“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
Each year, 12 million girls are married before they turn 18. In the United States, only approximately four states have a law prohibiting marriage under the age of 18. And, there are two states where a couple, accompanied by parents, can marry as early as 12 years old. I learned
The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Trye Nichols prompted vocal support for social justice throughout the business community. Organizations of all stripes were quick to issue statements confirming their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2020, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) reported that following George
What is your board’s financial IQ? That’s a question every association CEO should be able to answer. While you may not have a Warren Buffett in the group, hopefully, there are some above-average number crunchers. To adequately fulfill the three duties of a nonprofit board member—Care, Loyalty, and Obedience—a solid
Is your marketing team hanging out at the North Pole while the membership group chills in Antarctica? If these two drivers of engagement are a world apart, it will be challenging to deliver the seamless experience customers expect from their favorite brands. There was a time when associations didn’t think
Value is the association industry’s word of the hour. Customer expectations for online commerce are driving the preoccupation to deliver tangible member benefits paired with exceptional experience. Tired thinking won’t get you to your value happy place. To meet the moment, make an ongoing commitment to innovation. .orgSource senior consultant,
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.
You learn a lot about consumer preferences by reading the reviews on Yelp. Thousands of users are eager to tell you what they love and what makes them crazy. You don’t have to spend much time on the site to understand the difference between outstanding and dismal. Whether it’s a
AI, which once lived on the far horizon, is making a swift and dramatic entrance into our daily lives. The technology promises to upend the way business operates. Yet no one is sure how that new reality will unfold. It’s certain that jobs, which are ubiquitous in the current economy,
The boardroom is the last place where CEOs want to rock the boat. But good governance shouldn’t be comfortable. If too many heads bob in agreement, you might want to take a closer look at who is seated at the table. Collegiality among leaders is a good thing. It can
Have you ever visited a psychic? Just for fun, of course. I wouldn’t suggest that association executives take their cues from tea leaves or the Tarot deck. A little mystery is exciting, right? And, it wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining if those predictions didn’t occasionally ring true. Far be it
Now that “disruption” is a business catch phrase, is “resilience” an equally common term in your professional vocabulary? It’s a word that deserves a prominent place in every management team’s playbook. A global biological disaster was unique in our current experience. It introduced the idea that disruption is more like
Your CMS, LMS, and AMS are chatting happily together. The team is using the new analytics software to plan more effective outreach initiatives. And, members are enjoying your responsive and customized approach. Is it time to put a wrap on digital transformation? After all, you’ve been working to improve your
While some businesses are writing their final pandemic chapter, the healthcare and restaurant industries continue to feel the aftershocks of seismic disruption. Nancy MacRae, MS, CEO of the Emergency Nurses Association and Kristine Hillmer, MBA, CAE, and President and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, are leaders who guided their
If your membership numbers are marching into the red, you and your team are probably focused on trying to identify the cause of the bleeding. Is technology tying your audience in knots? Perhaps it’s content that’s missing the mark. Maybe stale programming is stopping the love? Something flashier might be
