Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but that isn’t always the case. If your association doesn’t have a clear technology vision and plan, the programs and tools designed to improve your organization can work against you.

Here are three technology traps to watch for in your association.

Technology Trap #1: Shiny Object Syndrome

It can be tempting to jump on the latest technology fad and convince yourself your organization must invest in it. For example, does your association really need a custom app?

Maybe.

But before you spend precious budget dollars on building one, be sure you understand why you are doing it first. How will the technology help your organization? Is the area a pain point – or is this a “nice to have” expenditure?

Buying something just because it is cool or trendy doesn’t pass the spending test.

Technology Trap #2: Creating a Piecemeal System

This month your association is focused on email, so you subscribe to a newsletter service. Next month, the focus shifts to online registration, so you subscribe to a different provider for that. Then your association decides to dedicate time and resources to blogging, so you invest in a content management system.

Before you know it, you have accounts all across the internet and monthly payments to multiple services.

Streamline your association’s service providers by investing in a membership management service that offers all the tools you need.

Not having to remember numerous passwords is a benefit for using an all-in-one system.

However, the biggest benefit is comprehensive reporting. By having all your information in one place, you won’t have to export data from all the accounts and then try to synchronize it in a spreadsheet.

Technology Trap #3: Not Using All Tools Available

Now that you’ve invested in membership marketing software, are you taking advantage of all the resources available?

It can be tempting to continue to keep your email list with another provider – it’s a huge list with multiple segments and the monthly payment may not seem like that much. (Beware: it adds up over time!)

Importing all your data into a new system can feel intimidating, and not worth the immediate effort. But in the long run, your life will be a lot easier.

Take advantage of the professionals who work for the membership management software company – they are there to help you get your data imported and working.

Technology can be a huge expense for associations. Before investing, pinpoint exactly how the software will benefit your organization. Take a look at both time and cost savings to determine if you are making a wise investment.