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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>

Recognising and Supporting Member 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 purpose and goals. This could include creating a space for members to share resources and knowledge, fostering a sense of community and connection, or providing a platform for members to engage with the association and its leadership.Invite and onboard new members.Invite members to join the community and provide a clear onboarding process to help them get started. This could include an orientation video or tutorial, a welcome message or guide, and an introduction to the community’s guidelines and expectations.Encourage participation.Encourage members to actively participate in the community by posting content, asking questions, and engaging with others. This could include hosting weekly discussion topics, hosting live events or webinars, or providing incentives for participation such as prizes or recognition.Moderate and manage the community.It’s important to have a team in place to moderate and manage the community, including enforcing guidelines and addressing any issues that may arise. This can help create a safe and welcoming environment for all members.Foster a sense of community.Encourage a sense of community by promoting social connections and creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. This could include hosting virtual social events or providing opportunities for members to connect with each other based on shared interests or professional goals.Keep the content fresh and relevant.Keep the community active and engaged by regularly posting new content and updating existing content to ensure it remains relevant and useful. This could include sharing industry news and updates, hosting expert guest speakers, or highlighting member achievements and success stories.Engage with members.Make sure to regularly engage with members and respond to their questions and feedback. This can help build trust and strengthen the relationship between the association and its members.By following these seven steps, you can build a successful online community for your association. From clearly defining the purpose and goals of the community to fostering a sense of community and keeping the content fresh and relevant, there are many ways to create an engaging and valuable online space for your members.If you would like an online community for your association, take a look at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.trybz.com.au/" data-mce-href="http://www.trybz.com.au/">Trybz</a>.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.trybz.com.au/" data-mce-href="http://www.trybz.com.au/">Trybz</a>&nbsp;in an online community platform specifically designed for associations. To see it in action, check out the&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.answer.net.au/" data-mce-href="http://www.answer.net.au/">Answers for Associations</a>&nbsp;online community for association professionals.

Increasing Online Community Engagement in Your Association

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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 daunting task, especially if you don’t have a pre-existing relationship with them. Here are some tips for approaching prospective sponsors “cold”:Research the company.Before reaching out to a company, be sure to research their business and values to ensure that they align with those of your association. For example, if you are seeking sponsorship for a conference on sustainable business practices, it would be a good idea to approach companies with a strong focus on sustainability.Personalise your approach.Instead of sending a generic sponsorship proposal to multiple companies, tailor your pitch to the specific company and their goals. This could include highlighting how your event or program aligns with their business objectives or values. For example, if a company has a goal of increasing brand awareness among young professionals, you could emphasise how your event targets this demographic in your proposal.Offer 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. For example, you could offer the company a prominent logo placement on event signage or the opportunity to host a workshop at the event.Network and leverage connections.Utilise your personal and professional networks to see if anyone has a connection to the company you are targeting. This can provide an introduction and make it easier to get your foot in the door.Use social media.Social media platforms can be a useful tool for reaching out to prospective sponsors. Follow the company on social media and engage with their content to get on their radar. You could also consider running sponsored social media posts targeting the company’s audience to showcase the value of partnering with your association.Follow up.Don’t be afraid to follow up with a prospective sponsor if you don’t hear back from them initially. A friendly reminder email or phone call could be just what they need to reconsider your proposal. Be sure to keep track of your communication and the status of your proposal to ensure that you are following up at appropriate intervals.Be prepared for rejection.It’s important to remember that not every company will be a good fit for sponsorship, and that’s okay. Don’t take rejection personally and continue to pursue other potential sponsors. Keep track of your outreach efforts and use this information to refine your approach for future proposals.By following these tips, you can effectively approach prospective sponsors “cold” and increase your chances of securing a partnership.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;

Tips for Approaching “Cold” Prospective Sponsors for Your Association

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 pandemic has further accelerated this shift.One of the most fundamental changes many associations are considering is their membership model. An association membership model is the foundation of an organisation, underpinning all aspects of its operations. It is essential that this model is the result of careful consideration and aligns with the purpose and goals of the association. The includes consideration of the following elements:Association PurposeAn association is a group of people who come together to achieve a shared goal. Its primary function is to work towards this goal, rather than to attract and retain members. A clear and defined purpose is essential for guiding the actions and decisions of the association, as well as for measuring success and navigating through changes. To ensure that the association is aligned and motivated towards its purpose, it is important to define its vision, mission, and values. The vision is the desired outcome or impact that the association hopes to achieve. The mission describes the actions and services that the association provides to achieve its vision. The purpose is the reason behind these actions and serves as the driving force for the association. The values are the core beliefs that guide and motivate the association and its members.Association Type and StructureThe type and structure of association will influence the membership model. There are various types of associations that can be classified based on their goals and objective such as philanthropic foundations, environmental and animal protection organisations, hospitals and health services, social services, religious groups, international aid organisations, educational institutions, cultural and recreational clubs, advocacy and political organisations, business and professional associations, and labour unions. Within each of these categories, there are subcategories that further classify the association based on specific characteristics. The&nbsp;structure&nbsp;of an association, whether it is a single entity operating nationally or internationally, or a federation of independent organisations, will also impact the development of its membership model.Who the Association ServesIt is important to identify the specific individuals and businesses that an association should focus on serving and engaging with, rather than simply attempting to attract as many members as possible. A clear understanding of the purpose of the association can help to clarify which groups are most important and should be prioritised.There are five types of stakeholders that an association may interact with: those it exists to serve, those it engages with to further its purpose, customers who purchase its products and services, those who are targeted as part of a specific campaign, and vendors who provide products and services to the association’s community (stakeholders will fit into only one of these groups).To determine whether an association is serving or engaging with a particular group, it is helpful to consider whether members of that group should have a governing role in the association. If the answer is “yes” that group is more likely to fall into the cohort of members you serve.How the Association ServesIt is important for associations to carefully consider their activities and prioritise those that will have the greatest impact on achieving their purpose. This can help to avoid wasting resources on activities that are not aligned with the current goals of the organisation. There are five main ways in which associations can serve their stakeholders: representing the interests of the group to external parties, mobilising people or organisations to take action towards a specific objective, providing products, services, and other resources to assist stakeholders in achieving their own goals, creating opportunities for participation and excellence, and fostering a sense of community and connection among members. The choice of functions that an association undertakes can have a significant impact on all aspects of the organisation, and it is important to make these decisions intentionally rather than simply continuing with activities that have been conducted in the past.&nbsp;How the Association engages with stakeholders.An association’s engagement model outlines the way it communicates and engages with its members and stakeholders. To effectively develop this model, it is important to understand the current and ideal methods of engagement delivery and the gap between the two. This includes considering the type of engagement tools being used, such as traditional, modern, or online methods, as well as the association’s ability to effectively utilise these tools, ranging from developing to advanced. It is at this state that an association would consider the role of chapters, special interest groups, and components in achieving the purpose of the association.How to make the model financially sustainableThe association’s financial sustainability is critical to its long-term success. The full range of revenue streams, of which membership is only one, should be carefully considered to ensure they align with the other elements of the membership model. Factors that will impact this decision include current reliance on membership fees, cost of delivering the membership program, whether fees are appropriate for all membership categories, current capacity to execute the ideal state revenue streams, and resources available for change.A final note – the difference between a membership fee and a membership category review.It is important to note there are two main types of membership reviews: membership model reviews and membership category reviews. A membership category review involves finding a better way to structure existing membership categories to offer value to different market segments, while a membership model review involves examining the entire membership model to ensure it aligns with the association’s purpose and meets the needs of its members.Undertaking a membership model review can be a complex process, but it is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of an association. By adapting to changing circumstances and staying relevant, associations can continue to make a meaningful impact on society.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.

The Key Elements of An Association Membership Model