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Every day I meet with Association Presidents and CEOs, many complain their organisation has stalled, membership is dropping, and nothing
much has changed in the last twelve months. So, what are the key factors separating a high-performing association from one spinning at
the wheel?
If your organisation is one of those, here are some proven ideas to help.
😁 Foster Strategic Governance and Leadership
Dynamic and effective member associations often excel in governance practices and boast robust and cohesive leadership teams. Boards must
develop a strategic plan and understand how to implement it during meetings effectively. Utilising resources such as the AES Association
Executives Toolkit can aid in this process, offering comprehensive guidance on strategic planning.
😁 Base Decisions on Data and Performance Metrics
To steer your association towards success, gather data to assess its performance objectively. Conducting assessments like the AES Best
Practice Self-Assessment Survey can provide insights into areas of strength and weakness compared to industry benchmarks. Pay particular
attention to metrics like membership growth and retention and the uptake of member benefits and services.
😁Empower Operational Staff and Allocate Resources Appropriately
While strategic plans are devised at the board level, their execution typically falls upon operational staff or volunteers. Empower these
individuals by providing adequate staffing and budget allocation resources. This ensures the seamless implementation of strategies outlined
in the strategic plan.
😁Integrate the Strategic Plan into Day-to-Day Operations
A strategic plan is only effective when used as a management tool in daily operations. Ensure critical goals are reflected in board agendas,
key performance measures are regularly reported, and strategies are periodically reviewed for efficacy. By integrating the strategic plan
into routine operations, associations can stay focused and adaptable in achieving their objectives.
😁Measure and Adapt for Continuous Improvement
Peter Drucker's adage, "If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it," also holds for associations. Establish key performance indicators
(KPIs) aligned with strategic goals and regularly assess outcomes to gauge the effectiveness of implemented strategies. Whether it's
membership growth, service utilisation, or financial performance, monitoring these metrics enables associations to adjust and refine their
approaches.
👩🎓 In conclusion, the sustainability and relevance of member associations hinge on proactive governance, data-driven decision-making,
strategic execution, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By embracing these principles, associations can navigate challenges, seize
opportunities, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
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Risk management is one of those areas that every association and not-for-profit Board knows is important - but it can sometimes become
little more than a risk register reviewed once or twice a year.
Insurance can be treated in much the same way.
The organisation receives its annual insurance renewal, the premium is approved, the policy is renewed and everyone assumes the organisation
is covered.
A practical look at volunteer governance, operational decision-making and what the events industry needs to understand about associations.
Nick Koerbin has spent many years working with professional and industry associations, and he has developed a simple habit: whenever he
meets a professional, he often asks whether they belong to their association — and whether they believe the membership is worth it.
A recent conversation with a young allied health professional raised some important questions about membership value, relevance and the
expectations of the next generation.
In this article, Nick shares that conversation and challenges association leaders to consider a simple but confronting question:
Would the next generation of professionals in your sector believe your association is worth joining?
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
