Members are at the core of not-for-profit organisations. They provide financial and human resources to perform the work of the association. A healthy membership leads to a vital organisation, yet even strong groups need to pay close attention to boosting membership numbers. With a large marketing and promotion budget, associations could accelerate membership growth, but few organisations enjoy the luxury of ample funding. Therefore, we have to ‘think smart’ to utilise…

  With the continued pressure not-for-profits face on their finances, it is tempting for some to cease preparing an Annual Report. However, this is a short-sighted measure, and it is in the interests of all not-for-profits to produce some type of Annual Report. Annual Reports are an insight As part of our research into the not-for-profit sector, Associations Forum reviews many Annual Reports each year. Much can be gleaned by a non-member about the NFP from their Annual Report,…

What creates a strong brand? If we asked a random group of consumers their unprompted recall of not-for-profit organisations most would nominate the usual big charities such as the ‘Salvos’, Red Cross and the Heart Foundation. Others might recall a professional or industry association connected with their work and others a charity that relates to a personal interest. Does your brand have personality? While some think this should all be left to the commercial organisations, others…

If you're in charge of your association magazine or newsletter, chances are you know the feeling of panic when you're running behind schedule. Maybe you've been scrambling for last-minute articles, or awaiting approval from a fastidious CEO, or perhaps your graphic designer has caught the flu. Sometimes delays are unavoidable, but you can reduce your blood pressure – and even have fun putting the magazine together – by following these five simple tips. Create…

There is no reason an event can’t generate a significant income - provided it is run correctly. Research Understand who your potential delegates are and why they would choose to come to your event rather than another. Create an exciting program Your program must be extremely compelling. Don’t be afraid to incorporate some challenging or controversial topics or speakers. Sticking to safe topics is a quick way to ensure a dull, poorly…

We ask the experts for their top tips on keeping costs down. Share the load "If you book a number of events throughout the year, consolidate your conference or event bookings with the one venue - then you will have more negotiating power. Even on a low budget, you can try participating in trade shows by approaching complementary exhibitors and ask if they'd be interested in sharing booth space with you splitting the costs." – Debra O'Brien, Director, Festa Event…

What must you consider when assessing the fees charged by potential event managers? Francis Child offers some tips to ensure that your organisation is paying a fair and transparent fee for the work done. Event management companies – also called Professional Conference Organisers – provide a vital outsourced service to associations and charities. Their expertise allows not-for-profit organisations to delegate the operational success of their events to relevant professionals.…

Health and Safety tips For small business These tips provide a great start to make your workplace safer. They're the result of the 12 OHS hazards that OHS inspectors commonly see during their visits to small businesses. Fire Ensure extinguishers are in place, maintained and clearly marked for type of fire. All fire exits are clear and exit signs illuminated. Electrical Plugs, sockets, switches are in good condition. Extension cords are…

There are many occupations that wish to be considered a ‘profession’. This article discusses the foundations for a profession, and concludes with how an association of professionals can increase the value of membership through an ‘aspirational branded designation’. Eight considerations for associations of professionals are presented. These points are called considerations as they are not prerequisites for a successful profession. Knowledge and the public good Clare Bellis,…

  An appraisal, or performance review, is the process of identifying, evaluating and developing the work performance of employees of the business so that organisational goals and objectives are more effectively achieved, while at the same time benefiting employees in terms of recognition, receiving feedback, catering for work needs and offering career guidance. There are a number of potential benefits to the business which flow from effective assessment of performance. In addition…

  When advertising and interviewing for a position within your business, you should be aware of potential pitfalls when asking particular questions at interview or on application forms so as to avoid any later claims of discrimination or favourable treatment. Here a few common questions: How old are you? UNACCEPTABLE Age is a specific ground for discrimination, and is inappropriate to ask either in an application process or interview situation. Age discrimination…

There are many occupations that wish to be considered a ‘profession’. This article discusses the foundations for a profession, and concludes with how an association of professionals can increase the value of membership through an ‘aspirational branded designation’. Eight considerations for associations of professionals are presented. These points are called considerations as they are not prerequisites for a successful profession. Knowledge and the public good Clare Bellis,…

Beverley Main, Chief Executive of Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRINZ), shares with Jennyfer Nguyen how the association was saved from insolvency and closure. In the not-for-profit sector, it is common to see failing associations just close up and restart a few years later. HRINZ is what can easily be called a turnaround success story. What state was the association in when you first came on board in 1998? In 1998, the Institute of Personnel Management…

Transforming ANZIIF Joan Fitzpatrick – transforming ANZIIF, a professional membership association In 13 years as CEO of ANZIIF, Joan Fitzpatrick has taken the organisation from an annual loss of $500,000 to profits of more than $1 million p.a. Joan Fitzpatrick worked in heavy manufacturing and the insurance industry in Europe and Asia prior to her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of what is now the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance…

Members are at the core of not-for-profit organisations. They provide financial and human resources to perform the work of the association. A healthy membership leads to a vital organisation, yet even strong groups need to pay close attention to boosting membership numbers. With a large marketing and promotion budget, associations could accelerate membership growth, but few organisations enjoy the luxury of ample funding. Therefore, we have to ‘think smart’ to utilise…

Perspectives of the associations sector from the Australian Senate, Senator Nick Xenophon, Independent Senator for South Australia Presentation to Associations Forum National Conference, Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre, Wednesday 27 July, 2011 Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. At the outset, I'd like to say how pleased I am to be invited to talk today at the Associations Forum National Conference. Being an…