Posts by Sherry Budziak
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…
Read MoreInternational Leadership, Women’s Issues, and Branding—A Conversation With Allison K. Summers, CAE
A summary of the Association 4.0 Podcast with Allison K. Summers. Summers talks about international leadership and women’s issues.
Read MoreMove DEI Beyond Words
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 Floyd’s death, 85% of organizations…
Read MoreBuild a Digital Ecology–Promote IT Collaboration Across Your Organization
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. Becoming a digital organization means…
Read MoreHire 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,…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreResilience Rides the Waves of Disruption
Now that “disruption” is a business catchphrase, 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 a wave than a precipice. A…
Read MoreAre 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…
Read MoreAre Associations Losing Their Members’ Trust?—The Leadership ColLAB Explores This Critical Question
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 needed to attract the coveted…
Read MoreChatGPT Isn’t Ready for Prime Time, But an Upskilled Team Will Be
The introduction of ChatGPT from Open AI makes for jittery breakroom conversation. An AI whose vocabulary is limited to customer service platitudes doesn’t seem so threatening. But when the chatbot can write an essay, that’s another story. Back in 2017, McKenzie reported that: “By 2030, 75 million to 375 million workers (3 to 14 percent of the global…
Read More