Data doesn’t just sit in systems. It tells stories. It reveals what your members need, how they engage, and where your organization can grow.
But turning that information into action takes more than just a good CRM. It takes strategy.
That’s exactly what we explored in our recent workshop with Salesforce – a session designed for associations ready to do more with their data.
Watch the recording below:
Many associations are sitting on valuable data—member engagement, event participation, certification records, committee involvement, and more—but lack a clear path to use it effectively. A thoughtful data strategy can make the difference if you’re trying to improve retention, enhance the member experience, or guide long-term planning.
This session focused on how to align your organization’s big ideas with data strategies that drive change.
What We Covered
Intros and Agenda
We began by looking at why data is often underused in associations. Without a shared approach, teams may rely on instincts or anecdotal input. But when data becomes a part of everyday conversations, it turns into a strategic tool.
Big Ideas
We explored how associations are already using data to:
- Personalize outreach and program delivery
- Monitor and improve engagement
- Identify members at risk of lapse
- Align staff around shared reporting goals
This part of the session was all about uncovering what’s possible when data works across teams.
Bridging the Gap
Knowing what you want to accomplish is one thing. Making it happen is another. We discussed the most common challenges, like disconnected systems, unclear ownership, and competing priorities, and how to take realistic steps forward. This included:
- Choosing the right tools, like Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud or CRM Analytics
- Building alignment across departments
- Starting small to build long-term momentum
Hands-On Exercise: From Ideas to Strategy
To make the conversation real, participants took part in a guided exercise that connected high-level goals with specific data strategies. A few examples:
- Goal: Improve member onboarding
Strategy: Track completion rates for welcome tasks, engagement with introductory materials, and support requests within the first month - Goal: Grow non-dues revenue
Strategy: Use behavior data to identify members most likely to attend paid events or enroll in learning opportunities
Everyone left with a plan to move forward, not just inspiration.
Ready to Put Your Data to Work?
If your association is ready to move from collecting data to using it strategically, we can help. Fíonta brings experience and empathy to the table. We help associations explore Salesforce, create a clear roadmap, and confidently move forward.