Association Transformation

Dive into the future of strategic planning and explore the fascinating intersection of human expertise and AI capabilities. Join Elisa and Andrew as delve into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. They unpack the release of their groundbreaking Association Transformation white paper on AI in Strategic Planning. Discover how AI can revolutionize data gathering, analysis, and progress tracking. Learn why data quality is paramount and how AI can supercharge analysis and execution, enabling you to make more informed decisions and streamline your workflows. But beware of the dangers of relying solely on AI for decision-making. AI should complement, not replace, the critical human elements of strategic thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Tune in to learn how to harness AI's capabilities while maintaining the essential human touch in ever-necessary strategic planning endeavors.Check out the white paper here: https://associationtransformation.org/white-paperP.S. Plus, in the episode you’ll get some early intel on our upcoming 100th episode celebration (Thursday, May 2) and our next big white paper announcementSupport the show

Embrace the spirit of April Fool's Day in this 96th episode of Association Transformation. Hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain playfully explore the little white lies and falsehoods we tell ourselves as association professionals. From blaming governance structures to touting inflated retention rates, they dissect common self-deceptions that hinder progress. With humor and insight, they delve into the dangers of optimism bias, the illusion of member engagement, and the denial of staff burnout. Get ready for an honest, thought-provoking discussion that challenges you to confront the fibs holding your nonprofit organization back. Tune in for a dose of truth amid the pranks!Support the show

Join Elisa as she welcomes Olena Lima, Founder of MemberBoat to the Association Transformation family to discuss the ever-evolving digital engagement dance. We debunked the myth of email's demise, explore innovative ideas for global #memberengagement, highlight methods to tailor content for multigenerational audiences, and emphasize the importance of aligning marketing and membership teams to ensure a seamless member experience. Check out episode 95 for actionable insights to elevate your association's digital engagement strategies.Support the show

You know we love alliterations, but not as much as we love the intricacies of the volunteer-staff partnership within associations. Elisa and Andrew dive in with Amy Biedenharn, Director of Client Experience with Innovatis Group, to discuss the dynamics, challenges, and strategies involved in fostering a positive and productive collaboration. This sometimes complex relationship between member-leaders and paid staff can have a great impact and can also present poisonous pitfalls (sorry, we’ll stop). Drawing from diverse experiences, we explore the significance of setting clear expectations, establishing boundaries, and providing training for both volunteers and staff, and we emphasize the ongoing commitment required to navigate and nurture this essential aspect of association management.Support the show

Rejoin hosts Andrew and Elisa for an insightful follow-up with Allison Marrero, Chief Brand Experience Officer at the American Society of Interior Designers, one year after overhauling their membership and engagement operations. Allison brings to Association Transformation her reflections on changes like revamped and expanded member categories, getting components onboard, and the pace of nonprofit decision-making. We go beyond the surface and explore the need to continually communicate ongoing transformations, and how to navigate change overall. Whether you work in associations, branding, change management, or another domain, don’t miss this candid insider perspective on facilitating a significant yet thoughtful evolution.Support the show

Strategy is in no way exclusive to any one industry, organization, or tax status; in fact, it originates in the planning of warfare. So what can associations learn from military strategy? Elisa picks the brain of the amazing Robert Plante, US Army Special Forces Officer, former BrewerPrattSolutions intern, and now Director of Transformation and Restructuring at the Swaney Group. Bo shares the seven steps to military decision-making with us and reminds us to embrace agility because “no plan survives first contact with the enemy.” We also learn the definition of “ground truth” and how to apply the pareto principle to association strategy. We're ready for battle – a strategic battle!More on applying military strategy: https://www.army.mil/article/248339/applying_the_principles_of_war_to_business_transformationMore on the Pareto Principle: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/paretoprinciple.aspSupport the show

Association Transformation kicks off the new year with a commitment to action! Join Andrew and Elisa as they welcome Jay Daughtry of Fonteva Protect to plead with associations to adapt and engage with their younger members differently than their core group. We chat breaking down silos and creating a sincere and inclusive environment. In 2024 just do one thing: listen to your members, shorten communication channels, and explore new technologies to connect with new demographics effectively. The group also touches on the significance of supporting industries and professions in workforce development and talent acquisition (engaging the next generation isn’t just about membership).Support the show

🎙️ New year, new episode! Join Andrew and Elisa as they ring in 2024 with reflections on 2023 learnings. Leadership pipelines and succession planning, staff burnout, AI adoption, value propositions, leveraging governance, and strategic implementation. What can associations control, improve, and achieve in service to their members this year? As Association Transformation approaches its 100th episode milestone, we’re excited to continue exploring trends and providing ideas to put your members and missions first in 2024 and beyond!Support the show

How did you find your way to the nonprofit profession? Are you passionate about working for a mission-driven organization and serving your association's members? On this episode of Association Transformation, Andrew and Elisa are joined by up-and-coming association superstar Allison Read, who has recently joined the team at the American Institute of Architects. Together, they discuss successfully navigating your nonprofit career, how to discover what you are good at and find that path to the executive level. There may even be a call for everyone in association management to have a degree in psychology 😊. Let’s stay curious, be life-long learners and find our “life balance.”Support the show

We’re thankful for our #boardofdirectors . . . aren’t we?? Welcome back from your holiday, let’s jump right in and talk about the challenges and complexities of board culture in #associations. Join Andrew and Elisa for this real and necessary Association Transformation episode where they share their hopes and concerns about professionalism on #nonprofit boards and historical approaches to leadership. Maybe you can put board education, training, qualification criteria, and a focus on organizational interests (rather than individual roles) on your Christmas list 😊Support the show

What ghoulish goings-on or spine-chilling events have kept you awake at night? Does history haunt you or ghosts of associations-past give you the creeps? This week Elisa and Andrew dig up some graves, dust off the cobwebs, and stir up a witches brew of scary true stories, monstrous mistakes, and ghastly howlers that have landed associations in frightful trouble. Broomsticks at the ready as we tell our gruesome tales of horror. Nightmares guaranteed. Support the show

Is your association relying on only 2-3 sources of revenue? Are you getting nervous about declining dues or loss of publication revenue? Join Elisa and Andrew for a deep dive into the world of revenue diversification with Deanna Varga, Founder and CEO of Mayvin Global. In this thought-provoking episode, we discuss the importance of embracing commercial thinking and the need for nimbleness in the association sector. Let’s explore new revenue streams, manage partnerships effectively, and leverage data for mission-aligned growth. Deanna's insights challenge the status quo and shed light on how associations can adapt to a rapidly changing environment.Support the show

It feels like we all have a seemingly infinite number of digital connections but what do we do with them and how can associations use their digital platforms to generate genuine value for their communities? This week Andrew is joined by Angela Shelton, CEO of Answers for Associations to discuss how associations and members can utilise their online tools to create and experience authentic digital connections. Support the show

“We’ve had hierarchies since caveman days when we deferred to the elders.” On this episode of Association Transformation, global generational strategist Sarah Sladek reminds Andrew and Elisa that times have definitely changed. Boards can no longer write-off younger members or next-gen prospects as “high-maintenance, non-joiners, lazy, or entitled.” Following the release of her latest book, Sladek reiterates that “...young people are your only succession plan!” Check out this nonprofit nerdfest all about association ageism, opportunities for sincere engagement, and the generation shift in membership, and be sure to get your copy of MemberShift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back here https://a.co/d/9XRG6t6Support the show

Some say consulting is the dark side. We take offense! Elisa and Andrew are the good guys! Heck, we’re association superheroes and have been consulting and advising #nonprofits and #membership organizations for quite a while now. Today, we pull back the curtain to discuss, vent, tease, and explore the good and the bad of the consultant/client relationship. How do you get the most out of the engagement? Are there credentials for consultants? Who makes up the current field of consultants? Does your RFP communicate your needs? Join us for this “off the record” episode of Association Transformation.Support the show

She makes change fun and elevates innovation. Join Elisa as she chats with a true association renaissance woman, Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions. Accept and adapt - We know associations have to fundamentally transform, given the incredible pace of change and the opportunities presented by technology, but Belinda reminds us that everything is interconnected! We preview the 2024 Associations Evolve Journal and chat a little AI. Don’t miss this #internationalconversation and meet #AssociationAnnie.Get a free download of Belinda’s tongue-in-cheek look at the world of associations through cartoons. Association Annie – Herding Cats:https://smsonline.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Association-Annie-Full-Book-compiled.pdfSupport the show

What’s your “Happy Meal KPI”? Elisa and Andrew go on a quest and data treasure hunt with Marion Short, CEO of the International Association for Public Participation. Growing from 3,000 to 14,000 members in just six years, Marion shares the true power of data. By spotlighting the important data versus distracting data, your association can achieve growth, deliver value, and enable transformation.Support the show

We admit it! We’re intimidated by all the digital possibilities presented by AI and automation, especially when it comes to composing the perfect newsletter. So Elisa and Andrew called in an expert for Episode 80 of Association Transformation. Erica Salm Rench, COO of rasa.io helps us navigate content curation best practices, personalization strategies, and ensuring reliable sources. This episode will bring you up to speed on the new normal for open rates, ways to save time building newsletters, and the realities of data decay. Now we get it!  Support the show

From “Toxic Tech” to continuous performance improvement, Elisa visits with the tech doctor Troy Stenback, CAPIA, Director, Client Performance Improvement with Advanced Solutions International (ASI), the developers of iMIS. This episode of Association Transformation takes us on a search for tech health and forces us to face the truth - tech is usually only a small part of the problem we face. Most tech issues are due to your association's tech culture. Does your staff complain about or just not use the software and systems in place? Do you have duplicative programs because departments don’t communicate? Has anyone been recently trained on the tools you have? If these are symptoms you see, it may be time to look in the mirror. Stenback walks us through the journey to tech health and shares some great client best practices you can implement now to improve your #nonprofits tech culture!Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of cloud software and services for associations and non-profits. They help clients digitally transform, streamline operations, and grow revenue through industry expertise, best-practice advice, and high-quality solutions. Their portfolio of solutions includes iMIS for association and non-profit management, TopClass LMS for learning management, and OpenWater for application and review management. ASI helps people achieve great things through innovative solutions.For more information visit imis.com/digitaltransformation.Support the show

The band is back together as Andrew and Elisa chat with digital strategist and social learning expert Joanne Jacobs of Disruptor Co. After exploring “Why Most Webinars Suck” in Associations Evolve 2023, we discuss the future of online learning and tools to engage in a sincere and memorable way. Did you know that depth perception impacts memory, making it harder to remember the information we receive digitally? In this episode, we explore ways to make digital experiences dynamic, including recommended platforms, the power of cohorts, and “top and tailing” strategies. Dive in and share with us what’s working for you!Support the show