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Repurpose the foundation

Robert C. Harris Association Management

Many associations maintain a subsidiary or related foundation. The majority are educational, with the mission reading: "Supporting professional development, scholarship and research." Some of these foundations are dormant or underperforming. Does the pandemic open the door to repurpose your foundation? An advantage of a 501(c)(3) foundation is fundraising. Contributions are recorded by donors as charitable deductions, encouraging corporations and members to contribute to a cause and receive a tax benefit.

3 possible economic outcomes for the coronavirus pandemic

Lark Gould Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Surviving the coronavirus is currently top of mind for the American public. There are many likely scenarios possible within the possible epidemiological trajectories of COVID-19 and the economic response to this crisis will also develop over the next few months, bringing a new set of struggles to consider. The Conference Board, a New York-based think tank on the economy and public policy, has developed three scenarios for the development of the U.S. economy through the remainder of the year.

Letting go of costly mistakes

Anne Rose Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Everyone makes mistakes. As long as humans are involved, mistakes are a part of life. We should try to minimize them, but the fact remains that someday, someone, will make a mistake. How do you, as an employer, forgive and let this go?

Survey: 1 in 5 managers unprepared to lead remote teams

Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Remote work has become essential for many organizations. However, it appears that some employees and managers are ill-equipped for this type of work arrangement. According to a new survey by leadership training company VitalSmarts, 21% of employees don’t feel their team members have good enough collaboration habits to work effectively from home and 20% of leaders are either unprepared or very unprepared to manage remote teams. Additionally, a VitalSmarts survey conducted before COVID-19 found that remote workers were already experiencing challenges when issues arise.

Adjusting budgets impacted by crisis

William D. Pawlucy and Robert C. Harris Association Management

These are the words of association executives panicked by the pandemic's financial havoc. "Our conference is canceled, accounting for a 50% loss of revenue; what do we do now?" "We may lose 25% of our members and that will put our finances in the red for 2020 and beyond!" "We won’t make it through this." Hopefully your association's 2020 budget will hold tight and your value proposition is strong enough to survive. If not, convene your finance committee to assess the damage.

Infographic: Tech to help you work smarter, not harder

Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk Management

For the past few decades, technology has changed how we work. In 2016, 85% of global business was done by virtual teams. And while distance workers have increased by 115% since 2005, 1 in 4 struggle with interacting solely through technology. Work-at-home expert Leslie Truex says, "Many managers and workers haven’t had training in how to communicate and coordinate in a virtual world." But there are also myriad tech tools that can help boost your productivity while working virtually. Find out more with this infographic.

Managing the new normal: Working from home amid COVID-19

Candice Gottlieb-Clark Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Be careful what you wish for. Many have long wanted more flexibility or work-life balance, and to sleep in or avoid traffic. Well, now you have it. But all kidding aside, this change presents both a new challenge and an opportunity to make the case for this shift in work-life balance. Below are several ideas for making this shift a successful one.

Infographic: Remote work in the coronavirus economy

Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The period from 2005-17 saw a 159% increase in Americans working remotely. By the beginning of 2020, there were over 4 million people who work from home. Now with COVID-19 officially a pandemic and almost the whole world encouraging social distancing and self-quarantine, more people will be working from home than ever. While the boom in remote work may be temporary, operating away from the traditional workplace even in the short term is going to dramatically change the tools, support, and management styles needed in the workplace.

What to do, when there’s nothing you can do

Candice Gottlieb-Clark Business Management, Services & Risk Management

We're all in a state of shock, or maybe it's confusion or concern. For some, possibly quarantine. What was in China is now everywhere and it's affecting everything. What we thought we could weather, or even pay only mild concern, is now overwhelming us and impacting our every thought, decision, and plan. And, we don’t know what’s next. What does one do, when there's nothing you can do? First, remember there is always something you can do. You can make good choices. You can look at the big picture and evaluate what matters to you, and what doesn't.

Demonstrate strength in uncertain times

William D. Pawlucy and Robert C. Harris Association Management

Now is the time to demonstrate strength, leadership and strategy. Members expect to hear confidence and solutions from their association. Associations have always been resilient during wars, recessions and crisis. Boards and staff should portray a positive, "can-do" attitude. Position the chief elected officer and executive director as primary, trusted communicators for the sector. Convey an authentic, reassuring message for members about steadfastness.

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