Idea Center - Mariner Management

Chapter Leaders Wow Us!

Peggy Hoffman — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:33:38 +0000

I just returned from an awesome meeting with the New Jersey Club Managers Association. Why was it awesome? Here was a group of members who even in this tough economy put their association and chapter at the top of their list. These members work long, hard hours for their fellow members. And they are enthusiastic about that, so much so that they spent a full day in a hotel meeting room (with the casinos just about right below us!) talking about how they can do more for their members.

How have you celebrated your members and your volunteers today?

Are Chapter of the Yr Programs Just An Agenda?

Peggy Hoffman — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:44:50 +0000

Just had a conversation with a chapter member -- who has also worn the chapter volunteer hat -- who gave a strong piece of advice to his chapter leaders as they approach the annual planning meeting: "Don't worry about winning Chapter of the Year. Do worry about helping members be better managers, keep their jobs and succeed this year."

A New Year’s Resolution: Thanking Volunteers

Peggy Hoffman — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:29:49 +0000

On my New Year’s resolution list is a simple item – thank my volunteers in a more personal way. Here’s a working list for making that happen ...

A little more holiday for us all!

Peggy Hoffman — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:21:54 +0000

A recent conversation lead to a spirited debate about the use of the word holiday. One focused on its origin ... the other on the more common use ...

Building a Better Volunteer Experience

Peggy Hoffman — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:06:29 +0000

All chapters need them, most say they don’t have enough, and few talk about a growing number. We’re talking about volunteers. And we had an opportunity recently to talk with a chapter which has seen an increase in volunteers this past year: the Silicon Valley Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). Here are a couple of suggestions from them ...

Should seniority "win" in the Senate or in our association?

Peggy Hoffman — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:34:30 +0000

I am constantly amazed at how what is going on all around us has applicability to associations. Check out this article from Sunday's Parade Magazine on Should Congress Stop Rewarding Seniority?

Basically it asks if Senate protocol to award committee chairmanship to the longest-serving members is still valid. It's the same question we should be asking in our associations ... that is if we want to engage new thinking, new communication channels and new faces (not to mention the new generation). What do you think?

Members Say Chapters Important in 2009

Peggy Hoffman — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:28:26 +0000

Here are snippets from dozen of conversations I’ve been having with chapter leaders and members scattered across the country. They represent four different associations, but see the common threads?

Meet a Chapter that’s Helping its Association Weather the Times

Peggy Hoffman — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:13:06 +0000

Not one association mentioned an obvious strategy for weathering an economic downturn in V. Dion Haynes article appearing in the Monday, December 15, 2008 Business Section of the Washington Post, Trade Groups Regroup. The article looked at how associations are struggling and referred to strategies like trimming staffs, downsizing shows, webinars, and either slashing dues to save members or raising to replace lost revenue.

What about chapters? What about a strategy that leverages chapters to deliver more affordable education, provide job supports and build strong relationships between members?

Do We Need to Hire an Administrator?

admin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:50:47 +0000

Volunteer-managed chapters often struggle with the question, “At what
point do we need to hire outside help?” The answer depends on several
factors...

Movie Time! Two Slideshows to Help You Build Community

Peggy Hoffman — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:55:03 +0000

Two slideshows to watch if you’re the least interested in how components – face-to-face and virtual – fit into your association.

The message of both is really about building community.