Diversity Rules the Global Economy, Step Up to Success
We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now. Martin Luther King, Jr. The proof that we are citizens of the world, no matter how fiercely we choose to localize, was one of the pandemic’s profound lessons. Technology has created an interdependent global economy. What happens in a province […]
Maximize the Marriage of Marketing and Technology by Understanding Trends
When marketing got hitched to technology and changed its name to MarTech, their relationship caught fire. That marriage is making an indelible impact on the way associations operate and their ability to engage with members. The MarTech stack, or the digital platforms that professionals use to understand and reach their audiences, is changing so fast that new […]
From Problem Child to Genius—Energizing Chapters
The smiles are back! Yesterday the CDC announced that anyone who is fully vaccinated need not wear a mask in most circumstances. But wait. The comments on my Facebook page tell an interesting story. Everyone isn’t jumping on Open Table or heading to the movies. Some of us are quite happy, thank you very much, […]
Why & How to Bring Back the Lost Art of Listening
Did you ever notice that LISTEN and SILENT are spelled with the same letters—something to think about. Most of us don’t listen well. Listening is not a skill our society values. We’re taught to talk, not listen. But you don’t learn by talking, you learn by listening. When you listen, you might hear something that […]
Want To Innovate? Don’t Get Too Comfortable
A colleague recently confided in me that although her association is facing serious challenges, the board isn’t interested in learning how to govern more effectively. Her attempts to educate them are always met with resistance. You can guess where this group is headed. If they manage to survive over the next few years, it will […]
Be the Voice Your Members Want to Hear—A Content Strategy Makes It Happen
Siloed organizations used to be hard to manage; today, they are a real business liability. Success in the digital marketplace depends on a holistic approach—this is a mantra that I can’t repeat frequently enough. Systems, teams, and departments must all be directed toward common goals. If imposing this level of discipline seems daunting, a content […]
Innovative, Healthy Associations Have a Growth Mindset. Does Yours?
During the pandemic, your association, like many others, had to adopt innovative approaches to member services and operations. You had to rethink education, networking, non-dues revenue generation, volunteering, and governance. More change is on the horizon. As members’ habits and needs continue to change, you’ll have to rise to the occasion again and again. Do […]
How to Think Like an Entrepreneur and Why You Should Want to
My fascination with technology began when I realized it would help me become better at something I love—dealing with challenging problems. Originally, .orgSource was focused on software and hardware solutions. Today, although our scope has expanded to include integrating strategy, systems, and communications, problem-solving remains the core of our business. The puzzle we will never […]
Strategy and Preparation Boost Your E-Learning IQ
Investing in a learning management system is no longer a choice. An LMS is much more than an enhancement to your website. It is essential equipment in a business environment that is challenging organizations to provide smarter, faster, and more engaging solutions for their customers than ever before. People look to the web as their […]
Don’t Wait Until You’re Swamped in Negative Numbers to Call a Consultant
The conference ROI slowly rose like a gator lifting its head from the swamp of negative numbers. But membership dues, product sales, and web analytics are sinking deeper into quicksand. Even facing a dismal scenario like this, the decision to call for outside expertise can be difficult. I understand why leaders hesitate to hire a […]
As the Pandemic Ends—The Need to Reinvent Grows
I found a relic of my former life when I was organizing my files. It was a presentation I created back in January 2020. The title was Association 4.0—Creating Community in a Less Social World. I planned to use the deck to launch a new series of in-person Think Tanks. The topic was going to […]
The Association 4.0 Podcast Series—Build Skills to Succeed in the Digital Marketplace
Podcasts are the perfect learning tool for multitaskers. You can walk the dog, workout, or pick up a Starbucks and be educated and entertained at the same time. That’s why .orgSource, .orgCommunity’s partner consultancy, is excited to launch the Association 4.0 series. If you’re already a podcast fan, you just scored some great new episodes. […]
How To Eat an Elephant—Byte-Size Advice for Making Your Next Big Technology Purchase
What does a technology investment have in common with a woolly mammoth? You guessed it: They are both a big, hairy deal. Whether you’re looking for a small, mid-sized, or major system, a lot is riding on that purchase. The stakes are more about success than money. The goal of any technology platform is to […]
Turn Customers Into Community
How do you grow membership in a harsh climate? Attracting a wider audience and turning those customers into community is a good way to start. We’ve been on notice since well before the pandemic that shifts are occurring in why people join an association and what they want once they sign on. Going virtual has […]
Guarantee Your Success—Network Like Your Career Depends on It
What’s the single best thing you can do for your career? It doesn’t require special training, it’s never too late to get started, better still, it will return your investment of energy and effort many times over. With all those pluses, why isn’t building a strong network at the top of every leader’s list of […]