ADS - Association Connection

Closing the Gap in the Construction Trades

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 21:28:00 GMT

The construction skilled trades are facing serious labor shortages, and have been for some time. The COVID pandemic only enhanced this issue, leaving trade leaders desperate to fill positions, and often putting themselves back in the field to mitigate delays. In many cases, there are more job openings than there are eligible workers to fill them, leaving contractors scrambling to recruit workers.

What is Causing this Gap?

The primary issue that has only been worsening in recent years is the lack of awareness about skilled trade career opportunities among young people. High school students are often fed a narrative that makes college seem like the only pathway to success, therefore disregarding other non-traditional career paths including the trades. Those in the skilled trades are aware that that is not at all the case.

Trade schools and community colleges must be normalized as just as much of a viable pathway to success as four-year colleges. They provide the same resources for students to gain knowledge and experience to help them figure out the career they want to pursue. The only difference is time and money spent; programs at trade schools often take less than four years to complete and tend to cost less than a traditional four-year university.

Construction Trades Myths

1. The trades are best suited for students who don’t do well in school.

The trades offer fantastic career opportunities for all, not just those who don’t see college as the right fit. Just like colleges do, trade schools teach valuable life skills alongside curriculum, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Trade school should be viewed as a more accessible option for those who wish to have a thriving and successful career, not as a secondary option to a four-year college.

Those who enter the trades have plenty of opportunity to succeed and thrive within their industry. Project manager, business owner, and inspector are just a few of the many prestigious positions you can work your way up to in the trades.

2. Salaries are low in the construction trades.

The misconception that skilled trade salaries are is not only harmful, but also incorrect. As the value of a bachelor’s degree depreciates, worker shortages in the trades push wages higher and higher as employers desperately look to attract new workers.

Median Construction Trades Salaries as of 2020

Boilermaker $65,360
Construction & Building Inspectors $62,860
Electrician $56,900
Ironworker $53,210
Sheet Metal Worker $51,370
Carpenter $49,520
Insulation Contractor $45,820

Median salaries gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

In addition, because of favoritism toward four-year colleges and bachelor’s degrees, the trades are experiencing shortages in workers. As a result, many jobs in the trades have only seen salaries and wages increase as demand skyrockets, providing even more opportunity to prospective workers.

3. All jobs in the construction trades are physically demanding and dangerous.

Safety is the number one priority for construction companies. There are plenty of rules and regulations in place to protect employees and provide a safe working environment.

4. There are years of training before you can even start working.

Many programs in the construction industry allow students to “earn while they learn,” incentivizing the younger generation to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field while getting paid. Employers of the trades are dedicated to creating a work environment that facilitates growth, learning, success, and fulfillment.

According to Best Colleges, a trade school education on average costs a total of $33,000, which is roughly equivalent to the price of a single year's tuition at a four-year college. Additionally, trade school tends to be more streamlined, often assisting students in getting jobs through the school’s industry ties and securing them recession-proof, future-proof work (as we saw with the COVID pandemic, in which many of the trades were deemed essential work).

How our clients are working to close the gap:

Our clients are dedicated to ensuring the success and longevity of the trades, and teaching the younger generation about its importance and legitimacy as a career choice. ADS works side by side with clients to help with these efforts, including but not limited to the following:

Participation in college and career fairs at local high schools, colleges, and trade schools
Development of scholarship programs, apprenticeships opportunities and online learning resources
Partnerships with local community organizations
Partnerships with local politicians, who are working toward building awareness for the skilled trades
Events and committees for young people or those new to the industry
Creating a sense of community within the trades by strengthening association participation and engagement

What is an Association Management Company (AMC)?

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 17:14:17 GMT

“To put it simply, instead of associations hiring staff, buying or renting office space or purchasing supplies and equipment, they can hire an AMC, like Association Development Services (ADS).”

For many this may be the first time you have even heard of an association management company (AMC), but it shouldn’t be the last. For trade organizations, not-for-profits and member societies, enlisting the services of an AMC can be extremely beneficial. AMCs have been helping organizations, for more than a century, run effectively and efficiently with their wide scope of services.

To put it simply, instead of associations hiring staff, buying or renting office space or purchasing supplies and equipment, they can hire an AMC, like Association Development Services (ADS).

Knowledge & Expertise:

AMCs have a wealth of knowledge and expertise all under one roof. Tasks that may seem taunting to board members and volunteers are achievable with an AMC in your corner. Staff members are assigned to specific aspects of your association that they are highly trained in.

The world of associations is always rapidly changing, making it impossible for an organization to keep up on its own. Many times AMCs help associations in their “technological transition”. Associations are usually aware that this needs to happen, but are intimidated by the premise of entering the unknown. As a company, AMCs must be current on all association trends and be able to antedate changes.

Continuity:

As with all associations, leadership changes. Even at these times of transition, an association needs to maintain continuity and operate effectively. An AMC can ensure that every transition is a smooth one. Rather than playing a guessing game with who knows what, the AMC has procedures in place that will confirm that all new board members, committee members, volunteers and staff know exactly what their role entails.

Customer Service:

According to several industry reports, members from associations who have AMCs handling their day to day office operations experience a much higher level of customer service and professionalism then those who don’t. AMC staff members know how to communicate effectively with members, potential members and partners.

Having a centralized office that serves as an organization’s headquarters, also helps with the perception that members and non-members have on the association. Being able to mail something directly to an office location, rather than a PO Box, has a huge impact. This is the simplest way to build trust and recognition for your association.

How does it work?

Full-Service Management

Management services relating to all operating disciplines, such as membership, marketing, financial management, meeting and event planning, etc.

Outsourced Services

Services provided in one of more areas of operation. This could include planning of a special event, marketing services, education, etc.

About ADS: For over thirty years, ADS has worked with numerous trade associations, with the sole mission of providing customized management services that will grow each client into a prosperous organization. Using the knowledge and expertise developed over two decades, ADS can put any association on the right track to achieve their goals.

Services include: membership development and retention, event planning and management, financial management, communications and creative services and general administration.

Contact us today!

Association Development Services

516-677-5183 | info@associationdev.com

Association Management Companies (AMCs) – Fact or Fiction

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 20:58:58 GMT

Your AMC Facts and Fictions Addressed!

Once you hire an AMC, you will get lost in the shuffle with all of their other clients.

Fiction – At ADS, all of our new clients are assigned a dedicated team of professionals with the shared goal of ensuring your association’s success.

If you have an Executive Director and support staff, you do not need an AMC.

Fiction – Just because you have an Executive Director and/or support staff does not mean that you wouldn’t benefit from the services of an AMC. Your association can enlist outsourced services, like event planning, marketing/PR or publication management, etc., from an AMC. Your Executive Director and support staff will be able to focus on important tasks, while the AMC handles the rest!

Associations of all sizes and industries can utilize the services of an AMC.

Fact – Any association can benefit from the services offered by an AMC. Whether you need someone to run all day-to-day operations of your association, or if you need someone to plan and manage one event a year, an AMC can help.

AMCs are too expensive.

Fiction – AMCs can provide cost-effective solutions to clients. Instead of hiring staff, buying or renting office space or purchasing supplies and equipment, associations can get these resources from an AMC. These solutions alone, can save an association a significant amount of time and money.

Transitioning to an AMC is too difficult to take on.

Fiction – At ADS, we work hard to ensure that each client’s data and information is transitioned seamlessly to our office and staff. We know what we need to set up your association for success.

AMCs ensure continuity for an association.

Fact – As with all associations, leadership changes. Even at these times of transition, an association must maintain continuity. An AMC can ensure that every transition is a smooth one. Rather than playing a guessing game, the AMC has procedures in place that will confirm that all new board members, committee members, volunteers and staff know exactly what their role entails.

Find out how ADS can help your association succeed! Contact us today!

Questions to Ask When Hiring an Association Management Company (AMC)

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 20:52:21 GMT

Deciding to hire an association management company (AMC) is a critically important step for your association. The process of researching companies can be pretty hectic and confusing, so it is important to know what to ask when speaking to these companies. We have outlined the most important questions to ask an AMC that will give you a significant overview of the AMC and how they would work with your association.

1. EXPERIENCE

Just like you would ask for details of prior experience from a job candidate, it is crucial to inquire about an AMC’s experience managing associations. Key questions, like how long they have been in business, are great because they usually lead to a history of the company. It is always interesting to learn how a company was founded and how they have grown since then.

The next part of this question is how can their experience help your association? If your association is struggling to gain members and the AMC has experience successfully growing membership, then the AMC may be a great fit for you. The AMC will have procedures and systems established and in place to ensure that client associations are constantly increasing their memberships.

2. EXPERTISE

What industries do they represent? An organization that represents associations in the same or similar industry as your association is always a plus.

Do they have expertise in certain services that would make them stand out from other AMCs? Are they able to provide examples of previous works? Finding an AMC that is an expert in something your association is really struggling with, is great because they know what works and have the resources to make it work for your association.

3. REFERRALS

Requesting referrals from current clients of the AMC can be an extremely effective way to judge if the AMC is a good fit for your association. The AMC should be more than happy to share with you contact information for key members in the associations they work with. Be sure to have a list of questions ready that you would like to ask that person. Below are a few sample questions to ask when speaking to one of the referrals:

How long have you been a client of the AMC?
What services does the AMC provide to your association?
How has your experience been working with the AMC and its staff members?
What was the condition of your association prior to partnering with the AMC?
How has the AMC helped your association?
What goals did you have when you first partnered with the AMC and have those goals been met?
Is there anything you wish the AMC could do better?

4. IMPLEMENTATION

How will the AMC implement the transition process of your association to their company? This transition can be a bit chaotic, as there are many moving parts to your association. Does the AMC have an implementation team that will work with you to ensure that all data, documents, and information is transferred over?

5. STAFF

Who will be your key contact person in the AMC office? What other staff members will be working on your account? Will those staff members attend meetings/events? It is important to know who you will be working with and who will be handling each aspect of your association.

A question that always comes to mind for business owners and managers is what happens if my contact person leaves the company? The great thing about AMCs is that you don’t really have to worry about this. The AMC is constantly creating procedures that it will ensure your association is always properly attended to. With a professional AMC, the transition to a new employee should be a seamless and effortless process for you. The other side to this is what if your association implements a new program, event, etc., and, therefore, needs more staff. Just like an AMC can seamlessly transition a new employee into a position, they can also allocate the resources of a highly trained person to take care of the new program.

6. STRATEGY

How does the AMC go about developing a strategy for a new association? Is the board of directors involved in this process? You certainly do not want to be in the dark when it comes to the future of your association, so its good to be sure that the AMC is open to collaboration and won’t strategize blindly without any feedback from association members.

7. OUTSOURCED SERVICES

Many times, AMCs outsource certain services to companies with which they have partnered with. These could be outside website providers, accountants, public relations or marketing agencies, copywriters, etc. Based on the services you would need from the AMC, they should be able to provide you with information on which, if any, of those services will be done by an outside company.

Also, a large benefit of using an AMC is that they have a network of providers that they use for their clients. These can include venues, speakers, entertainment, etc. This is a great advantage to have when putting together an event. Instead of doing hours and hours of research, the AMC has a short list of speakers they have used in the past and can recommend to your association.

8. SUCCESS

It may seem cliché, but finding out what an AMC considers to be a success shows a lot about how they feel about their clients. This could be the deciding factor to choosing an AMC for your association.

CONTACT ADS TODAY! (We can answer all of these questions!)

You Just Became President of Your Association…. Now What?

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:47:00 GMT

Congratulations! You’re the newly appointed president of your association. Though that comes with a lot of excitement, it also comes with a lot of responsibility.

You’ve probably already begun thinking of new possibilities to implement with your newfound position. It is important to properly plan and prepare so the actions you take are carried out efficiently, effectively, and with the best interest for your association.

It can be difficult to know the best methods for carrying out your ideas. Keep reading below to see how to get started.

Your Term Strategy

Outlining your plan for the year is an imperative first step to your term. What is it that you want to achieve during your term? Once you have decided your goals, it is important to develop a strategy to complete each goal. The key to a successful term is knowing what you want to accomplish and how you will do it.

Membership Development Goals

1. Increase membership for your association

A lot goes into increasing association membership, and your course of action can depend on the steps your predecessors have already taken. Consider the following:

Look into revamping membership marketing materials. Update with new pictures, committees, events, testimonials, and any other assessed needs.
Utilize new strategic ways of reaching prospective members.

2. Get new and returning members involved in your association

Maintaining active participation within your association is just as important as gaining new members. The life of your association depends on active and enthused members and their consistent participation. Consider the following actions:

o Start a mentor program, where each board member takes a new member under their wing. This will be a great program to help develop future leaders of the organization.

3. Get members engaged

Just as it is important to get members involved, it is important to make members feel valued within your association. Keep your members interests in mind when planning events and making decisions, such as the following:

Make a point to personally invite them to meetings/events.
Schedule events that members will be excited to go to, and survey if you need a better idea.
Encourage members to join committees or be involved in projects for the association.
Allow for members to bring about new ideas that will better the organization and discuss in an open forum.

Financial Management Goals

Although it may not be the most exciting part of you new role, financial management of your association is an imperative part of keeping it running smoothly. Taking time to thoroughly go over your association’s financial needs, requirements, and goals will ensure its success. Make sure you do the following:

o Take time to understand every financial document that is given to you, while insisting on proper financial procedures to take place.

o Implement programs that will provide profits other than just relying on dues.

o Collect money in an efficient manner.

Executive Board Development Goals

As president, you have a responsibility to stay actively involved and dedicated to your association. Having strong, equally as involved committees and boards on your side is necessary to maintain its strength and longevity. Appoint special focus to the following:

o Build a strong board. It is important to develop board members into a team that works together seamlessly.

o Evaluate the association’s current committees. There may be existing committees that are unnecessary for the success of the association. This may not mean to get rid of the committee entirely, but instead merge it with another committee that may also not be as active. On the other hand, there may be a portion of the association that is not covered by any committee, therefore requiring for a new committee to be created.

o Set aside time during each board meeting to give members the opportunity to report any ideas they may have for the organization.

Leadership Goals

As president, leading your association is your primary responsibility. Working alongside other members in leadership positions within your association to ensure its best interests are being considered among leadership will keep things running efficiently. Consider the following:

Allow for the vice president/president elect to learn as much as possible so that they are prepared for their upcoming term as president.
Plan and prepare leadership development events to encourage growth
Utilize your executive officer/director as a key resource for advice on various issues that may arise.
Show support for your committees, attend one meeting of each committee. You will not be there to run the meeting or step on any committee member’s toes.
While at various events/meetings, try to introduce yourself to each member.
Reach out to past presidents for advice and guidance.

The role of association president comes with a myriad of responsibilities. Let ADS help you keep your association operating smoothly in your new role by helping you to develop an effective management strategy for your term and beyond. Get in contact with us today!

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

danielle@psdigitalli.com (Danielle Speciale) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:18:37 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

danielle@psdigitalli.com (Danielle Speciale) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:18:36 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.