for members to contribute to research or education initiatives.Provide resources and support to membersAssociations can also cultivate a sense of community by providing resources and support to members. This can include access to information and expertise, as well as practical support such as discounts on products and services. For example, a professional association might offer members access to a members-only online library or provide discounts on continuing education courses, or an industry association might offer discounted rates on industry-specific software or tools.Create a welcoming and inclusive environmentCreating a welcoming and inclusive environment is another key factor in cultivating a sense of community. This can include initiatives to be more inclusive and diverse, and being mindful of the needs and preferences of all members. For example, an association might have a diversity and inclusion committee that works to ensure that all members feel welcome and included or might provide accommodations such as sign language interpretation at events for members who are deaf or hard of hearing.Recognise and celebrate member achievementsFinally, associations can cultivate a sense of community by recognising and celebrating member achievements. This can include publicly acknowledging member contributions, awarding awards or accolades, or recognising milestones such as anniversaries or retirements. For example, an association might hold an annual awards ceremony to recognise outstanding member achievements or might create a member hall of fame to honour long-time members.If you are looking for support to maximise the success of your membership program we can assist. Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:%20belinda@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:%20belinda@smsonline.net.au">Belinda Moore</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Strategies for Cultivating a Strong and Supportive Association Community

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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 goalsExceptional association leaders are able to articulate a clear vision and set of goals for their organisation. They are able to inspire and motivate others to work towards these objectives, and are able to adapt their strategies as needed to stay on track. Take the time to sit down and really think about the long-term direction you want your association to go in. What are your core values and what impact do you want to have? Once you have a clear vision, communicate it to your team and use it to guide your decision making.Strong communication skillsEffective communication is crucial for any leader, but it is especially important in the association world where you may be working with a diverse group of stakeholders. Exceptional association leaders are able to clearly and effectively communicate their ideas and expectations to their team, members, and other stakeholders. Practice active listening and make an effort to understand other people’s perspectives. Use clear and concise language in all of your communications, and be sure to pay attention to nonverbal cues as well.Collaborative approachExceptional association leaders understand that they cannot do it all on their own, and are willing to work with others to achieve their goals. They are able to bring people together and foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration within their organisation. Encourage open communication and collaboration within your team, and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Look for opportunities to work with other associations and organisations to achieve common goals.Strategic thinkingExceptional association leaders are able to think ahead and plan for the future. They are able to analyse data and information to make informed decisions, and are able to anticipate and mitigate potential challenges. Stay up to date on industry trends and developments, and regularly review and assess your organisation’s strategies. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, but also make sure to have contingency plans in place.AdaptabilityThe world is constantly changing, and exceptional association leaders are able to adapt and pivot as needed to stay ahead of the curve. They are open to trying new things and are not afraid to take calculated risks. Stay open to new ideas and be willing to try new approaches. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out new resources if you need them.Emotional intelligenceEmotional intelligence is the ability to recognise and understand your own emotions and the emotions of others. Exceptional association leaders have high levels of emotional intelligence, which allows them to effectively manage their own emotions and the emotions of their team. Take the time to understand your own emotions and how they impact your behaviour. Practice empathy and try to see things from others’ perspectives.Strong work ethicExceptional association leaders lead by example and are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. They are willing to put in the hard work and long hours needed to achieve their goals. Action suggestion: Set a strong work ethic for yourself and your team, and be willing to go above and beyond when necessary.Being an exceptional association leader is no easy feat, but with the right combination of vision, communication skills, collaboration, strategic thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a strong work ethic, you can lead your organisation to success. Don’t be afraid to seek out new resources or ask for help when you need it (the free&nbsp;<a href="http://www.answers.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="http://www.answers.net.au/">Answers for Asssociations</a>&nbsp;online community is great for this), and always remember to stay true to your values and vision.&nbsp;Want to learn more? I will be attending the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.answers.net.au/event/association-leaders-retreat-uluru-8-copy" data-mce-href="https://www.answers.net.au/event/association-leaders-retreat-uluru-8-copy">Association Leaders Retreat</a>&nbsp;in Darwin from 19-21 July. This is a chance to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a unique and enriching experience alongside fellow association professionals. Over three unforgettable days, you will indulge in a showcase of local cuisine and breathtaking landscapes while participating in dynamic sessions designed to foster collaboration and connection with your peers, leading to impactful outcomes. No stuffy PowerPoints or formal presentations here – this is a chance to break away from routine and engage in a refreshing retreat.

7 Characteristics of Exceptional Association Leaders

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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 approach potential sponsors to ensure that these partnerships are mutually beneficial and align with the values and goals of both parties.By avoiding common mistakes and following best practices, associations can effectively seek and serve sponsors and build long-term, successful relationships.Not doing enough research.Not thoroughly researching a potential sponsor’s business and values can lead to a misalignment of goals and expectations. Be sure to take the time to understand the sponsor’s needs and how your association can best meet them.Failing to personalise the proposal.Sending a generic sponsorship proposal to multiple companies is a sure-fire way to get rejected. Take the time to tailor your proposal to the specific company and their goals to show that you have a genuine interest in partnering with them.Not offering enough value.Sponsors want to know what they will get in return for their investment, so be sure to clearly outline the benefits for the company. This could include exposure to a targeted audience, brand recognition, or the opportunity to align with the values of your association.Neglecting to follow up.If you don’t hear back from a prospective sponsor, don’t be afraid to follow up. A friendly reminder email or phone call could be just what they need to reconsider your proposal.Failing to deliver on promises.It’s important to follow through on the benefits and deliverables promised to the sponsor. Failing to do so can damage the relationship and discourage future sponsorship.Not showing appreciation.Sponsors want to feel valued and appreciated for their investment. Be sure to thank sponsors for their support and show them the impact of their contribution.Not reviewing and renewing the sponsorship.Sponsorships should not be viewed as a one-time transaction, but rather as a long-term partnership. Be sure to review and renew the sponsorship on a regular basis to ensure that it is meeting the needs of both the association and the sponsor.By avoiding these mistakes, associations can effectively seek and serve sponsors and build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships and secure the funding and support needed to achieve their goals and better serve their members.If you are looking for support to optimise your partnership programs, please contact Julian Moore from SMS at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au">julian@smsonline.net.au</a>.

Avoiding Common Association Sponsorship Mistakes

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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 communication among staff and board members to create a safe space for sharing ideas and feedback. This could include regular team meetings or open forums for discussion.Embrace failure.Encourage a culture of learning from failure rather than punishing it. This can help create a safe space for risk-taking and innovation.Encourage continuous learning.Encourage staff and board members to pursue ongoing learning and development opportunities to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. This could include providing training resources or encouraging staff to attend conferences or workshops.Encourage diversity of thought.Encourage diversity of thought by promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and seeking out diverse perspectives and backgrounds among staff and board members.Encourage collaboration.Encourage collaboration and teamwork by providing opportunities for staff and board members to work together on projects and initiatives. This could include cross-functional teams or collaborative brainstorming sessions.Encourage experimentation.Encourage experimentation and innovation by providing resources and support for staff and board members to test new ideas and approaches. This could include a budget for pilot projects or a dedicated innovation team.Recognise and reward innovation.Recognise and reward innovative ideas and efforts to encourage a culture of innovation within the organisation. This could include providing incentives or recognition for innovative projects or ideas.By following these seven tips, associations can foster a nimble, innovation mindset among their staff and board. From encouraging open communication and embracing failure to encouraging continuous learning and experimentation, there are many ways to encourage creativity and adaptability within the organisation.<h5 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h5>

Fostering an Innovation Mindset in Your Association

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 is crucial for the success of the organisation, as it helps to focus efforts, track progress, and measure success. Here are some tips for creating realistic strategic planning goals for your association, with examples for each:Start with a thorough analysis.Before setting goals, it is important to conduct a thorough analysis of the organisation’s current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. For example, an association might conduct a member survey to identify areas for improvement or gather feedback on current programs and services.Set SMART goals.SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) are clear and concise, making them easier to track and achieve. For example, a SMART goal for an association might be to “increase membership by 20% within the next fiscal year by launching a new member recruitment campaign and offering a discounted membership rate for new members.Involve key stakeholders.Engage key stakeholders, such as board members, staff, and members, in the goal-setting process to ensure that the goals align with the needs and priorities of the organisation. For example, an association might hold focus groups with members to gather feedback on potential goals and priorities.Prioritise and focus.It is important to prioritise goals and focus on a few key areas at a time to ensure that the organisation can make progress and achieve success. For example, an association might prioritise increasing membership and improving member engagement as top goals for the year, rather than trying to tackle multiple goals at once.Be realistic.Avoid setting unrealistic goals that are not achievable within the given timeframe. It’s better to set smaller, achievable goals that can be accomplished and build momentum for the organisation. For example, rather than setting a goal to double membership within a year, an association might set a more realistic goal to increase membership by 10% within the year.Set a timeline.Be sure to set a timeline for achieving goals to ensure that progress is being made and to keep the organisation on track. For example, an association might set quarterly benchmarks for achieving membership goals, with a final goal to be reached at the end of the fiscal year.Review and adjust.Regularly review progress and adjust goals as needed to ensure that they remain relevant and achievable. For example, an association might review membership goals mid-year and make adjustments to the recruitment campaign or member benefits if necessary to better meet the target.By following these seven tips, associations can set realistic and achievable strategic planning goals.If you need a briefing on associations for your board or a facilitator to ensure the success of your next strategic planning process, please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Belinda Moore (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au">Belinda Moore</a>&nbsp;to speak further.

Setting Realistic Goals for Your Strategic Plan

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, many associations would struggle to accomplish all that they do. Here are some ways associations can better recognise their member volunteers:Say thank you.A simple yet effective way to show appreciation is to simply say thank you to your volunteers. This can be done through personal thank you notes, verbal recognition at meetings or events, or even a public shout-out on social media.Provide training and development opportunities.Offering training and development opportunities to your volunteers can not only help them grow and improve in their roles, but also show that you value their contributions and are invested in their growth.Offer perks.Providing perks and discounts to your volunteers, such as free conference registration or discounted merchandise, can be a small yet meaningful way to show your appreciation.Recognise milestones.Whether it’s a milestone number of hours volunteered or a certain number of years of service, recognising these milestones can be a great way to show appreciation for your volunteers’ long-term commitment.Share success stories.Highlighting the impact and success of your volunteers’ contributions through stories and testimonials can not only show appreciation, but also inspire others to get involved as volunteers.Involve volunteers in decision making.Giving your volunteers a seat at the table and involving them in decision making processes can not only show appreciation for their contributions, but also help them feel more invested in the success of the organisation.Offer volunteer appreciation events.Hosting an event specifically to honour and celebrate the contributions of your volunteers is a great way to show your appreciation. This could be a volunteer appreciation luncheon, a volunteer appreciation day, or even a volunteer appreciation week.By implementing these seven strategies, associations can better recognise and appreciate the contributions of their member volunteers.<h5 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h5>

Blog

Strategies for Cultivating a Strong and Supportive Associ...

7 Characteristics of Exceptional Association Leaders

Avoiding Common Association Sponsorship Mistakes

Fostering an Innovation Mindset in Your Association

Setting Realistic Goals for Your Strategic Plan

Recognising and Supporting Member Volunteers