Progressing without technology is nearly impossible for chapters. The more chapters are equipped with advanced tech, the easier it becomes for chambers to manage them all from one centralized platform.
This streamlines data collection, member management, addressing concerns, and performance analysis. And this is just a glimpse; when you dive into the insights, you’ll understand how technology has become the lifeblood of operations.
If you're hesitant to embrace technology at any stage, this blog is here to help you grasp its importance for the world, businesses, organizations, and chambers. Read on to learn how to bridge this crucial gap.
Key Takeaways
- Technology Is Vital for Growth: Chapters lacking modern tech face challenges in operations, finances, and member engagement.
- Enhanced Member Engagement Drives Retention: Engaged members stay longer and contribute more, highlighting the need for effective engagement tools.
- Improved Financial and Operational Efficiency: Automated processes reduce costs and errors, making operations smoother and more resource-efficient.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Technology enables chapters to grow and adapt, handling larger memberships without added strain.
- Glue Up as a Complete Solution: Glue Up provides a comprehensive platform with CRM, event management, finance tools, and AI features to support chapter success.
The Ripple Effects of Inadequate Tech Support
If your chapter lacks sufficient technological advancements, the impact won’t be limited to just one area. Instead, it will ripple throughout all operations, causing widespread disruptions that affect everything and everyone involved.
Here are some of the serious consequences chapters may face:
Impact on Member Engagement
The first adverse effect you’ll notice from lagging technological advancement in your chapter is an inability to engage members effectively. For a chapter to thrive, members need to be proactive, involved, and fully engaged.
This sense of connection and security is essential for sustainability and even revenue. Statistics show that engaged members typically stay with an organization for four years longer and spend 22% more than non-engaged members.
Without effective engagement, why would members stay? They’ll see limited value and look for other options. It’s not that your service quality is lacking, but rather that the methods of communication and engagement have evolved with technology, and chapters must keep pace.
For local chapters, member counts can easily reach hundreds or even thousands, which is a great asset if you have the right technology to keep them engaged and connected.
Financial Limitations
Another effect is chapters start facing financial limitations due to a lack of technology, such as increased operational costs. Manual processes like paper-based record-keeping and data entry lead to higher labor costs and inefficiencies. Outdated systems require more maintenance and cause higher expenses without the benefits of modern technology.
In addition, chapters face inefficient revenue generation without tech. Limited monetization options make it difficult to implement online payment methods, delaying revenue. This is especially crucial as cash use has dropped 42% since 2019 and is projected to be the least-used payment method soon.
Poor technology also hinders online registrations, impacting revenue since 58% of people visit bank branches less, while 61% use mobile banking more, demonstrating the need for chapters to adapt to digital trends.
Missed sponsorships are also a challenge; clear data presentation is essential for attracting sponsors, yet it is difficult without integrated tools. Additionally, chapters face a higher risk of errors and fraud, with manual oversight prone to mistakes and less secure payment processes, increasing vulnerability to financial discrepancies and data breaches.
Team Burnout
The absence of technology places a heavy workload on team members, who manage repetitive tasks that lead to exhaustion and limited engagement. Fragmented communication and lack of real-time data add to their frustration, making it hard to stay aligned and informed.
Manual data entry increases errors, while restricted flexibility and limited delegation options make balancing commitments challenging. Heavy reliance on a few key individuals further heightens burnout risks, lowering motivation and morale.
Stalled Growth and Expansion
Every chapter aims to grow its membership as much as possible, but a lack of technology can severely hinder this growth. Technological limitations make attracting new members challenging, and over time, existing members may start to leave.
Those departing members are likely to refrain from speaking positively about the organization or acting as ambassadors. Instead, they might highlight your shortcomings. Research shows that 69% of associations cite the biggest challenge to membership growth as the lack of perceived value among members.
Important technologies like membership management software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and event management tools add this value, showing that you prioritize member convenience and engagement.
A mobile-friendly website, data analytics tools, and community platforms also play a vital role in making chapters more attractive to prospective members. Investing in the right technology may seem costly upfront, but in the long run, it’s an investment that drives sustainable growth and strengthens your chapter’s reputation.
Lower Overall Productivity
When chapters operate without modern technology, overall productivity is significantly reduced. Manual processes for tasks like membership management, event coordination, and data entry consume excessive time and resources, leading to inefficiency.
The absence of automation tools forces chapters to spend valuable hours on repetitive administrative work that could be streamlined, leaving less time for strategic initiatives and member engagement.
Lack of technology also complicates internal communication and coordination, with team members relying on disjointed methods like emails and spreadsheets to share updates. This fragmented approach increases the chances of errors and miscommunication, slowing workflows and creating bottlenecks.
Furthermore, the absence of data analytics tools means chapters miss out on insights that could help them optimize operations. Instead of making data-driven decisions, chapters are left guessing about member needs, event success, and areas for improvement.
The Benefits of Providing Tech Solutions to Chapters
As we discussed earlier, the challenges that arise without technology can hinder a chapter’s growth and productivity. Now, let’s look at the positive side and explore the benefits of embracing technology.
With the right tech solutions, chapters can unlock new levels of efficiency, engagement, and growth. Here’s what your chapter can gain by bringing technology on board:
Streamlined Operations
Technology plays a central role in streamlining operations. An association management solution (AMS) centralizes all member data and contact information in one place, making it easy to track which members are on specific plans, monitor payment statuses, and identify outstanding dues even when managing hundreds or thousands of members, doesn’t overwhelm your team.
Handling these tasks manually would require significant manpower and time, with reduced accuracy and efficiency compared to an automated system. Technology simplifies these processes, boosting productivity and allowing your team to focus on more impactful activities instead of repetitive administrative tasks.
Enhanced Member Engagement
Technology greatly enhances member engagement by enabling personalized, timely, and relevant interactions. A chapter management solution allows chapters to segment members based on interests, participation levels, and engagement history, making it easier to deliver targeted communication that resonates with each group.
Automated reminders for events, renewals, and updates keep members consistently informed and involved, helping them feel connected and valued. Interactive features like online forums, event registration, and feedback channels create spaces where members can engage actively and inspire a sense of community.
When members feel engaged and connected, their loyalty and commitment to the chapter grow, boosting overall retention and making your chapter a vibrant community.
Improved Data Accuracy
The technology confirms accurate, up-to-date member data, reducing errors caused by manual entry. Automated data collection and centralized records allow chapters to maintain clean, consistent information on members, payments, and event participation.
Accurate data not only enhances decision-making but also builds trust, as members experience seamless interactions based on reliable information. Research shows that bad data costs businesses an average of 30% or more of their revenue, a loss chapters can avoid by investing in reliable technology.
Better Financial Management
Enhanced financial management is possible with tech solutions that automate payment processing, invoicing, and reporting.
Chapters gain clear visibility into dues collection, outstanding payments, and overall financial health, reducing reliance on manual tracking and minimizing errors. Real-time financial insights support better budgeting and forecasting, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Automated reminders for dues and event fees encourage timely payments, improving cash flow. Reliable financial data also builds trust with members and stakeholders, as chapters can confidently report on their financial standing, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Real-Time Insights and Reporting
Access to real-time insights and reporting empowers chapters to make informed, data-driven decisions quickly. Live dashboards and instant access to key metrics allow chapters to gauge member engagement, track event participation, and analyze financial performance at a glance.
Immediate reporting enables chapters to identify trends, address challenges proactively, and optimize strategies without waiting for end-of-month or quarterly reports.
Organizations that implement changes based on data analytics can expect to see sales margins increase between 8 and 25 percent. These insights support more agile decision-making, allowing chapters to respond effectively to member needs and stay aligned with organizational goals.
Greater Scalability
Adopting technology enables chapters to scale their operations more efficiently. Automated processes and centralized data management allow chapters to handle a growing number of members, events, and administrative tasks without a significant increase in workload or resources.
Technology offers the flexibility to expand member services, add new programs, and reach a wider audience while maintaining smooth, consistent operations.
Scalable systems empower chapters to grow their impact, free from the limitations of manual tasks or constrained capacity. Such adaptability supports long-term growth and allows chapters to evolve, effectively meeting member needs as demand rises.
Case Studies: The Power of Technology in Chapter Growth
We’ve discussed the impact of a lack of technology, the challenges it creates, and the benefits it brings in improving operations and productivity. Moving beyond theory, let’s look at practical examples of organizations that utilized technology to transform their operations and drive significant growth.
Here are two cases where technology played a defining role in reshaping business dynamics and unlocking new levels of success.
Case Study 1: How Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce Transformed Membership Management with Glue Up
The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC) aimed to improve member management, communication, and market presence. After recommendations from their Chinese counterparts, TICC adopted Glue Up.
Integrating Glue Up streamlined TICC’s operations. They easily managed members, launched targeted campaigns, and maintained an updated website, all without Excel’s inefficiencies. Automated tools improved accuracy, saved time, and enhanced member engagement.
Glue Up also boosted TICC’s outreach. Targeted emails attracted fresh attendees, and online registrations replaced paper forms, enhancing efficiency and showing their eco-friendly commitment. The user-friendly platform allowed even interns to master tasks quickly, giving TICC more time to connect with members.
With Glue Up’s tech support, TICC has redefined engagement, strengthened connections, and positioned itself for future growth in a digital-first world.
Case Study 2: How the Association of Polish Engineers Enhanced Functionality with Glue Up
The Association of Polish Engineers (STP) previously relied on CiviCRM and WordPress but found these open-source systems overly dependent on a few individuals for maintenance. Seeking a more efficient, professional solution, STP transitioned to Glue Up.
With Glue Up’s comprehensive membership management and seamless integration for websites, events, and mailings, STP significantly streamlined its processes.
The all-in-one platform simplified membership renewals and reduced administrative tasks, allowing the team to focus on member engagement. The auto-renewal feature improved retention rates, while simplified processes helped boost new member acquisition.
STP’s member satisfaction has increased with Glue Up, thanks to smoother operations and better-organized events. While they have only lightly explored Glue Up’s AI features, STP sees promising potential in future use.
How Glue Up Supports Chapters with Tech Solutions
Glue Up has been providing an all-in-one management solution for member organizations, covering all technological needs seamlessly.
As the first AI-powered AMS, it offers a designated suite of features specifically designed to support chapters that may lack advanced technology. From automated workflows to robust membership management, the solution uplifts chapters by streamlining operations, enhancing engagement, and driving growth.
Let’s explore what Glue Up has to offer for your chapter’s success.
CRM
You can centralize all your data, whether contacts or leads, in one place to gain a comprehensive view of members, interactions, and trends. The CRM gives you deep insights into member behaviors, engagement levels, and preferences, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance relationships and boost engagement.
Events
Manage the entire lifecycle of events seamlessly. From registrations and ticketing to post-event analytics, The event management tools simplify planning, improve attendee experiences, and help chapters host impactful events that effectively engage members.
Email Campaigns
Create and personalize communications that resonate with your audience. With Glue Up’s email campaign feature, you can segment your lists, automate follow-ups, and deliver targeted messages that help grow and retain your membership base.
Community
Offer your members a dedicated space to connect, share, and engage with each other and your organization. The community management features promote a sense of belonging and encourage ongoing interaction, making it easy to keep members engaged and informed.
Memberships
The membership management solution automates management processes, from onboarding to renewals. Glue Up simplifies tracking member statuses, processing dues, and handling renewals, reducing administrative burden and improving the overall member experience.
Finance & Invoicing
Streamline the transaction experience for members and administrators. The finance and invoicing tools help you handle payments, dues, and financial records easily, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Surveys & Feedback
Measure and understand member feedback easily. Collect valuable insights through surveys, polls, and feedback tools, allowing your chapter to identify needs, enhance programs, and monitor member satisfaction.
Website Solution
Upgrade your online presence with a professional, customizable website. Website solution provides chapters with the tools needed to build and maintain an engaging website that showcases events, news, and resources while integrating seamlessly with other Glue Up features.
Integrations
You can integrate your solution with other tools to customize workflows to your unique needs. Whether connecting with CRMs, payment processors, or marketing platforms, Glue Up’s integrations make it easy to create a seamless tech ecosystem tailored to your organization.
Glue Up AI Copilot
Capitalize on the power of AI to improve your membership engagement. The AI Copilot assists with event descriptions, emails, and surveys, helping chapters stay proactive and maximize the impact of their engagement efforts.
We’ve explored the many facets of technology, highlighting why it’s essential and how embracing it can transform your chapter’s growth, efficiency, and engagement. The benefits are clear: technology is no longer just an option but a necessity for success.
If you’re convinced and ready to let technology guide you toward new heights, take the first step by booking a demo with Glue Up. Let’s walk this path to success together.
