Blog

A cute blond child in a business suit is sitting at the desk. Infant broker with items for work

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

macro photography of butterfly on yellow flower

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

Traveller navigate with paper boat over world map.

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

HR - Human resources management concept on blurred business center background.

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.

Leverage Your Components to Improve Member Engagement

Dealing greeting and partnership meeting concept, businessmen handshaking after finishing up deal contract for both companies

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. &nbsp;Identify your target audience.Before you start putting together your sponsorship package, understand who your target sponsors are and what they are looking for. Consider the type of organisation you are targeting, their industry, size, and goals, and tailor your package accordingly.Define your value proposition.Sponsors aren’t interested in what you do. Instead they are interested in how you can help them meet their goals. So clearly communicate how your association can deliver that value to potential sponsors. This can include exposure to your audience, access to networking opportunities, and the opportunity to align their brand with your purpose and values.Offer long-term partnerships, not one-off sponsorships.Instead of focusing solely on one-off sponsorship opportunities, look to establish long-term partnerships with sponsors. An annual or multi-year approach can enhance the value to the partner, streamline your internal sponsorship processes and revenue, and increase the likliehood of success for all parties.Offer a range of sponsorship levels.Offering a range of sponsorship levels can help to appeal to sponsors of different sizes and budgets. Consider offering different levels of exposure, access, and benefits at each level, and make sure to clearly communicate the differing value of each level to potential sponsors.Provide clear and measurable benefits.Sponsors want to know exactly what they will get in return for their support, so it’s important to clearly outline the specific benefits that they will receive that will support the value you are offering. Consider offering benefits such as logo placement, website advertising, social media promotion, and recognition at events.Highlight past sponsorship success.Showcasing the success of past sponsors can help to build credibility and demonstrate the value of your sponsorship program. Consider including testimonials, case studies, and other examples of the impact that past sponsors have had on your organisation.Use visual aids.Visual aids such as infographics, charts, and graphs can help to clearly communicate the value of your sponsorship package and make it more compelling. Consider including visual aids in your sponsorship proposal to help illustrate the benefits and return on investment for potential sponsors.Follow up and be responsive.After you have submitted your sponsorship proposal, it’s important to follow up and be responsive to any questions or concerns that potential sponsors may have. Be prepared to negotiate and tailor your package to meet the needs of the sponsor, and consider offering additional value to secure their support.At SMS we specialise in helping associations to build sustainable high-value partnership programs. This includes our sponsorship coaching program where we guarantee to work with you – for no additional fee- until your mutually agreed revenue target is met. So, 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>&nbsp;for more information.

How to Create a Compelling Sponsorship Offering