“Set and forget” is a busy professional’s best friend. Automations like scheduled social promotions, email campaigns, and critical calendar reminders are digital conveniences that free space for more important assignments. If only we could take that casual approach to technology in general. Unfortunately, the head-spinning pace of innovations means that
We need another term for “digital transformation.” It sounds instantaneous—as if you could type a few commands and new software would magically turn your organization into a super-powered generator of member engagement and delight. If only it were that simple. Real “transformation” requires a commitment that goes beyond updated equipment.
Delivering member value gets a lot of airplay in this blog and across the association community. There are good reasons for that intense focus. Associations have new, strenuous competitors. Other providers are offering attractive education and networking opportunities; while social and cultural changes are limiting the time volunteers have to
If you ever wondered what magic can create a workerless factory, a home that talks to its owners, or a car capable of communicating with other vehicles and pedestrians, 5G is part of that wizardry. Smart devices characterize the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a topic that continues to be top of mind
Nordstrom is famous for their return policy. They’ll accept an item that may not even be from their store. For this courtesy, they have gained a die-hard fan base. Before Netflix was an idea, Nordstrom knew a thing or two about the value of personalized service. Since 1901, the company
Are you Gucci or Goodwill? Both brands have an audience. But when employees are shopping for a new look, it’s best to be the high-end option. Customer centricity doesn’t apply just to members anymore. Today, it’s equally important to give your employees that white glove treatment. And, if you’re looking
.orgCommunity’s June 9 Innovation Summit showcases the most interesting trends in the association industry and the people who make them happen. Planning this event is an annual reset. It’s an opportunity to consider fresh ideas and the strategies that keep them growing. It’s also a chance to discover the technology that supports
If you recently discovered that your IT bench is missing some important players, you are not alone. As increasing numbers of organizations move toward digital transformation or to strengthen data security, there is a shortage of talent to take them where they need to go. Outsourcing, once a stopgap solution,
Is a hacker haunting your future? Or is your data dilemma more like a recurring headache? Data shouldn’t be a challenge. It’s an asset that should work for you. Two-point-five quintillion bytes of data are generated online daily, according to SaaS Scout Research Group. Data is the meta product of
Ninety percent of success is having the right connections. I love helping my colleagues make those important contacts. .orgCommunity’s Solutions in Action webinar features the association industry’s most resourceful experts. They are providers of the products and services we all need to stay ahead in the digital marketplace. On our September 14th show, we
Are you an association professional with your eye on the corner office? If you also like roller coasters, bumper cars, and Whack-a-Mole, you have what it takes. Being the CEO has never been easy. The job demands a strong stomach, a resilient attitude, and the ability to take risks as
Artificial intelligence has moved into customer service departments. Whether it’s Alexa, Watson, or Hal, you can’t visit a website without a super-friendly little bot popping up on the right side of your screen. We are accustomed to the convenience of getting questions answered immediately. Associations haven’t been so quick to
When do you stop having a choice? In May 2019, when the panel discussion below was first published in the .orgSource newsletter, digital transformation probably wasn’t top of mind for most association leaders. Since 2020 taught us that only the digital survive, new strategies and approaches for IT are on
Moving your in-person conferences and courses to an online platform was like putting on a new pair of prescription glasses. What was once blurry in the background suddenly came into focus. When replicated online, your conference sessions and courses resembled the average webinar—a passive learning experience that prompted attendees to
Remember the good old days? Once every three years, you gathered the board and staff in a conference room with baked goods, a lot of caffeine, and a facilitator. They produced what was euphemistically called a strategic plan. Often this document had more in common with a laundry list than
