Newsletter
Home > Newsletter > Current Newsletter

Newsletter - March 2009

President's Message – Leaders... Lead
by G.A. Taylor Fernley, President & CEO

Is anyone else tired of reading those articles or listening to those nightly newscasts featuring such headlines as "Creating Your Downsizing Plan" or "Preparing for Disaster" or, better yet, "The D (Depression) Word... Is it just around the corner?" Well, I am. As a card carrying eternal optimist, I opt to take a dramatically different approach to addressing the current economic environment; namely, not by fear and getting immersed in things I can't control (e.g. the economy, world hunger, etc.); rather by getting immersed in what I can control (my company and its destiny) and helping others do the same.

Just last month, I read Bob Prosen's book entitled "Kiss Theory Good-Bye". In it, he clearly articulated a set of obstacles standing in the way of leaders today and transferable to both the for-profit or non-profit world. He observed that there are 5 "habits" that stand in the way of profitability.
Read more

Organizational Marketing and Advertising: What's Your Plan?
By Benjamin Daniel, Associate Director

The current economic downturn is being felt by for-profit and non-profit organizations alike. As businesses downsize, association memberships can fall victim to budget slashing as non-essential expenditures. Your organization must develop a strategy to remain viable during these difficult times. Now, more than ever, associations have to reinforce and promote the value of member benefits to current and prospective members. A great place to start is by evaluating your association's marketing plan.
Read more

The Value of Membership Reports
By Peter Michener, Manager

One of the most important functions of an association is to manage the membership data. When the data has been managed accurately and effectively, it can be used to generate membership reports that contain far more than just numbers. These reports can paint a picture of association trends which if used correctly, can become a valuable management tool. Membership reports come in a variety of sizes and formats, and can assist Boards and Committees in making logical decisions with regards to the most appropriate allocation of staff and volunteer time in support of membership initiatives.
Read more

Is it Time for a Policy Change?
By Dennis Springer, Director of Operations

Even in good economic times, the annual dues collection process can be challenging. In our current climate of financial uncertainty it becomes even more challenging. An association can't survive without members. In order for associations to endure through the recession it must be flexible. A smart association knows how to balance the welfare of their members against the long-term stability of the organization.
Read more

###

Volunteer Leadership Today is produced quarterly as a service to the non-profit community that Fernley & Fernley, Inc. has served for well over a century. Articles or statements appearing herein are presented for informational purposes and do not constitute legal opinion, advice or judgment, and should not be relied upon as such. Inquiries or comments should be directed to info@fernley.com. For more information on Fernley & Fernley, Inc. and the professional services we offer visit our web site at www.fernley.com or call (215) 564-3484. © 2008 Fernley & Fernley, Inc.