Follow these tips for better work relations among associations and consultants, derived from a discussion of more than 40 association professionals…

Vague specifications, insufficient lead time, and failure to plan for post-implementation are just a few of the factors that can cause an IT project…

Don't sign that hotel or other venue contract until you're sure that the insurance language is correct. If you do sign, you might be agreeing…

This comprehensive request for approval, submitted by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, outlines how the author…

This sample RFP was submitted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for the purposes of soliciting bids from printing companies interested…

Use this sample to assist you in developing an RFP for outsourced accounting services.

Thinking of hiring a PR agency or finding a new one? Answer these questions before you decide on the type of agency you need, set selection criteria,…

Smart questions to ask before you decide on the type of agency you need, set selection criteria, and lay search committee ground rules. Plus, a sidebar…

Request for Proposal for an annual conference, outlining several points of historical data and anticipated needs for the meeting.

If you are looking for someone to create a diversity manual for your association in the future, this RFP from the Associated Builders & Contractors…

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a hosted software application that is provided to your organization over the internet by a vendor. Your organization…

The right outside partner can be a dream come true for your association. When that dream butts up against ugly reality, is it too late to repair

With the right partnership, strategic outsourcing can improve your organization's trade show or convention. An association executive describes his…

Twenty tips for making the consultant-client relationship succeed--from those who should know.

Harmonious relationships between clients and consultants start with the right chemistry and gain momentum with a foundation of trust, a solid contract,…

Nobody likes the bad apples in the consultants' barrel. Association executives talk up their best and worst experiences with consultants, and offer…

When working with consultants, avoid potential pitfalls (and tax implications) with the right contract.

Most associations possess four things that constitute real value when trying to attract a strategic partner and when negotiating the terms of an

It's up to consultants to decide when not doing anything or not getting a potential project is the right call for an association or business. Let…

Insurance isn't a topic that floats a lot of boats, especially when the premium invoice arrives. Most of us would rather miss the boat entirely than…

How well do meeting planners and suppliers know each other and how each group likes to do business? The moderator of a lively interchange between…

Start your projects on solid footing by putting all your agreements with clients in writing, whether formal or informal, but the simpler, the better.…

With every new fancy technology that an organization begins to rely on, its relationship with its IT vendor becomes more and more vital. Follow these…

Developing an open and honest relationship between a hotel and a meeting planner is crucial to creating a successful and profitable meeting for both…

Don't overlook indirect, unbudgeted, or underbudgeted costs when purchasing an AMS.

Follow this primer to guide your state associations in hiring a lobbyist.

Feeling overwhelmed by your out-of-town meeting to-do list? Outsourcing some responsibilities to a DMC may take some of the burden off your plate…

Association executives give their rationales for why they do or don't seek outside assistance with meetings management.

Contracting with a managed service provider to assume responsibility for the administration of your association's computer network needs can contribute…

How association management companies can partner with associations.

Learn how a committed team of association insiders came together with systems analysts and software experts to deliver a state-of-the-art learning…

Choosing a Web development company to develop a customized system or choosing a vendor to supply a prepackaged system is a tough decision, and one…

Make the most of your contract relationships by learning how to hire and supervise federal and state lobbyists.

In the past year, association executives and their boards of directors have been examining vendor relationships. While the effectiveness of a vendor…

This sample RFP was submitted by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE). This concise RFP is targeted towards finding an advertising or

This request for proposal for an Association Management System (AMS) checklist developed by the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants…

Banks offer a host of online services that can help associations streamline their dues collection, international payment, and accounting procedures.…

As an early adapter to the world of Web logs, or blogs, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America has many lessons to reveal to associations looking…

Outsourcing can be a sound business decision, if you pick your partner wisely. When embarking on a search for an outsourcing partner, be sure…

Are you devoting so much staff time to database management, accounting, and other noncore functions that you're not able to focus on the things that…

How well do meeting planners and suppliers know each other and how each group likes to do business? The moderator of a lively interchange between…

See how your financial operations, accounting policies, and office management services stack up against other organizations of similar size and type.…

Follow this case study to learn how one association has implemented MemberClicks to lighten the administrative burdens of its local sections.

These sample RFP questions for Investment Advisory Services, developed by The Capital Advisory Group, covers 15 key questions that organizations

How the American Library Association built a site that benefits the public while successfully promoting the power of libraries.

Among all the aspects of an event that must be carefully planned, security is an absolute must. An expert on security at association conferences

Associations with fewer than 10 staff have many choices when it comes to association management software (AMS) systems. Options range broadly…

Is your association planning on having an audit in the near future? Then, this sample, submitted by Tate & Tryon CPAs and Consultants, can help.

Outsourcing is an effective and efficient strategy that allows associations to concentrate on their core competencies. Use the four tips outlined…

After years of working closely together, it's only natural that a business partner can also become a friend. In this month's Associations Now…

The United Soybean Board shares a number of things in common with traditional trade associations, but the way it accomplishes its goals is radically…

Part 1 of a two-part feature
Decrease your organization's indirect and even direct costs through strategically sourced procurement—buying…

In Tom Rogers' May article, part one, he discussed how smarter procurement practices can help organizations reduce costs, while simultaneously improving…

The more you know about the characteristics of paper, the better able you will be to save money and ensure a high-quality printing job.

The Women's Transportation Seminar conducted a full website and AMS upgrade this year and learned a lot along the way about working on such a significant…

Don't get stuck looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Think about hiring some virtual staff so you can spend your valuable time growing…

"Cloud computing" has gotten buzz of late as a way to make your IT operations more efficient and save on staff costs. But the cloud isn't perfect…

Before you can hire the right consultant, you have to know who offers the services you seek. This advice on targeted vendor directories and smart…

Why do organizations choose to customize their systems instead of changing their internal procedures?

When public relations is needed but staff is swamped, consider outsourcing some or all of the work to a PR agency.