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I was recently thinking about something my very smart friend Jamie Notter is fond of saying: Trust and risk are correlated. As trust goes up, risk goes up. In order to lower risk, we also end up lowering trust. Ever wondered why staff members have such strong reactions to new policies at your association? Voil. That reads, on some level, like you don’t trust them.
340B Health , an organization advocating for hospitals and health systems serving vulnerable communities, faced a rapidly changing regulatory environment. While financially stable, the association operated in a volatile policy landscape , where government regulations could shift every two to four years. This uncertainty made long-term strategic planning challenging.
In this recent video , I share how associations can align PR efforts with advocacy goals to strengthen their influence and visibility. A strategic, coordinated approach ensures your messaging resonates with policymakers, media and members alike. Start by identifying the overlap between advocacy priorities and stakeholder interests. Craft clear, consistent messaging that highlights how your efforts drive real impact.
Picture this: Your small business has been operating online only, but now youre ready to open a physical storefront. To generate excitement and attract new customers, you host a grand opening event with drinks, snacks, and a 10% discount on every purchase. At the end of the day, youve had your most successful day of sales yet and positive feedback from community members who are excited to come back.
Traditional budgeting and forecasting methods can no longer keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Static budgets, rigid annual forecasts, and outdated financial models limit an organization’s ability to adapt to market shifts and economic uncertainty. To stay ahead, finance leaders must leverage a future-forward approach—one that leverages real-time data, predictive analytics, and continuous planning to drive smarter financial decisions.
During my first year as CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, our biggest priority was listening. Since late 2023, weve been talking with community members about how, together, we could make Kansas City a national model for equitable economic mobility. Two significant gaps became evident that we saw as two sides of the same coin: Nonprofits dont often have space to truly think about their strengths and sustainability.
An association colleague recently called me because her membership director is “freaking out” about their association’s retention rate. The rate? 65%. Which, if you look at data like that from Marketing General’s 2024 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report above, is low, even for individual membership associations. Average retention rate for IMOs = 79% Median retention rate for IMOs = 82% So 65% is bad, right?
An association colleague recently called me because her membership director is “freaking out” about their association’s retention rate. The rate? 65%. Which, if you look at data like that from Marketing General’s 2024 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report above, is low, even for individual membership associations. Average retention rate for IMOs = 79% Median retention rate for IMOs = 82% So 65% is bad, right?
In this Association Insights video , I explore what associations can learn from corporate crisis communication strategies. Preparation, transparency and control over the narrative are essential to maintaining trust in difficult moments. Associations should have a crisis plan in place, ensuring clear steps for messaging and stakeholder outreach. Transparency builds credibility.
Career centers are often an overlooked yet powerful tool for driving non-dues revenue within associations. Despite the low implementation barriers, many associations dont fully capitalize on their career centers as a core revenue driver.
The TalentSmartEQ report recommends leaders do more peer-based training around an ever-shifting work environment. Workers are expressing anxiety around their capacity to respond to technological change, economic uncertainty, and data security, according to a new report. The 2025 State of EQ Report , published last week by the HR consulting firm TalentSmartEQ, is based on a survey of more than 600 workers, mostly based in North America and conducted in late 2024.
By Adam Parry, Event Industry News and Kashif Din, One World Rental By its very nature, the events industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. The unpredictability of what the next day, week, or event might bring is part of what makes working in this industry so exciting and dynamic.
Speaker: Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand
Do you really know your donors? Not just what they give, but who they are? 👥 In this interactive session, we’ll break down how nonprofits can use behavioral indicators (affinity, recency, frequency, and monetary value) to build prospecting segments that go beyond wealth screening and actually align with donor identity. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to move beyond basic demographics and cultivate supporters based on how they already engage with you!
This post is adapted from Association 4.0 Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption , originally published in 2018. At the time of this interview, Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE , servedand continues to serveas the CEO of APICS (now the Association for Supply Chain Management ). While the governance landscape has evolved, the strategies and leadership insights shared here remain timeless.
In this Association Insights video , I break down how to effectively pitch your associations story to national media. Success starts with understanding what national outlets want: stories with wide relevance or impact. Research journalists’ beats and personalize your pitch accordingly. Use a compelling subject line, a strong first sentence and clearly state why your story matters now.
Author: Daria Knupp Its no secret that keeping existing members engaged is more cost-effective than constantly acquiring new ones. One of the most powerful ways to boost retention is through association events. Well-planned events create opportunities for members to connect, learn, and find value in their membership, making them more likely to stay involved long-term.
An annual conference led by two nonprofits serving science journalists had the support of the University of Pittsburgh. Last month it pulled funding, citing changing circumstances. Two organizations representing science journalists are scrambling to find a new home for their annual conference after its original academic sponsor withdrew its support.
Is messy, outdated, or duplicate data making it harder to track engagement, revenue, and performance? Poor data quality can slow your organization down and prevent you from making informed decisions. With The Dirty Data Guide , you'll discover: Practical steps to clean your data and maintain accuracy over time. A checklist to help your team implement data hygiene best practices.
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month! Are you looking for thoughtful yet affordable ways to thank your volunteers? Check out our top 33 volunteer gift ideas that show appreciation for every occasion.
Innovating for the Future of Associations As we step into 2025, associations are facing a pivotal moment. The acceleration of digital transformation, changing workforce expectations, and new competitive forces have reshaped the landscape. Organizations that embrace Association 4.0 a concept introduced in 2018are those that will thrive by prioritizing innovation, agility, and strategic execution.
In this Association Insights video , I share best practices for writing op-eds that elevate your associations voice and increase your chances of publication. Bold ideas deserve bold platforms. Start with a timely, relevant topic that ties into current events or pressing industry challenges. Hook readers with a strong opening and keep your message focused and persuasive.
In the world of association management, efficiency isnt a buzzwordits a necessity. Whether managing membership renewals, event planning, or financial reporting, a well-run association thrives on streamlined operations. What is one of the most effective ways to boost efficiency? Consistency. As a professional services company, charter accredited by the AMC Institute, AMR Management Services has… The post The Power of Consistency: Top 5 Ways Standardized Processes Drive Efficiency for Associ
GrowthZone’s 11th annual survey highlights trends, challenges, and strategies shaping the membership industry through insights from U.S. and Canadian association professionals. Get your copy of the 2025 Association Survey Results Report to see how your organization measures up: The biggest challenges associations are facing Membership retention trends and non-renewal insights Strategies for automatic renewals and reinstatements Shifts in member engagement tactics Why members are joining (and sta
Author: Debbie Willis Is your association thriving? According to recent surveys , association executives feel more confident than ever, with 67% optimistic about their organizations future growth and stability. While the reasons for this optimism vary, theres no doubt that now is a promising time for associations to try experimental strategies, test out innovative tools, and explore new opportunities.
The most popular and successful way to raise money for your organization: the food fundraiser. From bake sales to food trucks we have the ultimate list to help you raise profits.
Melton Mowbray Town Estate has announced the launch of The Melton Pop Festival, a one-day live music event taking place on 21st June 2025 featuring top-tier tribute acts to Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ed Sheeran.
On The Association Insights Podcast , our March Leadership Series kicks off with a deep dive into association leadership, strategy and innovation. Brandie Thacker, AAP, CAE, MBA, president & CEO of EPCOR, shares her journey from communications leader to CEO, offering insights on navigating change, building trust and driving member engagement. Thacker discusses the significant shift from departmental focus to leading big-picture strategy, the role of AI and data in shaping the future of assoc
Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.
If youre a seasoned nonprofit fundraiser, you know that prospect research is critical for securing high-impact donations. Whether youre launching a capital campaign, soliciting annual fund contributions, or expanding your nonprofits planned giving program , youll need to gather lots of information about individual prospective donors to cultivate their support and make requests theyll be receptive to.
One of our promises to you, as an integrated organization, was to build a hub for the future of data, information, and knowledge for the social sector. Candid search aims to synthesize answers to your questions about the social sector all in one place, bringing together key features of our flagship products such as Foundation Directory, GuideStar/Charity Check, Seals of Transparency, 990 Finder, Philanthropy News Digest, Candid Learning, Foundation Maps, and more.
The 2025 Association Benchmarking Survey is officially open, and we need your insights! Each year, Association Adviser gathers data to create this essential resource for the association community. Your input helps shape the trends, strategies, and best practices that guide associations forward.
Nordic Wristbands expands its European reach with new UK Distribution to offer its full product range, including the new sustainable Recycled Ocean Plastic (R.O.P.) wristband, to UK event organisers, March 2025.
Speaker: Jessica Bonney from VICA and Jeff Horne from Wicket
What does delivering an exceptional member experience mean in today's world? With the right insights, tools, and strategies, you can identify what truly matters to your members, drive meaningful engagement at scale, and continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of your members. Join association experts Jessica Bonney from VICA and Jeff Horne from Wicket who will share practical insights on how to build an exceptional member-driven experience by gaining a deeper understanding of your members and d
The latest Association Insights Podcast features Joanna Pineda, CEO and chief troublemaker at Matrix Group, for a compelling conversation on leadership, digital transformation and fostering a culture of innovation. Pineda shares how she has led Matrix Group for 25+ years, evolving and embracing intentional change every three to four years to stay ahead.
Addressing silos and miscommunication neednt require a massive reorganization, experts sayit starts with knowing your blind spots. “The thing I wish I could change is how we deal with each other,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told staff at an all-hands meeting earlier this month. Its a tall order. The aerospace company, which has infamously seen its fortunes fall due to high-profile plane failures and stories of management eroding quality control, has had to battle its way back to respec
The strongest nonprofits are always looking for ways to improve their mission, ways to serve more effectively, ways to reach more people, and more. When we recently asked the Blue Avocado community: “What do you believe are the most critical areas for improvement to achieve your mission?” and, once again, nonprofit leaders came through!
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