#sherryconnects

[orgcommunity2015]

Top Digital Trends of 2024 and How to Prepare for 2025 

As we approach the end of 2024, our latest. orgSource Digital Trends Survey has shed light on the forces shaping the association landscape. Associations are at a pivotal moment, where adapting to digital trends will determine how well they thrive in 2025 and beyond. The insights from our survey offer a roadmap for aligning strategy, culture, and technology to stay resilient and agile in a rapidly…

[orgcommunity2015]

Leveraging AI for Personalized Member Engagement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, and associations are no exception. As members expect more personalized and meaningful interactions, AI offers a transformative solution to customize engagement at scale. For associations, leveraging AI is not merely advantageous—it’s essential for remaining relevant in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. By embracing AI,…

[orgcommunity2015]

Upskilling Your Workforce: Preparing for the Future of Associations

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, one of the biggest challenges associations face is ensuring their workforce has the skills necessary to thrive in an age of technology. As artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation become increasingly integral to operations, upskilling your workforce is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.  The organizations that will lead the…

[orgcommunity2015]

Be Prepared to Deliver Digital Value

You may not want to be the first to dive into the newest digital trends. Some leaders prefer to hang back and let others be the guinea pigs. I’ll offer a caveat. Don’t wait too long. The best hedge against disruption is the Scouts’ motto, “Be Prepared.” In 2018, my business partner, Kevin Ordonez, and I wrote our book, “Association 4.0—Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption.” We…

[orgcommunity2015]

Turn Ordinary into Extraordinary--Bold Ideas are Solutions Day’s Signature

Maybe we don’t need 31 Flavors. What if vanilla is the one? Pralines n’ Cream will always have a place in my top ten. But the power of simplicity is often overlooked and under-appreciated. When you focus on what’s iconic to you, you can find deeper meaning in life and work. That kind of bold idea makes .orgCommunity’s Solutions Day an eye-opening event. Stephanie Hendrick, this year’s keynote…

[orgcommunity2015]

Good Data Governance Equals Great Member Experiences

Lately, I’ve been writing about the importance of connecting technology to values and emotions. But I may be glossing over an important point. It’s impossible to create that high-level, human-centered impact without getting into the weeds. Data is the foundation for every technology initiative. Good data governance is essential for successful digital outcomes. Data that accurately reflects your…

[orgcommunity2015]

Make the Champion Disruptor Your Catalyst for Change—Use AI to Drive Transformation

If you asked me to describe the future of associations in one word, it would be “transformation.” And, if you asked why I made that choice, I would say “AI.” Maybe you are not keen on becoming a butterfly. Perhaps your organization is one of those tradition-bound groups with a history that has been a decades-long cast iron model for culture, governance, and operations. Remaining in that safe…

[orgcommunity2015]

Grounded in Tradition and Focused on the Future, A Conversation with Richard Yep, CAE, FASAE

I love talking with executives who see the association industry through a wide lens. My recent podcast guest, Richard Yep, is one of those people. Richard is a visionary thinker whose opinions are filtered through years of expertise. Richard draws on four decades of experience in the association community. For 30 years, he served as CEO at the American Counseling Association (ACA). Currently, he…

[orgcommunity2015]

Delivering Excellence in the Age of AI or Association 4.0

Part One Excellence is never a given. Being identified as the best in anything from soccer to sales requires commitment and hard work. But for decades, associations easily held pride of place in their industries. Members saw us as a professional home, their most trusted source of advocacy and information. Yes, we had to win that loyalty. But there weren’t many contestants vying to take it…

[orgcommunity2015]

Make Space—Lighten the Load for Your Heavy Lifters

Stuff is falling off your plate. You’re surrounded by a scary pile of responsibilities. You could delegate. But you don’t have the time to bring another staffer up to speed. Or you might hire new talent, but an opportunity to interview and onboard seems as elusive as a vacation day. Unfortunately, this Catch 22 is standard operating procedure in some associations. Limited resources paired with…

[orgcommunity2015]

Without Trust You Don't Have a Team

Do you ever wonder how you’re doing as a leader? What’s the best way to evaluate your skills? There are a variety of metrics that might be useful. You could distribute a survey, conduct 360-degree performance evaluations, analyze the financials, and assess your progress against goals. But there is an easier way. Ask yourself whether your team trusts you. Trust is the currency of effective…

[orgcommunity2015]

Soft Skills Support Hard Leadership Challenges

In a digital market moving at the speed of a video game, recruiting the right staff is a make-or-break activity. But what about the other half of the equation? Most association CEOs don’t hand-pick the board. How do we bring novice players up to speed? What can we do to ensure they have the skills to understand a challenging landscape and make the wise decisions needed for success? Lately, I’ve…

[orgcommunity2015]

Digital Strategists, Innovators, and Drivers Build a Relevant Future

[orgcommunity2015]

.orgCommunity Leadership ColLAB Gets to the HEART of Technology

There’s always a magnet for attention in the room–that individual surrounded by a group of eager listeners. Have you ever wondered what spark makes them special? Some people just understand how to click with others. They’re good at social skills like listening, empathy, and finding common ground. The same concept applies to organizations. The associations that capture an audience and keep them…

[orgcommunity2015]

A Technology Assessment Connects Intention and Ability

Do you have a friend whose house looks like it belongs to neat freak Felix Unger, but the closets and drawers are clearly owned by lovable slob Oscar Madison? This Odd Couple disconnect happens to even savvy digital organizations. My writing about digital leadership often focuses on values and attitudes. But attention to the infrastructure’s nuts and bolts is also important. Periodic technology…

[orgcommunity2015]

Still Confused About AI, Learn the Facts A-BOT Us!

How many articles about AI have you read? Too many? Despite all the information, are you still a little confused about where this adventure is going? Let me begin with a disclaimer. Generative AI is not a gift that lends itself to neat packaging. The beauty of this technology is its limitless potential. Exploring those possibilities can take you on a trip down a deep and twisty rabbit hole. For…