Before you sign up with a new AMS vendor, ask yourself this question: “Can I spend the next 7-10 years working with this company?” Because if the answer is “no” or “I’m not sure” you might want to think again. Buying an AMS is like entering a marriage. This isn’t a one-off purchase where you
Before choosing a new AMS vendor, ask yourself THIS question… Read More »
As has been noted elsewhere, the AMS market has experienced significant changes over the past year. As one simple but powerful example, Community Brands has purchased four AMS providers (Abila, Aptify, NimbleUser and YourMembership) and moved them under one umbrella. The result of this and other actions in the AMS space means that there are
What efforts are you making to maintain the relationship with your vendor? Read More »
If you’re looking for a new AMS, that’s one of the most important questions you can ask. What makes your association different or unique, as compared to other associations, in terms of the kinds of data you manage? For example, one association I’ve worked with received over 80% of their revenue from grants of one type
When it comes to data management, what makes your association different? Read More »
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard that Community Brands recently acquired YourMembership, Abila, and Aptify. And as of 9am this morning, they’ve also acquired Nimbleuser. That’s four significant and independent AMS providers now under one umbrella company. I’ve had many people ask for my thoughts on this activity in our space. My advice? Watchful waiting. What
Concerned about Community Brands? I recommend watchful waiting Read More »
I’ve noticed in the past few years that more and more associations are using Salesforce as one of (if not the only) database of record in the organization. I assume this is happening, in part, because Salesforce offers ten free licenses to qualified 501c3 organizations, which many associations qualify for. So the temptation to get a very powerful database
Is Salesforce the new Access? Read More »
When you make a significant technology change, like the implementation of a new AMS or LMS, not only will you be making a technology change; you’ll also most likely be making some cultural changes, too. What do I mean by cultural changes? Things like who is responsible for what data. How we process data. How
It won't be just the technology that changes… Read More »
When I talk with software vendors who are new to the association space (or at least new to me!), I always ask them: “What is your customer sweetspot?” What I mean by that is, what does your ideal association customer look like? Associations come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s very unusual that a
Do you know your member "sweetspot"? Read More »
Consulting guru Alan Weiss often says “Logic makes you think, emotion makes you act.” I’m reminded of this when I work with my clients during selection of a new AMS. Using the process I use, my clients will wind up with two or three really strong options for a new system. As some of them
Don't be afraid to follow your gut when choosing software Read More »
I read today that Nielsen reports that the average household has 189 channels. They watch 17 of them. That means the average household is watching less than 10% of all the channels it has access to. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing? I often hear my clients say “We’re barely using any of
Are you using all of your AMS's features? And should you? Read More »
If you read my work, you know that I have a strong bias for off-the-shelf (OTS) software for managing an association. I’ve written extensively about why that is, but one the most important reasons for using OTS software is that the software is supported by a company rather than a single person. Over the years
Does your technology have a single point of failure? Read More »