-
Everything in an association can (and should) be measured
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementThe motion on the board table had enough momentum to pass. Then an astute director asked, "How will we measure performance? How will we evaluate our success for failure?" Boards often adopt programs and pass motions without considering performance expectations. For example: "I propose that we direct staff to increase student memberships." Does that mean 100 new students? Is it a plan to create student chapters? The motion does not define performance measures.
-
5 ways to destroy trust
Hank Boyer Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementTrust is confidence in someone or something, believability; the opposite of suspicion and distrust. Consider the words of Gandhi about the topic of trust, "The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he does becomes tainted." The day-to-day experiences people have with you go a long way towards establishing your reputation as someone who can (or cannot) be trusted. The degree to which people trust you will cause your career to flourish — or languish.
-
How does your brand’s email marketing stack up?
Emma Fitzpatrick MarketingIBM's annual Email Marketing Metrics Benchmark Study is hot off the presses. For email and digital marketers alike, it’s one of the best times of the year. This year’s report includes data from over 3,000 brands and 750 companies. Plus, it highlights opportunities you may be missing or not investing enough resources in. See how your brand’s email marketing stacks up to others by learning the biggest insights and takeaways from this year’s report.
-
What does the association of the future look like?
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementDoes anybody know what the association of the future looks like? At the Institute for Organizational Management, offered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, I have the opportunity to teach — or facilitate — a class entitled "Strong Associations for the Future." The elective is described as an environmental scan of challenges, opportunities and resources to better position organizations.
-
Make your next vacation a tax‑deductible one
Lonny Alfred Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementSummer has arrived, and millions of Americans are planning to either hit the open road or jet set across the world. American Express reports that 72 percent of Americans are expected to vacation in the U.S. this summer — 15 percent traveling overseas — and can expect to spend $941 per person. That comes out to $3,764 for a family of four.
-
Measuring performance is the key to performance excellence
William D. Pawlucy Association ManagementA question that should always be asked at the board table is, "Why are we discussing an initiative if we can't measure it?" Measuring performance is the key to performance excellence. The basis or starting point may be the mission and strategic plan. The plan outlines goals and strategies for several years. Use it to build a set of key evaluation metrics to monitor progress and maintain a competitive advantage.
-
7 steps to conflict resolution in the office
Deborah Ike Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementFor some reason, when we start to work at an office, we unconsciously expect everyone to get along and not have any conflict. That idea tends to be proven false fairly quickly. Whatever conflicts you've experienced, the tension and resulting lack of cooperation can keep the team from being as effective as possible.
-
Boardroom courtesy helps avoid a meltdown
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementThe board meeting is a setting that brings together diverse volunteers for the purpose of governance. Discussions can be passionate and frustrating, and the environment unique to new directors. How can you avoid a boardroom meltdown — when voices are raised, fingers are pointed or directors leave angrily? Observe boardroom courtesy to enable a more effective governing process.
-
The success or failure of your event rests with your venue
William D. Pawlucy Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementConferences and other face-to-face events were given the death knell as we ushered in the digital age, but there still is a need for live human interaction. Live meetings are very much alive and doing well.
-
Fixing a faulty equation: Underprepared leaders = An underperforming board
Sherri Oken and Robert C. Harris Association ManagementIs this a frequent scene at the start of board meetings? The meeting is called to order, and suddenly nearly everyone at the table — even the board chair — is feverishly reading the agenda and reports, even though they were distributed days or weeks in advance.
All Association Management Articles