90p Admin

ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT GOALS AND VISION

I wanted to provide some additional information to clarify what I was seeking in an AMS system that we do not get with our current website and Higher Logic (HL).  It is important to note that most AMS systems include the online forum.  But with the time and investment already into HL, it made sense to focus on other areas.  So then it was a matter of finding one that could integrate with HL.  Growthzone and Memberclicks were the two recommendations from HL.  Memberclicks is much more focused on the online forums and that was not where our needs were at this time.  If it was pre-HL - then I likely would have looked at that one a little closer.  

From a broad perspective, from day one it was clear 90 Minds needed help with the overall management and systems.  This would include records, data collection, strategic communication, and more.  So from the 10,000 feet view, I was seeking effective organization management, better data viewing, and collection, strategic communications, self-sufficiency for members.  All in one HUB for our internal and external communities and stakeholders.  

Some Key Features I was looking for included:

(M: Mandatory; O:  Optional)

The bigger component is just plain tracking and notes on member records, especially when we have some ebb and flow.  But also in terms of expanding in any fashion, we needed stronger support in place before we can take that on.  

Here is an overview of functions in a good AMS and what Growth Zone (and most AMS/CMS systems) can provide and will help me:

Day To Day Management 

• Dashboard Viewpoint

• Reporting and Analytics

• Streamlined workflow (tracking)

• Project Management

• Document Management 

• Mobile Staff App 

Membership Management

• Maintenance Database & Contact Management

• Fully Automated Renewal Process 

• Custom Membership Structures - This offers some flexibility in terms of customizing and management of memberships.  It will make it so much easier with Application Forms online and connected on the back end. 

• Communications Maximize member and prospect interaction with integrated communication like email automation, push notifications, communication tracking, note logging, meeting/phone call tracking, etc. 
• Continuing Education:  Education offerings and credit tracking are valuable member benefits, a revenue generator, and a staff timesaver. 
• Chapter or Specialty Management:    Scale our operations to optimize the member experience. Manage chapter structure, connect membership applications with a chapter, and execute member communication at the chapter level. 

Member Engagement

All board members and ED operate off of one platform, one website, single user sign-on, allowing staff collaboration, tracking of inner-organization communications, measurement of member benefit usage to assess engagement, and providing records of member interactions.  This one, in particular, is killing me, but thankfully many of you and others have made themselves available to me for this support.  

• Member Portal (which gives full access to engagement, attendance, and membership information)
• Job Boards (I have not figured this out yet but why not - I think it will be useful down the road with some planning)
• Member App (Mobile App - YES)
• Member Directory (or rather directories) that provide value-added benefits like increased networking, exposure, and revenue opportunities. 
• Form Builder - essentially internal survey monkey (also connected to records)

Accounting

This is more to supplement and connect the information to member records and work with what is already in place.  It is compatible with our current systems. 

• Automated Invoicing/Due Payment: This will expedite accounting functions and improve accuracy, resulting in lower postage costs, reduced printing, elimination of manual invoice matching, minimized check processing, and freed up staff time. 
• Mobile Card Reader - Payments anywhere anytime
• Reporting: Bring financial data together in one place and generate simple financial snapshots or in-depth reports connected to specific records for a larger snapshot.

Additional Capabilities

• Digital Advertising:  Member-based organizations offer every advertiser's dream audience. Marketing through a membership organization provides advertisers with a valuable opportunity to target a very specific demographic. This is a potential revenue source that we have yet to capitalize on.  This expands our sponsor benefits as well. 
• Sponsorship Leads and Management: From the prospecting stage through the sales cycle and beyond, a robust AMS makes sponsor sales and management a breeze – This would be especially helpful now after Acumatica Summit as I am prospecting leads. Worth noting - this was not a mandatory feature I was seeking but quite a bonus.
• Marketing Automation and Email Campaigns (replacing Mailchimp)

• Event Management:  Online Registration and Payment; Exhibitor and Vendor Management; Virtual Event Integration; On-site Check-In; \

• Event Calendar:   Or calendars - I am very interested in a community calendar as well. 

• Sponsorship Sales Tracking 
• Virtual Platform Integration (e.g., Zoom)

ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT GOALS AND VISION

I wanted to provide some additional information to clarify what I was seeking in an AMS system that we do not get with our current website and Higher Logic (HL).  It is important to note that most AMS systems include the online forum.  But with the time and investment already into HL, it made sense to focus on other areas.  So then it was a matter of finding one that could integrate with HL.  Growthzone and Memberclicks were the two recommendations from HL.  Memberclicks is much more focused on the online forums and that was not where our needs were at this time.  If it was pre-HL - then I likely would have looked at that one a little closer.  

From a broad perspective, from day one it was clear 90 Minds needed help with the overall management and systems.  This would include records, data collection, strategic communication, and more.  So from the 10,000 feet view, I was seeking effective organization management, better data viewing, and collection, strategic communications, self-sufficiency for members.  All in one HUB for our internal and external communities and stakeholders.  

Some Key Features I was looking for included:

(M: Mandatory; O:  Optional)

The bigger component is just plain tracking and notes on member records, especially when we have some ebb and flow.  But also in terms of expanding in any fashion, we needed stronger support in place before we can take that on.  

Here is an overview of functions in a good AMS and what Growth Zone (and most AMS/CMS systems) can provide and will help me:

Day To Day Management 

• Dashboard Viewpoint

• Reporting and Analytics

• Streamlined workflow (tracking)

• Project Management

• Document Management 

• Mobile Staff App 

Membership Management

• Maintenance Database & Contact Management

• Fully Automated Renewal Process 

• Custom Membership Structures - This offers some flexibility in terms of customizing and management of memberships.  It will make it so much easier with Application Forms online and connected on the back end. 

• Communications Maximize member and prospect interaction with integrated communication like email automation, push notifications, communication tracking, note logging, meeting/phone call tracking, etc. 
• Continuing Education:  Education offerings and credit tracking are valuable member benefits, a revenue generator, and a staff timesaver. 
• Chapter or Specialty Management:    Scale our operations to optimize the member experience. Manage chapter structure, connect membership applications with a chapter, and execute member communication at the chapter level. 

Member Engagement

All board members and ED operate off of one platform, one website, single user sign-on, allowing staff collaboration, tracking of inner-organization communications, measurement of member benefit usage to assess engagement, and providing records of member interactions.  This one, in particular, is killing me, but thankfully many of you and others have made themselves available to me for this support.  

• Member Portal (which gives full access to engagement, attendance, and membership information)
• Job Boards (I have not figured this out yet but why not - I think it will be useful down the road with some planning)
• Member App (Mobile App - YES)
• Member Directory (or rather directories) that provide value-added benefits like increased networking, exposure, and revenue opportunities. 
• Form Builder - essentially internal survey monkey (also connected to records)

Accounting

This is more to supplement and connect the information to member records and work with what is already in place.  It is compatible with our current systems. 

• Automated Invoicing/Due Payment: This will expedite accounting functions and improve accuracy, resulting in lower postage costs, reduced printing, elimination of manual invoice matching, minimized check processing, and freed up staff time. 
• Mobile Card Reader - Payments anywhere anytime
• Reporting: Bring financial data together in one place and generate simple financial snapshots or in-depth reports connected to specific records for a larger snapshot.

Additional Capabilities

• Digital Advertising:  Member-based organizations offer every advertiser's dream audience. Marketing through a membership organization provides advertisers with a valuable opportunity to target a very specific demographic. This is a potential revenue source that we have yet to capitalize on.  This expands our sponsor benefits as well. 
• Sponsorship Leads and Management: From the prospecting stage through the sales cycle and beyond, a robust AMS makes sponsor sales and management a breeze – This would be especially helpful now after Acumatica Summit as I am prospecting leads. Worth noting - this was not a mandatory feature I was seeking but quite a bonus.
• Marketing Automation and Email Campaigns (replacing Mailchimp)

• Event Management:  Online Registration and Payment; Exhibitor and Vendor Management; Virtual Event Integration; On-site Check-In; \

• Event Calendar:   Or calendars - I am very interested in a community calendar as well. 

• Sponsorship Sales Tracking 
• Virtual Platform Integration (e.g., Zoom)