All Association Management Articles
  • Quantitative risk analysis: Strengths and weaknesses

    Dr. David Hillson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    Many people view quantitative risk analysis with a mixture of fear and awe. It’s clearly a very powerful technique in the risk professional’s toolkit, but it seems to be hard to use. As we decide whether it’s appropriate for us to include quantitative risk analysis in our risk approach, we should consider the strengths and weaknesses of this technique, so that we can make a balanced judgment.

  • How subscription-based marketing can be a key tool in your digital strategy

    Lisa Mulcahy Marketing

    As a digital/social media marketer, you know that an especially crucial task for your brand, as it moves through the pandemic and beyond, is customer retention. Your goal in this respect is to engage your existing demographic's interest in your products and services so they stay loyal and give you the repeat business you need. You also want to keep attracting new eyeballs to what you have on offer. An excellent way to accomplish all of this is with a subscription-based marketing strategy.

  • Why the federal ban on diversity and inclusion training is bad for business

    Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    A September executive order by the White House bans diversity and inclusion training for the federal government as well as for contractors and anyone who does business with the federal government. The letter that accompanied the order calling for a halt to any scheduled diversity training described it as divisive, propaganda and unpatriotic. We live in a diverse society, our workplaces continue to be more diverse, and business continues to be global. In order to do business on a global level and provide the best products and services to a diverse customer base, organizations need to help their employees learn the right skills.

  • Infographic: The psychology behind naming your business

    Demetrius Harrison Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    A business isn't complete without a fitting name. Luckily, achieving a strong business name is only a few steps away. First, take the opportunity to mention any keywords and phrases in your brand's name. If you need help with this, think about how you do business, and who you do business for. Continuing on, consider how you will brand your business name, and check whether or not it's available on social media platforms. Find out more of the best steps to take with this infographic.

  • Committee linkage to the strategic plan

    Robert C. Harris Association Management

    Committees seldom initiate their own plan of work. You won’t hear the committee chair ask at the first meeting, "What do you want to do this year?" Committees receive assignments and authority from the board of directors and bylaws. Their efforts should be framed by the organization’s mission and strategic plan. Policies indicate committees don’t have authority to speak for the organization, expend unbudgeted funds, or enter into contracts.

  • In times of crisis: 5 strategies that lead to better decisions

    Dr. Paul Napper and Dr. Anthony Rao Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our work, how we relate with our families, and our personal sense of safety, security, and health. This crisis, coupled with recent burgeoning social unrest, presents unique challenges to leaders. How can we make better decisions — ones that could make or break our business — when we’re consumed by what’s around us? One answer comes from leaders in the profession that’s at the very center of the COVID crisis: expert medical practitioners, who frequently make life-or-death decisions for the people in front of them. How do they stay focused and keep their decision-making sharp?

  • Signs that your business may scream, ‘I’m cheap!’

    Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    People assume that your public image matches the product or service you’re offering. How else could they gauge your quality if they don’t know you? The visible image should reflect the invisible. If you have a cheap or unprofessional image, the public will assume your product is likewise cheap and unprofessional. That’s not a good scenario if you’re trying to sell high quality. Here are some of the ways your professional business is accidentally screaming, "I’m cheap!" despite your protestations to the contrary.

  • Tips for promoting a more civil workplace

    D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges for everyone, including employers. Aside from the worst pandemic in a century and an inordinate number of natural disasters, social and political tensions seem to be at all-time high. These tensions flooded the workplace like a tsunami and employers are trying to figure out how to return civility and respect to the workplace. No "secret sauce" or "magic pill" exists for creating and promoting a civil and respectful workplace, so the purpose of this article is to outline a few action items for helping employers get on the right track toward a more civil workplace as soon as possible.

  • The right questions to ask at board meetings

    Robert C. Harris Association Management

    The board is convened for the purpose of governance. However, meetings often deteriorate into administrative discussions and committee work. When you think about it, convening leaders can be costly. The average number of directors is 15. Few directors come with governance experience. While they do their best, some find it easier to dwell on tactics, history, and personal business, rather than being visionary leaders. Asking the right questions can go a long way towards meaningful outcomes.

  • The smart strategy that’s helping women become CEOs

    Gail Short Business Management, Services & Risk Management

    Recently, Fortune Magazine reported that women made the biggest gain ever in capturing CEO positions this year. Thirty-seven chief executive officers on the Fortune 500 list for 2020 are women. However, the number is still puny compared to men. The problem is that public companies tend to hire CEOs with prior CEO experience. That puts many women at a disadvantage since, unlike men, they are less likely to have CEO experience. But in a study published in the Harvard Business Review last year, two researchers reported that for many women, the path to becoming CEO may lie with serving on corporate boards.