FLCOEd – Frequently Asked Questions
Our robust education program was created in response to the common complaints we heard from Illinois business leaders that new regulatory requirements are difficult to complete and stressful to track over time.
Create a Plan, then Plan to Use It
A strategic plan should serve as a road map for your association. The document can be in whatever format works best for your organization. Regardless of the format or length, it should establish direction and lead to future growth. Used correctly, it can be an invaluable resource. There’s just one problem too many organizations face. […]
Advocacy 101: How to Create an Effective Government Relations Coalition
Part two of a three-part series In the first blog in this three-blog series, we discussed the importance of advocacy with both federal and state governments as a key benefit your organization provides members. We looked at ways to quickly build an outreach program that taps the resources you have in place. Now let’s turn our attention […]
Make The Most of Your Event Budget: Three Questions To Ask
Association conferences, seminars, and experiences are some of the biggest benefits your organization provides its members. Here’s where you face a huge challenge: how do you make your events cost-effective while balancing value to your members? It’s a tightrope act. On the one hand, you’re charged with delivering an event that makes it worthwhile for […]
Beat the Membership Dues Blues
People seem to want everything for free these days – from cover charges at parties to online newspaper articles. Everyone expects value but isn’t necessarily willing to pay for it. That frugality has spread to the association sector. Reliance on dues has declined dramatically in recent decades. ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership report that in […]
Advocacy 101: How to Create an Effective Government Relations Outreach Program
Part one of a three-part series One of the most important benefits you provide members is often the hardest to deliver: advocacy. As the umbrella group that represents the interests of your industry, members count on you to stay on top of issues and build relationships with both state and federal governments to make sure […]
What no one tells you about choosing an Association Management Company
What no one tells you about choosing an Association Management Company We know most association management companies (AMCs) list similar benefits when asked why you should work with them. Phrases like years of experience, mastery of association management systems, and focus on your mission come to mind. Don’t get me wrong. Those skill sets and capabilities are […]
Make Your Voice Heard in Board Meetings
Board meetings function best when everyone contributes. However, that doesn’t always happen. Take a moment to think about why you don’t raise your hand. Do you fear you might ruffle a few feathers? Are there outspoken people dominating the conversation? Are you simply on the shy side? Regardless of your reason for holding back, it’s […]
Membership Data
Membership data is a valuable indicator of the health of an association. How many members do you have? How long do they stay members? Do you manage conferences and other events? How is attendance? Which events do well, and which tend to struggle? Associations know that good membership data is like a rich vein of […]
Build Up a Board That’s Ready for Anything
In a perfect world, everyone on your board is a highly dedicated professional. They bring everything the association needs to the table, whenever it is asked of them. It is a diverse group of people who work well together and never back out of organizational commitments. Unfortunately, this probably isn’t always the case, and that’s […]