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 were often grounded in regional needs, reflecting the realities of an era dominated by nation-state boundaries and localized economies. While this focus was sufficient for the time, the 21st Century demands a […]
Unlocking Innovation in Associations – Insights from Zaninelli and Diefenbacher
Innovation is a buzzword in the association world, yet creating sustainable, impactful innovation remains elusive for many organizations. In their contribution to the book How to Create Innovation, Susanne M. Zaninelli and Stefan F. Diefenbacher provide a roadmap for moving beyond traditional approaches to innovation, highlighting strategies that resonate deeply with associations striving to find […]
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 have dedicated their lives to serving our country, and we must honor their commitment not just on this day but throughout the year. Associations play a crucial role in this celebration, and there […]
From Linear Planning to Scenario-Based Forecasting: A Necessary Shift for 21st-Century Associations
For decades, associations operated where predictability and stability were the norm. This environment fostered a linear approach to planning, rooted in the belief that historical data provided a reliable roadmap for the future. But as we’ve transitioned into the 21st Century, associations face unprecedented complexity and uncertainty. In this new era, traditional planning methods no […]
Lifelong Employment and Career Stability
Over the following weeks, this blog will explore the changing environment between 20th-century traditions, orthodoxies, and 21st-century realities. This week, we will consider Lifelong Employment and Career Stability. The employment landscape has significantly transformed from the 20th to the 21st century. This shift from lifelong employment and career stability to more fluid and non-linear career […]
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 a casual talking point, this election is far more consequential for organizations. The critical question is: “Will your organization be part of the Wednesday Morning After Club?” The Wednesday Morning After […]
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 shopping experience we know today. This evolution has been driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and innovative business models, fundamentally disrupting traditional retail and creating new opportunities for businesses globally. Those include the association community. […]
Association Executive Tenure 3
The Challenge of Association Executive Tenure Why do association executives and CEOs typically remain for only 4.5 to 7 years? This question is more relevant than ever as I’ve recently observed several outstanding association leaders willingly stepping down or being asked to leave. As shown by ASAE studies and reports from nonprofit search firms, the […]
Digital Transformation and Adaptation
The association community has long struggled to adapt to changing external forces. The resistance to change comes from its governance structure and an abiding belief in traditions over new realities. Thus, digital transformation and adaption is an area that requires more than a website, social media, or learning platform presence. As baby boomers continue to […]
Campaigns: Mobilizing Support and Driving Action in the PPEC Framework
Introduction Campaigns mobilize support, raise awareness, and drive action toward specific goals. Unlike programs and projects, campaigns are highly focused and often time-sensitive, designed to create a significant impact within a defined period. This post will define campaigns, discuss their key characteristics and functions, and explore how to run successful campaigns in a BANI (Brittle, […]