existing staff has the skills, tools and
time necessary to enhance these areas.
If not, your organization may choose
to hire additional staff or partner with
an AMC for specialized management
services.
2.Become familiar with the AMC model.
More than 700 AMCs exist worldwide.
Many AMCs serve as client headquarters, managing day-to-day operations
and providing staff members who are
experts in various management functions. For associations that already
have staff in place, AMCs provide specialized consulting services from
strategic planning and membership
development to communications and
advocacy. The AMC Institute provides
information about the AMC model on
its Web site at
www.AMCInstitute.org.
3.Prepare an RFP. Provide an overview of
your organization and then outline the
scope of services, including financial,
meeting and membership details. Be as
specific as possible and avoid withholding financial information in the interest
of trying to get a low-bid proposal.
Common expectations are critical to a
successful relationship between an
association and an AMC.
4.Distribute your RFP. Solicit proposals
from more than 150 qualified AMCs or
narrow your search by geographic location, size, accreditation status, client
type or management specialization.
5.Evaluate proposals. When evaluating
proposals and interviewing AMCs for
your association, consider years of experience, client mix and loyalty, staffing
options, capability and leadership.
