{"id":12109,"date":"2022-09-01T06:45:04","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T06:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/?p=12109"},"modified":"2022-09-01T18:18:27","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T18:18:27","slug":"technology-101-revisiting-your-associations-options-and-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/technology-101-revisiting-your-associations-options-and-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology 101: Revisiting Your Association’s Options and Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Technology has come a long way in the past few decades, completely transforming the business landscape. Proper use of technological tools and services is no longer an optional route for associations<\/span>. <\/span><\/i>Instead, having the right mix of tools that seamlessly integrate to meet an association\u2019s needs is now a business necessity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without the right technology, along with a comprehensive knowledge of how to best use it, it\u2019s almost impossible for an association to reach and engage members, grow revenue and fulfill your organization\u2019s value proposition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although technology is now mission-critical for any and all associations,<\/span> it\u2019s also important to select tools and services that meet the specific needs of your association, rather than just going with the tools you think you <\/b>should<\/i><\/b> have.<\/b><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re looking to refresh your current technology roadmap or starting from scratch, here\u2019s how you can make technology work for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology Goals to Help Meet Your Association\u2019s Needs<\/b><\/h2>\n

Technology should be used to improve functionality, save time, and benefit the members who interact with your association via its various platforms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology can help your association achieve its strategic goals, including:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Foster member and employee relationships through engaging and reliable platforms.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Facilitate opportunities to develop new products and services for your members.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Drive operational excellence by maximizing efficiency and productivity.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Provide your association with a competitive advantage that sets you apart and advances your industry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How Can Technology Help Your Business?<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Technology ultimately serves two audiences: your staff and your members. Technology will enhance your staff\u2019s ability to perform their roles efficiently and professionally while it provides your members with easy access to the benefits your association offers and helps them make easy connections within your larger audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Both of these purposes are of equal importance and should work together to create exceptional experiences, so let\u2019s dive deeper into how the right platforms can better serve these two groups.<\/span><\/p>\n

    1.Technology to Improve Your Staff Performance<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Although you may tend to focus on enhancing the experiences of the members who interact with your AMS via their member profile or your association\u2019s career platforms every day, it\u2019s important not to forget the staff experience as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Platforms should be implemented that make performing everyday responsibilities easy and efficient for your staff. Cumbersome and complicated platforms can quickly lead to workforce burnout and turnover.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Technology that can be adapted to improve your staff\u2019s experience and performance includes:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Association management software.<\/b> In order to create immersive platforms, software should include a fleet of tools that allow employees to streamline tasks and save time. This software will help your staff effectively manage membership data, secure renewals, and market to current, past or potential members.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Association management software should also come with the ability to:<\/span><\/p>\n