After spending years working with associations, nonprofits, members, boards, volunteers and events, one thing I’ve learned is that small organizations often have some of the biggest missions — and some of the smallest staffs.
I’ve also learned that the people working in those organizations are incredibly passionate. They care deeply about their members and the work their organization is doing.
But passion doesn’t create more hours in the day.
How do I know this? Because I’ve been on that side of the desk. I know what it’s like to be responsible for membership, events, communications, finances, board support and the million little things that keep an organization moving.
And while all of those things are important, they can also take you away from the people who matter most — your members.
That’s why I believe association management can make such a difference.
Think of it as having an extra team behind your team. An association management company can help with the day-to-day operations — keeping the books organized, managing membership, supporting the board, handling events, writing newsletters and making sure the details don’t fall through the cracks.
In my experience, the goal isn’t to take over. It’s to give you breathing room.
I’ve seen how much volunteers and board members bring to an organization when they aren’t spending their time worrying about administrative details. I’ve also seen how much more effective an organization can be when staff have the time to actually talk to members, build relationships and focus on the mission.
As someone who has spent a lot of time around events, I know how important that is. You shouldn’t spend the entire event worrying about registration, schedules or logistics. You should be able to walk around, shake hands, listen to members and enjoy seeing the organization you worked so hard to build in action.
To me, that’s the real value of association management.
Keeping the house in order so you have more time to do what you’re there to do.
Your members. Your mission. Your impact.
You don’t have to do it all yourself.
Sometimes the smartest thing an organization can do is bring in the right partner to help keep the house in order — so the people inside can get back to doing the work they were created to do.
-Nikki Deyle, Association Management Account Executive