Every day, associations face unique challenges and complexities that can disrupt the progress of even the most highly functioning team. From an unproductive board to lagging member engagement to operational inefficiencies to a lack of strategic focus, these roadblocks and hazards can be difficult to navigate from within. This is where a professional consultant can serve as an association’s GPS, offering fresh perspectives and tailored solutions that enable leadership to successfully steer the association with confidence.
Yet, reaching out for help is often avoided.
Whether it’s cost concerns or stakeholder resistance, the term “consultant” often unnecessarily raises the hair on the back of association leaders’ necks. Whatever the hesitancy may be, here are five reasons why the benefits of using an external consultant to address challenges far outweigh the cost.
1. Objective Evaluation
By looking in from the outside, a consultant’s perspective can objectively identify areas for improvement – alternative approaches – that may be overlooked by those entrenched in the organization’s day-to-day activities. This unbiased assessment by an experienced association management consultant sheds light on inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or outdated practices that may unintentionally impede progress.
2. Specialized Expertise
Whether it’s member engagement, event planning, board and volunteer management, financial management, 360 reviews, or even AMS implementation, consultants have a deep understanding of association industry best practices and trends. This expertise can be invaluable in recognizing specific pain points and developing solutions that align with the association’s unique needs and goals.
3. Fresh Perspectives and Innovative Solutions
Consultants bring an external perspective unencumbered by the organization’s established ways of thinking. They can approach problems with fresh eyes, free from historical assumptions or experiences that may limit staff and even engaged volunteers. A consultant can objectively analyze issues and introduce out-of-the-box approaches without being restricted by the history and habit of the way things have always been done.
4. Efficient Implementation
An effective association management consultant doesn’t just provide recommendations and walk away but can often provide guidance and support during the implementation phase. Their expertise and experience can streamline the process, ensuring that solutions are clearly communicated to all necessary stakeholders and effectively and efficiently implemented. Their continued involvement can minimize disruptions and maximize the impact of any changes, ultimately leading to faster resolution of the association’s challenges.
5. Capacity Building
Engaging a consultant can serve as an opportunity to build capacity within the association. By working closely with the consultant, staff members, including executives, gain valuable insight and skills, enabling them to better manage and address future challenges. This type of knowledge transfer – a roadmap for success – can empower the association to continuously improve and adapt to changing circumstances.
As a bonus, a good consultant will look beyond obvious roadblocks to identify emerging issues before you even realize there’s a problem. Through their work, consultants often uncover opportunities for improvement – or at least awareness – that may not have been part of the original scope of work. Ultimately, a professional consultant perspective helps associations reach their goals, transforming uncertainty into opportunity and vision into reality.
RGI’s consulting processes are designed to gain consensus, develop an envisioned future and allocate the appropriate resources to ensure long-term success. Our only business is helping membership-based organizations succeed. Because we work with a broad spectrum of organizations, we understand the challenges nonprofit leaders face in serving their key stakeholders. As project-based consultants, the RGI team can help your organization with Board Orientation, Strategic Planning, Organizational Alignment, Volunteer Management, and CEO Search. Let’s have a confidential conversation to find out if engaging RGI is the right solution for your association.
Mark McSweeney, CAE
Mark McSweeney, CAE is Vice President of Association Strategies at RGI. He provides executive-level advice and strategy to RGI's current and prospective clients. Beyond consulting projects and developing new partnerships, Mark has served as executive director for various RGI clients.