Jan 02
Most non-profits still depend on membership dues as a primary source of income. Yet sending a dues invoice and/or reminder is not the end. I am not going to go into how an organization should be/have been in contact with its members throughout the year so it knows who is solid when it comes to …
Aug 19
EXHIBITS & TRADE SHOWS Many a group puts on a trade show. It spends time, effort and valuable resources to develop, organize, sell, publicize and manage a trade show. In addition to charging the companies who are exhibiting, it then charges those who want to check out these companies a fee. The days of double …
Aug 14
MEETING REGISTRATION The long time model has been that to get useful and timely information, one must pay to attend meetings. Associations have counted on meeting registration as a major source of non-due revenue. But the internet has upset the applecart because much of what can, could and would be found out in topic-specific meetings …
Aug 14
MEMBERSHIP DUES For many a non-profit, charging some kind of dues goes without saying. Yet, in this age of so much information on the Internet, organizations are finding that many can find what they want without paying anything to an association. There is life after eliminating dues as several organizations have found. Just because your …
Jul 16
With all that is going on, it is easy to be depressed about the future. The modern day 24-hour news cycle can provide a sense of depression about the future. The ability to receive up to the minute news updates usually brings about depressing news. Add to that the fact that we are tied to …
Aug 08
My neighbor recently commented on my backyard. “How do you get all those plants to grow and flower? Your backyard has so much color and you are already harvesting vegetables and spices. My garden is struggling. How do you it?” “Preparation,” I replied. “Preparation.” So if you want 10% membership growth or 95% membership retention …
Oct 24
Many non-profits and associations, especially all volunteer or small staffed ones, are looking for ways to cut or save money these days. And one place to do that may be staring you in the face at your desk. It is your telephone. Specifically, your land line telephone. Everyone (almost) now has a cell phone. Volunteers. …
Sep 03
Anyone who has put together a meeting, seminar or dinner knows that seating setup is one of the key parts of how successful the event will run. Put the head table in front of the doors leading into the room and everyone will be distracted when latecomers arrive. While there are lots of guides to …
Aug 17
It seems that we have become survey happy. Anytime you make a purchase, you are encouraged to do a survey for a chance in a drawing. Or you get an email with a link to which to respond. Associations are no different by sending out surveys after meetings or education sessions or even after renewing …
Aug 09
Life is busy and busy people are generally involved with non-profits. They like the challenges, the work and the people. But they do not like being overwhelmed. One thing that most people who volunteer or work with non-profits have in common is that there too much to do and not enough time. Whether you are …
