It’s time to get over your fear of big data
In the late 1990’s, if you knew how to build a website, the market was heavily in your favor. Content management systems didn’t exist, so the ability to write HTML left you at a huge advantage. Such high demand also existed in our space. We have the common tendency to let the question, “what are […]
The 7 things your members desperately want from your emails
Any association marketer in charge of email has heard it before from our members: “You send me too many emails!” “Why do I get a different email from you EVERY DAY?!” “I like some of the news you send me, but it’s just too much.” Or, simply, “Unsubscribe.” Here are some ways to avoid getting […]
5 ways to keep employees engaged
Ari Weinzweig is co-founder of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, which is world-renowned for their superior customer service. Due to his great success in applying The Zingerman’s Approach, he now teaches other businesses and organizations the same principles. When you receive good customer service, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn it’s a reflection of that company’s […]
Engaging Associations Forum set for July 19-21, 2017
When you step into a conference session, here is the generally expected outcome: Thought leader at the front of the room speaks. Audience members take notes. Audience walks away feeling enlightened. But think back to the sessions you’ve actually attended. As you sat there, I’ll bet you weren’t just simply taking notes. Anecdotes came to […]
How to transition to a virtual office
Working virtually can mean anything from accessing technology that allows you to work when you’re not in the office to running a company without a physical location. Association managers and members are already using tools to access information and network virtually. Imagine how a virtual environment could improve member services, create operational efficiencies and increase the […]
Do all your staffers know how your organization works?
Ari Weinzweig is co-founder of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, which are world-renowned for their outstanding customer service engrained in the company culture. So how was such a culture established? Ari is quick to point out that there is no single solution. That said, one of the important factors he emphasizes is that his entire staff […]
How to hire the best freelancer
If you already know the pros and cons of hiring a freelancer, then you might be ready to set out and actually hire one. The thought can even seem too good to be true: Low cost and talented individuals who need little management or guidance to do stellar work for your association. But wait. Where do […]
Is customer service the most under-rated association priority?
How often do you feel you receive remarkable customer service from a company? Is this the type of service your association delivers to your members? Let’s look at what I mean by remarkable customer service. Imagine a food establishment like this: “A free brownie finds its way into a get-well-soon package. An accountant interrupts her […]
3 exercises to think more strategically
Everywhere one could possibly leave themselves a note, I have a to-do list written. I use Word Documents, sticky notes and even sometimes the front of my palm, to iterate the tasks I intend to accomplish. Can you relate to this? Are you constantly operating off of such a list? “A Lapsed Anarchist’s Guide to […]
An AI experiment: How does X.ai work?
Artificial intelligence technology is EXPLODING! I read articles every day about how computers can “think” more and more. They can analyze your photos, interpret your conversations, learn from your habits, predict your needs and much more. It’s creepy, yes. But it’s helpful. And, like it or not, it’s coming. Fast. This week I put an AI provider […]