Plexus Incubation Model

Are you—or do you know someone that is—the manager of a promising start-up association, of an association that needs the time and resources to turn itself around, or of an association that has reached a plateau and needs, but can’t afford the staff to make the next leap forward? Such associations have traditionally had two options: 1) tough it out using whatever financing and staffing resources they can muster; or 2) hire an association management firm. Frankly neither of these is a great option for many associations in need of immediate growth or reinvigoration.
Plexus Consulting Group has developed a unique third alternative. We call it the “Plexus Incubation Model.” It offers you benefits that are specifically needed by start-ups and struggling associations and those that are fast-growing but don’t have the staff to maintain that growth:

The expertise of a group of experienced association, nonprofit, and for-profit government executives available as you need them;
Expertise in every aspect of association management and leadership—from membership development and convention management, to partnership development, to the essential skills of information systems, accounting, human resources, government affairs and more;
Access to a broad network of contacts and professional support services;
A Washington office if you need access and support for government affairs activities;
An international network of Plexus offices and partners in Europe and Asia-if international growth is part of your plans.
The classic association management model has relied on making it as difficult as possible for an association to cancel out of the management agreement, locking the association in and preventing any development of autonomy. Such agreements, in addition to being constrictive, place a premium on low cost services where quality is not the leading consideration. (the people assigned to your account work for the management firm—not for you). The Plexus Incubation Model, however, is contingent on success. Once an association that has been served under this model grows to the point where it prefers to be stand-alone, the association can do this easily, decreasing the range of Plexus consultants it uses as it takes on more responsibilities directly.

The Plexus Incubation Model is not right for all associations, but if you know of a new or established association with the capability to grow, a progressive leadership, and an active membership—then the Plexus Incubation Model is a course they might wish to pursue.