There is endless feedback to collect from members. The feedback can guide your strategy and decision making. You undoubtedly want answers to both specific and general questions about the solutions you offer. In work with association research over 15 years, we believe there are two questions that, if you track over time, will help you […]
Nothing spooky about strategy
Let’s talk strategy. We know our share of visionaries who lead big associations. We also know several Association Executives who come from small associations, but who have big ideas around how to make their vision come alive. Lately I’ve seen several strategic plans that are actually operations plans with the title “Strategic Plan”. They aren’t […]
Don’t Plunge into Dues Renewal Season Without a Plan for How You’ll Sell the Message
Key messages: words that describe a benefit of belonging to your tribe.. The goal of communicating at dues renewal season is to remind or explain why you’re worth it when you ask your customers (members) for money. Your value proposition helps you do this all year long. But what if you don’t have one? Here […]
It’s Finally Time to Address Big Issues
Like many associations, 2020 was a time to pivot and polish your organizational skills to best respond to the changing business environment. And now, a year later, breaking away from operational activities requires a major mind shift. We are creatures of habit, and we adapt better than we think we do. The new systems and […]
Teach Leaders How to Carry and Wave Your Flag
For most leaders, presenting is a skill. Like anything else, it takes training to learn it. Just like the nuances of being an effective advocate for your industry. Or like the differences between being a single contributor versus a manager of people. In fact, – It’s rare that three key elected officers or board […]
Target a few important member groups, and you’ll end up reaching more of them
Don’t start planning, or talking, or writing until you know who you want to influence. It’s the first universal rule of marketing. Before you try to ‘sell’ an event, a class, a member benefit, or your latest political win, you’ll reach a wide audience when you answer: What’s in It for them? THEM, (one or […]
