Now more than ever, associations are best served by deploying a full arsenal of financial tools. In this article we’ll identify the “five must-have ratios” organizations should consider when assessing their finances. Ratio analyses are excellent ways for you to obtain critical insights into your organization’s fiscal health.

Every association faces the challenge of figuring out the best way to attract and retain members. Do you invest in external resources to create and execute a marketing plan? Or do you have internal resources to help reach the same goals—perhaps resources you’re not even thinking of?

How can you get your annual meeting attendees to interact, network, and share ideas more, especially those traveling solo or who aren’t naturally social? The “Learning Circle” concept creates an enjoyable, productive conference experience that can make people more inclined to return in future years. Plus, it requires little investment.

One of the most important tasks of an association is properly managing the logistics of chapters and components. There are plenty of areas that can be streamlined to allow for more effective management of these different sectors.

Part of every non-profit’s goal is to grow the organization. But growing "up"—in terms of adding new members—is not the same as growing "out," or keeping the members you have. And retention isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves.

LinkedIn is not just a platform for job seekers and professionals; it is also a powerful tool for membership-based organizations to engage with their audience, build credibility, and attract new members. If your organization is not active on LinkedIn, you may be missing valuable opportunities for growth and networking.

Investing in professional development is crucial for the growth and sustainability of any nonprofit or membership-based organization. A well-structured professional development program not only improves the skills and expertise of staff and members but also enhances the organization's overall impact and credibility.

Many associations book their event venues several years in advance. While this may garner preferable event dates and locations, it can be difficult to account for growth – especially if it’s sudden or unexpected. At AH, our Industry Relations (IR) Managers are charged with driving exhibit and  sponsorship revenue.

Volunteering has been one of the ASAE Foundation’s ForesightWorks Drivers of Change for years. Yet even with preparation and future thinking, waning employer support, a tide of retiring Baby Boomers and differences in generational attitudes towards volunteering are creating a perfect storm that may arrive sooner than expected.

Foresight is a practice where you imagine 10 years or more in the future and adapt your practices to embrace (or combat) that outcome. But what happens when the change happens with such velocity and impact that you don’t have the luxury to look 1 or 2 years ahead, much less than 10?