Understanding the ABCs of Association Management Credentials
The paradox of professional development is that it can feel like both a necessity and a luxury. We know we need it, but we don’t always know where to start. This is especially true when attempting to navigate the alphabet soup of credentials and certifications geared towards association management professionals. Personally, I have often wished […]
Why associations should drive innovation
Associations connect mentors with mentees, offer professional development and continuing education courses, write rules and regulations for their industries, and innovate every chance they have. But what does it mean to truly innovate? Innovation is a word heard frequently in conversation with association professionals, but do we actually understand the importance of associations driving this […]
4 ways nonprofits are changing, and other top read association articles this week
Every Friday, we pull five articles our audience liked most from our weekly newsletter to help us all keep up with what’s trending. This week? You’ve got leadership in mind. Starting with tips and tricks to find a mentor, thought leadership from your favorite SURGE speakers and seeking trends in philanthropy, association professionals were all […]
Advocating for your mentee – dos and don’ts
Stepping into the role of mentor means more than just giving advice. It means taking interest in the goals of your mentee and using your skills and experience to help them achieve these goals. In many cases, the relationship between mentor and mentee grows to become not only a source for professional advancement, but also […]
How to feel comfortable on camera
Zoom meetings are a daily presence in your professional life. The chances of that changing soon are slim, especially as people start to realize virtual events and meetings are more cost-effective and time-efficient, said Dr. Laura Sicola, founder of Vocal Impact Productions and host of the podcast “Speaking to Influence.” Once you’ve accepted that, it’s […]
The best things we learned from SURGE Connect
Earlier this month we hosted our annual three-day virtual conference, SURGE Connect, where leaders from across the association industry shared thoughts, ideas and problem-solving innovations with hundreds of attendees. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best things we learned from our SURGE Connect speakers: “Until you hear from your stakeholders that … you’re […]
How to ask someone to be your mentor
You’ve identified a potential mentor — someone you think could help advance your career, provide encouragement and advocate for you. Now, it’s time to form that relationship. But how do you ask someone to be your mentor? According to Yale University, the first step is simple: Schedule a conversation by sending an email asking the […]
Want to keep your members? Make it easy to cancel
In many cases, canceling or downgrading a subscription or membership is a frustratingly long and complicated process in an effort by organizations to dissuade their customers from leaving. “It is always hard to lose a customer, especially if you put a lot of effort into getting them to sign up for your products/services in the […]
Bringing the magic to virtual meetings
As some of us return to work in a modified office environment and others plan to continue to work from home, virtual meetings will continue to be a distinct facet of our reality. Whether it’s a simple video chat with your team or a multi-day virtual conference like SURGE Connect, you likely have a plethora […]
10 tips to bring your Zoom events to life
The shift to online meetings has exposed a number of weaknesses in how we present material. Public speaking isn’t easy at the best of times but the new considerations that accompany a Zoom reality are sabotaging even seasoned pros. Bad lighting, a loss of personal connection, and a flat screen interface may seem impossible to […]