Step Up to AI, But Tread Lightly
Ode to Association Marketing Professionals By ChatGPT In marketing’s realm, an executive ponders, seeking AI’s power, new pathways to wander. With data-driven insights, campaigns take flight, Association marketing soars to new heights. AI analyzes trends, revealing new ways, unveiling patterns, unlocking marketing’s maze. Personalization thrives, engagement’s secured, executives empowered, strategies assured. Influencers are found, partnerships […]
Stay the Course Through Changing Weather—Strategic Advice From Association CEOs
The association industry has a reputation for clinging to traditions as stubbornly as Linus hugs his trademark blanket. As the home of organizations that draw on decades of history, it’s not surprising that we love the security of time-honored strategies. But, our community doesn’t get the credit it deserves for invention. If you need proof […]
Cast Video with Strategy to Create Stellar Communications
Giving your association’s stories their 15 minutes of fame has never been easier. Video has an immediacy and impact that consistently outpaces other mediums. I’m glad to see so many organizations producing compelling content. Some professionals still think of video as a one-off initiative. In fact, it has the potential to be the star of […]
Is Your Remote Team Getting the TLC They Deserve? An Audit Delivers Answers
Remember Management by Walking Around? A spontaneous cruise of the office was an effective strategy for evaluating a variety of business indicators. You could assess how people were communicating, determine where the vibe registered on the stress meter, and take the opportunity to connect personally with employees. Now that remote work makes a casual stroll […]
Ignite Engagement—Give Members Influence
One of social media’s powerful lessons is the impact of influencers on brand awareness. Whether it’s a van-lifer selling energy drinks or a dog groomer styling a cast of fluffy fur babies, real people using products in everyday life moves merch. So who exactly is an influencer? Is it anyone whose persuasive story makes you […]
Don’t Set and Forget Technology. Regular Assessments Deliver Peak Performance
“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 state-of-the-art becomes obsolete in a […]
International Leadership, Women’s Issues, and Branding—A Conversation With Allison K. Summers, CAE
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 these disturbing, but important, statistics […]
Raise the Board’s Financial IQ
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 understanding of the organization’s financial […]
Are Marketing and Membership at Opposite Poles? Take the Journey to Collaboration
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 of their members as customers. […]
To Find Value—Innovate!
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, Elizabeth Lucas and I recently […]
Hire Fresh Talent—But Before You Shop, Check the Fridge
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 restaurant, hotel, or doctor’s office, […]
Grow the Human Skills: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication
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, will disappear in the same […]
Beyond the Rainbow—Build a Diverse Board of Independent Thinkers
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 fast track important projects. On […]
The Power of Convincing
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 from me to “dis” anyone’s […]
Are You Done With Digital Transformation?
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 tech game for the last […]