The Presidency: What you need to know
Taking on the presidency of an organization is a major commitment. Before you accept the gavel, make sure you know exactly what you’re walking into with these four essential fiscal and operational questions.
Board Elections – Smart Strategies
An effective board is the backbone of any successful organization, but high-performing boards don’t just happen by accident. From structuring your Nominating Committee to avoiding “panic picks” for key roles, this guide explores the essential strategies for conducting fair, professional, and strategic elections in 501(c)6 membership organizations.
Allied Foundations: Easy Money?
Is launching an allied foundation a good idea? The answer is a definite “maybe.” While foundations offer unique opportunities for grants and educational support, they are not a source of “easy money.” We explore the essential steps for building credibility and the legal nuances every association leader should know.
Living in the Present
Challenging times require a new perspective. While older leaders may long for the “glory days,” today’s associations must reinvent themselves to survive. We explore ten actionable strategies to help association boards and management align their goals and thrive in the modern landscape.
Scope Creep: The Biggest Challenge for AMCs
Scope creep—the gradual addition of tasks without extra compensation—is one of the biggest challenges for Association Management Companies (AMCs). While often unintentional, this cycle can lead to financial losses, team burnout, and disrupted client relationships. Learn why scope creep happens and how proactive communication and scope reviews can protect both the AMC and the association.
The [***] Financial Reports
Many board members find nonprofit financial statements intimidating. Learn how to move past the “glaze” and focus on the key numbers that tell the true story of an organization’s health.
Website Evolution
Technology never stands still. We look back at how association websites morphed from complex, proprietary systems into the high-end, professional, and user-friendly interfaces members now expect.
The Challenge of Membership Development
Struggling with membership growth? Most associations face common hurdles like “time poverty” and shifting generational values. Learn why building meaningful friendships and setting realistic retention goals is the “glue” your organization needs to thrive.
Organizational Culture Matters
Most boards overlook their organizational culture, which is the key driver of success or failure. I describe the two extremes—negative and positive—and suggest a clear, proactive plan for improvement.
Working with a Lobbyist
Organizations hire lobbyists to represent them in state legislatures. Learn how to work effectively with your lobbyist by developing a legislative agenda that shifts action from reactive to proactive.