Database Setup

Overview

Memberships in GrowthZone provide powerful tools to manage and customize your member experience. There is the ability to create multiple membership types or levels, ask tailored membership and demographic questions, and use formulas to assign the correct membership type automatically. GrowthZone includes an opportunity to sell optional add-ons—such as SWAG—and build a comprehensive, searchable Member Directory.

Prepare

Before beginning configuration, prepare the following:

• Compile a list of all membership types and levels.  Include any recurring pricing and one-time fees associated with memberships.
• Outline whether membership types are organization-based or individual-based memberships.
• Identify if any specific memberships have unique formula-based pricing or specific data requirements to support the pricing structure.
• Define which types of payment frequencies are planned for each membership type and determine proration preferences.
• Outline memberships that will be listed in a directory or have unique categories that support directory filtering.
• Identify any specific questions that should be listed on the membership application, and if these vary by membership type.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Create membership types, levels, pricing, and align as organization-based or individual-based memberships
• Define renewal options to support price recalculation, auto-drop, and renewal dates
• Adjust settings for specific payment gateways, invoice templates, and payment terms/conditions
• Adjust settings for various recurring billing, one-time fees, payment frequencies, proration options, and formula-based pricing
• Determine settings to support directories, categories, and membership applications
• Begin creating, customizing, and modifying membership templates aligned to the membership application process
• Allocate time for testing functionality and troubleshooting

Overview

The Communications module in GrowthZone provides a centralized place for managing messages sent to members and contacts. It supports newsletters, event reminders, renewal notices, and general announcements, and allows messages to be targeted to specific groups when needed. The module also includes tools for managing invalid email addresses, scheduling and previewing messages, creating notes and reminders, sending push notifications, and reviewing communication activity and reports.

Preparation

Before beginning configuration, prepare the following:

• Compile a list of communications sent throughout the year, including newsletters, event updates, renewal notices, and general outreach.
• Gather any existing email templates or standard messages that may need to be recreated.
• Consider which groups or committees should be set up for targeted messaging.
• Identify the organization’s domain provider so DNS verification can be completed within the communication settings.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Configure communication settings and manage invalid emails
• Send individual and bulk emails using the address book
• Schedule, preview, and forward messages
• Create notes and reminders
• Create and manage lists/committees (manually or from reports)
• Manage list rosters and opt-outs
• Review communication statistics and reporting options
• Determine whether messages sent outside of GrowthZone should be logged
• Review use of external platforms such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact (if applicable)
• Email Designer – Create fully branded email templates with drag-and-drop customization (if applicable)

Overview

The Events module in GrowthZone serves as the central hub for all event-related activities.  It enables end-to-end management of events, including default settings, event creation, registrations, cancellations, refunds, invitations, communications, invoices, payments, reporting, and more.  Once global settings and event fee items are configured, events can be created, customized, and managed.

Preparation

Before beginning configuration, prepare the following:

• Develop and initial list of events to be created within the Events module.
• Determine whether these events will be managed in one or multiple events calendars.
• Identify whether event categories will be used to support filtering in event searches.
• Identify the fee items required for each event, including any applicable discounts.
• Be ready to share event goals and the type of events your organization plans to offer.
• If applicable to your subscription level, determine whether events will include:
  • Exhibitor booths
  • Session-level registrations
  • Sponsorships with display benefits

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Understand the goals of the Events module and relevant use-case scenarios
• Configure global default event settings
• Create event-related fee items
• Add event categories to support calendar filtering
• Create and modify event calendars
• Review event discount options
• Review sponsor display options (if applicable)
• Review event expo options (if applicable)
• Begin creating, customizing, and modifying events
• Allocate time for building events, testing functionality, and troubleshooting

Overview

The Info Hub provides members with a centralized space to manage and access key information related to their organization. Through the Info Hub, members can view and update contact information, access member resources, review invoices, and interact with additional tools designed to increase engagement and self-service.

Preparation

Before beginning configuration, prepare the following:

• Define branding preferences such as color scheme and content.
• Identify permissions for various access levels, including member and non-member access.
• Begin planning to include how the Info Hub will be promoted to drive adoption and engagement, along with determining which features will be available to members and non-members.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Determine best practices for managing member contact information
• Decide which Member Directories will be displayed
• Review organization invoice visibility setting
• Determine whether member referrals will be offered
• Identify member resources to be made available through the Info Hub
• Review access levels and permissions for members and non-members
• Configure and utilize Web Content items (if applicable)
• Determine use of Forums and Community Discussions (if applicable)