Technology is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal, yet only 25 percent of associations prioritize technology to help manage their organizations, according to Salesforce. That means three-quarters of associations are losing out on opportunities to better engage with members and position themselves successfully in the long run.

“Getting on board with a strong technology strategy can help you navigate the tech world and find the best tools and resources to keep things going strong at your association,” says Audra Hopkins on the Web Scribble blog.

To jumpstart your technology strategy, Hopkins recommends:

Strategizing your tech goals. “By carving out specific goals and prioritizing what you’d like to see from the technology you use, you can be sure your technology strategy satisfies the needs your association, your staff, and your members have,” she says.

Creating a technology budget. No matter if it’s big or small, setting a budget outlines for the whole team what tech should be prioritized and what can wait until next year.

Doing your research. “Before making any quick decisions, you want to spend time researching what your association needs in terms of technology,” Hopkins says. “Of course, there will be many great tools and software your association can purchase, but you need to compare and contrast based on your association’s needs and desires in order to match up with your ideal technology.”

Evaluating your tech over time. Technology is always evolving, so what tools work for you now might not be the best solution in the future. Continually loop back in on your current tech strategy to make sure it’s still efficient and adapt as needed.

Resources to Amp Up Your Content

Whoa. This is a HUGE (and very useful) list! #ContentTECH https://t.co/KikVAjWghC

— Content Marketing Institute (@CMIContent) January 18, 2019

Content strategy is about more than just words—it’s about new ideas, research, targeting the right audience, marketing, SEO, and more. If you’re wondering how to get started, or hitting writer’s block, the MarketMuse blog shares 183 resources to help up your content game.

“Keeping abreast of industry news, learning new skills, or finding content strategy tips as a content strategist doesn’t have to be a chore, and you don’t have to do your job in a vacuum,” says Stephen Jeske in the post. “Following people, groups, and blogs; attending classes and events; and reading the right books can help you up your content strategy game.”

Other Links of Note

Association marketing personas can help your organization reach your ideal potential members. The HighRoad Solution blog explains.

Starting an advocacy program? Stanford Social Innovation Review shares how to make it effective and sustainable.

Digital transformation only happens when you empower employees. Use these three tactics to do so, says CMSWire.

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