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michael Butera
1 day ago2 min read
Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Short- and Long-Term Strategies for Associations Facing a Potential 2025 Recession
Thinking about associations’ problems if the nation enters another recession is unpleasant but necessary. With economic indicators...
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michael Butera
Mar 43 min read
Brand Strategy vs Marketing - What Associations Need to Know
Many associations struggle with the distinction between brand strategy and marketing —often using the terms interchangeably. However,...
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michael Butera
Feb 112 min read
Chaos Is Not Change: Understanding the Difference in Organizational Transformation
In organizational leadership, we often hear phrases like “embracing chaos” or “navigating uncertainty” when discussing change. While...
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michael Butera
Feb 33 min read
BLOG-Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Progress
February marks the annual observance of Black History Month, a time to celebrate, reflect on, and honor the rich legacy of Black history...
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michael Butera
Jan 272 min read
BLOG –Planning to Scenario-Based Forecasting: Navigating Uncertainty in the 21st Century
In the 20th Century, planning processes in organizations were essentially linear. Leaders relied heavily on historical data, assuming...
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michael Butera
Jan 203 min read
The Dream
On Monday, the United States honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Among his many achievements, none resonates more...
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michael Butera
Jan 144 min read
Communication for 21st-Century Associations – From Letters to Instant Messaging
In the 20th century, communication in associations was a slow, deliberate process. Communications were sent by mail, and landline phones...
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michael Butera
Jan 142 min read
Associations Getting Younger – A Fresh Perspective
After almost eight decades on this planet, one might read the blog headline and assume this is about age. While age is certainly a...
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michael Butera
Dec 30, 20243 min read
2025 – Associations focusing on a BANI worldview
Often, individuals and organizations resolve to achieve a group of goals or resolutions at the beginning of the new year. Most of these...
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michael Butera
Dec 23, 20242 min read
VCs and the Association Challenge
Word Count 453 – 3 Minute Read The Association Community is facing a significant challenge from the private sector. As one of my fellow...
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michael Butera
Dec 18, 20242 min read
Reading, Travel, and Meaning-Making: Unlocking Strategic Insights for Associations
Word Count – 531 – 3 ½ Minute Read Today’s environment requires association leaders to cultivate a mindset that embraces complexity,...
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michael Butera
Dec 18, 20242 min read
Associations and the new Administration in a BANI world
Word count – 404 / 2 Minute Read The term “BANI” refers to a conceptual framework that describes the current state of the world as...
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michael Butera
Dec 18, 20243 min read
Unlocking Innovation in Associations – Insights from Zaninelli and Diefenbacher
Word Count – 604 / 3 – Minute Read Innovation is a buzzword in the association world, yet creating sustainable, impactful innovation...
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michael Butera
Dec 18, 20242 min read
From Local to Global: Adapting Associations for the 21st Century
Word count – 552 / 3 ½ Minute Read In the 20th Century, associations thrived by addressing local or national challenges. Their missions...
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michael Butera
Dec 10, 20243 min read
From Linear Planning to Scenario-Based Forecasting: A Necessary Shift for 21st-Century Associations
Word Count – 569 / 3 ½ Minute Read For decades, associations operated where predictability and stability were the norm. This environment...
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michael Butera
Dec 10, 20242 min read
Celebrating Veterans Day: Honoring Our Heroes in Association Work
As we approach Veterans Day, it’s a poignant time to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans. These brave individuals...
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michael Butera
Dec 10, 20244 min read
Hierarchical to Networked Structures
Adapting for Success in the 21st-Century Association Landscape In the 20th century, most associations operated with a traditional,...
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michael Butera
Oct 23, 20243 min read
Lifelong Employment and Career Stability
Over the following weeks, this blog will explore the changing environment between 20th-century traditions, orthodoxies, and 21st-century...
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michael Butera
Oct 14, 20244 min read
The Evolution of E-commerce: From Niche to Necessity
E-commerce has transformed remarkably from its humble beginnings in the late 20th century to the highly personalized and ubiquitous...
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michael Butera
Oct 7, 20242 min read
Wednesday Morning After Club
Americans will decide who will lead the next federal administration in a few weeks. While many may view this as a political spectacle or...
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Over time I have become concerned about using strategic planning. It is not to say that planning is unimportant.
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