Field Guide to Association Shared Services
(Updated March 2007)
Meaningful partnerships are the foundation for success. Whether the motivation to "share services" or partner with another association is economic, or to offer new, increased and improved services for members, there is information to help you do just that. Below you will find a selection of articles and books pointing out the positive aspects, as well as, the 'how-to' to partnering.
Also visit the Shared Services page and RARE database on Realtor.org for sample agreements, manuals, and other material on shared services. (M. Glick, Senior Information Specialist)
Contents:
Shared Services: The Basics | Building Partnerships & Making Them Work | Examples of Shared Services | Books, eBooks & Other Resources
Advantages of Partnerships
2. Enhanced market image and credibility.
3. Access to valuable new technology.
4. Access to needed capital.
5. Shared risk in research and development investments.
6. Access to the basic entrepreneurial know-how in a particular industry.
7. Shared use of common infrastructure.
Source: Partnership profile: A guide to effective collaboration and partnering, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Summer 1998).
The 4 C's of Successful Partnerships
Commitment
Communication
Compromise
Caring about Success
Source: REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Summer 1998.
"Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success" quoted by Christopher Lisch
Shared Services: The Basics
Do You Teach Enough?, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Aug. 2006).
Shared Services Workshop Reports, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Fall 2003).
Shared Services: MLSs Share data, costs, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Spring 2003).
Greater Gatherings: Joint Association meetings, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Winter 2003).
Come together, (Association Management, Nov. 2002). Q
Leveraging partnerships to inspire trust and foster growth, (Association Management, July 2001). Q
Consider collaborative relationships, (Association Management, Apr. 2001). Q
Partnering for success: Mergers, joint ventures and partnerships, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Fall 2000).
Partnership profile: a guide to effective collaboration and partnering, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Summer 1998). Q
Unleash the power of partnerships, (Today's Association Executive, Summer 1998).
Building Partnerships & Making Them Work
30 collaboration ideas for better member service and association efficiency, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Summer 2006).
re-imagining Board Communication, (Association Management, July. 2005). Q
IT Made EZ, (Association Management, Nov. 2004). Q
Cultivating Corporate Relationships, (Association Management, Sept. 2004). Q
Partnerships for Opportunity, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Winter 2003).
Establishing effective partnerships, (Association Management, Apr. 2002). Q
Partnering for global growth, (Association Management, Oct. 2001). Q
Leveraging partnerships to inspire trust and foster growth, (Association Management, July 2001). Q
Examples of Shared Services
Unlocking The Benefits of Shared Services, (Workforce Management, Feb. 12, 2007). Q
Technology for Shared Services, (Government Financial Review, Dec. 2006). Q
Multistate Training Leadership Academy, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Summer 2003).
GAD sharing program increases ease of association political involvement, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Fall 2001).
Providing internet access as a member service, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Winter 1998).
Unleash the power of partnerships: Several REALTOR® associations show how partnerships make sound business sense, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Summer 1998).
Shared resources, shared savings, (Association Management, June 1998). Q
Business partner program is team effort, (REALTOR® Association Executive Magazine, Fall 1997).
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders (Adobe eReader)
Powerful Conversations, How High Impact Leaders Communicate (Mobipocket)
Co-Leaders: The Power of Partnerships (Overdrive Digital Audiobook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
Achieving sponsorship success, Washington D.C.: American Society of Association Executives, 2002). HF 294 B62
Partnering intelligence, (Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black Publishing, 1999). HD 69 D43
Trusted partners: how companies build mutual trust and win together, (New York, NY: The Free Press, 1999). HD 69 L58
Basics of associations mergers, (1995). HD 296 V81
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Association Mergers & Partnerships
Field Guide to Communication for Associations
Field Guide to Partnerships and Teams
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The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
