By the flooding of messages and reviews that ReviewMyAMS.com has received in the last few weeks, it’s apparent that many associations are on the hunt for a new management system. If that’s you, don’t despair, just take a look at the man (or woman) in the mirror. Oh and read this post by Chad Stewart of SmartThoughts Solutions. Our personal favorite is #8. Good luck!
Here’s a quick check list for association executives embarking on a selecting a new association management software.
By Chad Stewart
Therefore, before the outward software technology search even begins, here is a quick check list to contemplate:
1. Requirements: Do I have a good idea of your strategy, requirements, and budget?
2. Infrastructure and Integration: Can I host internally or externally via the Cloud? What systems do we need to keep and what systems should we consider an integration with?
3. Accounting: Big question which is often left undetermined until the end. Cash or Accrual? It can be a killer.
4. Membership Structure: What is the complete package of membership offerings and services? If you must constantly match special pricing for members to a system of ranking and pricing schemes, you need software that will do it for you.
5. Event Management: Think about how managing events might be especially critical to your association’s mission and work. How complex is your event planning as regards workshops, vendor invitations, speakers, volunteers and sponsors?
6. Communications: What is your communications strategy? Factor in the importance and frequency of communicating with your members. You should look for software that easily profiles your members and is scalable for use if your association has local chapters.
7. Support: What type of expectations do I have for initial and ongoing support? Local? Culture? Direct or Indirect?
8. Ongoing Costs: Have you included an ongoing line item to allocate for surprise costs? You need to budget for the short and long-term.
9. Peer Reviews: We encourage you to get some feedback from your peers before you embark on the search. Ask for a lister of references or use a site like this one, www.ReviewMyAMS.com.
10. The Search: Do we have the time & talent to do this internally? A quick gut check to see if you have the staff and time to devote to review solutions.
As mentioned before, your primary focus depends on your mission. Whatever your unique needs, we can find the software automation which will give you what you need to succeed in running your nonprofit organization.If you still have questions about how to manage the selection process or need to brainstorm and get going in the right direction, SmartThoughts Solutions can help.