innovation
Embracing AI: Opportunities and Challenges for Associations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword for years, but it’s no longer just a concept reserved for tech giants or science fiction. Today, AI is transforming industries across the globe, and associations are beginning to recognize its immense potential to revolutionize how they operate, engage with members, and create value. However, along with its…
Read MoreAI Initiatives in Associations Recap: A Fusion of Innovation and Actionable Insights for Association Professionals
The atmosphere at the recent AI Initiatives in Associations was electric, buzzing with the shared excitement of association professionals eager to harness the power of AI. This wasn’t just a passive learning experience; it was a launchpad, propelling attendees into a future where AI transforms the very fabric of association management. The day began by…
Read MoreTo 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…
Read MoreA Thanksgiving Valentine to My Work Family and Yours
If you’re lucky, you have colleagues who feel like family. Work families are special. The people at your job don’t have to love you, or even like you. But, if they are a bright spot in your day, it means you’re doing your part. Work families have the magic to make success a team sport.…
Read MoreTechnology Isn’t Always the Hero or the Villain—Sometimes It’s a Bit Player
We think of technology as the good guy or the bully. It’s a silent partner in our work; and if things aren’t going well, that uncooperative software platform often takes the wrap. My business revolves around digital initiatives. When people call me to discuss a new purchase, I ask lots of questions. During those conversations,…
Read MoreUse Technology to Put People First—How the Country Music Association’s Members Took Center Stage
Until AIs can think for themselves, digital systems are tools that do their best work with human ingenuity as the driver. And one of the puzzles technology excels at helping us solve is how to understand each other. The presentation Tiffany Kerns gave at .orgCommunity’s recent Solutions Day event, centered on that idea. Tiffany explained that although the Country…
Read MoreDigital Strategists, Innovators, and Drivers Build a Relevant Future
Remember Blockbuster? Technology eats business models for breakfast. In 2016, I wrote a post titled, “Could Membership Organizations Become a Dying Model?” This article still has a top slot in my site’s analytics. It seems the question isn’t settled. But time and technology have me looking at the issue through a different lens. Six years…
Read MoreTurning Ideas Into Action
The 2022 Innovation Summit When I was looking for something unique to say about innovation at .orgCommunity’s June 9, Innovation Summit, I came across these quotes. Each concept is important to developing a culture of innovation. But their common denominator is the most significant. All three authors link innovation to action. Creativity needs an outcome.…
Read MoreThe Right Tech Tools Deliver the Frosting and the Cake
.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 this new thinking.…
Read MoreSay Goodbye to the Evil Twins and Use Disruption to Grow
Fear of change and fear of failure are the evil twins. In business, being afraid to fail is a safe strategy. Mess up and you could lose that bonus, kiss your raise goodbye, or maybe even get fired. That’s why it can be hard for people to change. The pandemic neutralized both those barriers. We…
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