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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…
Read MoreBe 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreDon’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…
Read MoreStrategy 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…
Read MoreA Red-Carpet Approach Grows Dynamic Industry Partnerships
You wouldn’t go to the bank for a loan without a fine-tuned business plan or approach a fundraising prospect for a major gift before learning everything you could about their interests. With so much riding on sponsorship revenue, it’s surprising that our industry partners don’t always get the special treatment this important relationship deserves. Rolling…
Read MoreAs 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…
Read MoreThe 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.…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreTurn 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…
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