Power Tools for Association Executives & Volunteer Leaders

Wondering how to increase non-dues revenue? Elaine Gast highlights methods two Associations used to generate income from Association events. A free cocktail event for affiliates given by the Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® brought in $45,000 in sponsorship money. "“During the event, we have information on sponsorship packages lying out on the tables. I make a soft-sell presentation on our two different levels of sponsorship: Platinum at $6,200 and Gold at $2,200. Affiliates can choose from up to 20 packages, offering them different types of exposure at events throughout the year,” Fetyko [of the Greater Syracuse Association explains. For example, an affiliate at the Gold level might sponsor the dinner, drink tickets, or entertainment at the association’s annual gala. For their sponsorship, affiliates get exposure in the association’s membership directory, signage at the annual golf outing, a listing in the event program, and a verbal mention at the gala."

The REALTOR® Rally sponsored by the Greater Las Vegas Association of REALTORS® raised about $40,000 in profit after expenses. A Rally ticket includes education classes, breakfast, lunch, snacks and all-day admission to the exhibit hall.

Posted on November 27 at 02:19 PM | Permanent Link

Ever wonder how to find a superior speaker for your Association event? The current REALTOR® Association Executive shows what you need to find a great keynote speaker. "Betty Thomas, director of expositions and special events at the California Association of Realtors®, says keynotes and speakers must balance motivation with good, practical advice." Networking with other associations and sharing speakers is a way to keep down costs. "To find a qualified instructor for your new GRI course or a motivational speaker for your next association convention, check out the new speaker recommendation area in the Realtor® Association Resource Exchange (RARE) online at REALTOR.org. Realtor® association executives and their staffs have uploaded the names and contact information for their favorite speakers and instructors."

Posted on November 20 at 10:32 AM | Permanent Link

Realty Watch, a joint program run by volunteers from the Fraser Valley Board, the Greater Vancouver Board and the Chilliwack Board in British Columbia, acts as eyes and ears to assist police. Volunteers report suspicious activities to the police and "fan-out" to search for a missing person or suspicious vehicle or people needing medical assistance. "Realty Watch's most recent success! Again in Langley, a REALTOR® was instrumental in helping RCMP locate a missing teenager. The REALTOR® shared her fan-out text message with a friend, who unbeknownst to her, knew the missing girl. As they were reading the message together, the girl phoned. Police were contacted and she was reunited with her loved ones that afternoon."

Posted on November 13 at 10:18 AM | Permanent Link

Mark Frels provides motivation tips for association volunteers. Since today's volunteers are pressed for time, make sure their volunteer experience is worthwhile. "Staff must focus on the specific talents of the individual volunteer and help that volunteer use those talents in an effective and time-efficient manner. Staff must be sincere with the volunteer and maintain a credible working relationship." Be organized, recognize your volunteers, don't forget about them and use their strongest skills.

Posted on November 6 at 10:52 AM | Permanent Link