In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, association executives face the challenge of driving membership growth. This is often accomplished through enhancing marketing effectiveness. To help deliver more effective marketing, and accomplish membership growth, the association must align these goals with technology. This requires a good technology strategy.

On any given weekend, I aspire to clean out my garage. My garage is a treasure trove of useful tools (gardening, power, and hand tools), seasonal decorations, and mementos of past endeavors. I'll admit I have one whole crate of 35mm slides from when I was a budding photojournalist. I whence that only about half of this stuff is still useful, and maybe only on an occasional basis.

I’m fortunate, in my line of work, to speak with and work with many fine associations, from the very small staff organizations with under 20 staff members to large non-profits with over 300 staff. There can be many challenges that are unique across this spectrum of organizational size, but there are commonalities as well. One of those common challenges is what I call “IT Segmentation” within the organization.

by Towsif Nasor, PMP

A year and some change ago I was introduced to the world of associations and the technologies they used. As a first-generation immigrant, I’m not a stranger to foreign things, but this was seemingly different. Almost immediately, I was tossed, headfirst, into the middle of an AMS implementation. I quickly found myself needing to understand the unique needs and day-to-day operations of an association. I recognized first-hand, that not all AMS’s are created equal, and they all have their star performers and supporting casts. A year later and several technology projects later, I am eager to share my insights.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way businesses operate and interact with their customers. The integration of AI into business operations and customer support provides numerous opportunities for growth, efficiency, and enhanced customer experience. However, it is also essential to recognize the potential risks associated with these AI applications. This article covers various AI technologies, their value, and the risks they entail in the context of business operations and customer support.

by Daniel Elacqua, MBA, PMP

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, the role of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) has transcended traditional IT management, becoming a cornerstone of strategic business growth and innovation. However, for many small to mid-sized enterprises, the luxury of a full-time CIO remains beyond reach, both financially and in terms of immediate need. This is where the concept of a fractional CIO can be a game-changer, offering a pathway to strategic IT leadership and digital transformation, without the commitment or expense of hiring a full-time staff. Let's explore the essence of a CIO, their pivotal role, and how a fractional CIO can bring unparalleled benefits to your organization.

by Christopher E. Maynard

As we navigate through the digital era, technology continues to revolutionize the business landscape at an unprecedented pace. With advancements such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and cloud computing, businesses are transforming their operations, introducing new products and services, and reshaping their interactions with customers. At the forefront of this technological revolution is the Chief Information Officer (CIO), whose role has evolved from managing IT infrastructure to playing a crucial part in defining and implementing the organization's strategic direction. In this context, it becomes imperative for CIOs to focus on crafting and executing technology strategies that align with the organization's overall strategic goals, while also ensuring the security and continuity of service. This article dives into the importance of aligning technology strategies with organizational goals and maintaining security and service continuity, highlighting the critical role that CIOs play in this scenario.

Stepping into a leadership role within a new organization comes with its unique set of challenges. From implementing change to getting the team to recognize and accept you as their leader, the journey can be complex and fraught with pitfalls. However, with a strategic approach, these challenges can not only be overcome but can also become opportunities for growth and improvement for both the leader and the team.​

Leadership is a skill that can be acquired and developed over time. One of the key qualities of an effective leader is the ability to make sound decisions based on information and knowledge. Being the smartest person in the room does not necessarily mean having the highest IQ or the most advanced degrees. Instead, it refers to the ability to gather information, analyze it, and make informed decisions. In this article, we will discuss what it takes to be the smartest leader in the room.

Recently, I attended an all-day workshop on AI, where I gained invaluable insights into the most effective uses of AI for associations. The key takeaway was the need for associations to not just adopt AI technologies, but to do so with a strategic and informed approach. This blog post explores the critical aspects of AI implementation in associations, highlighting the importance of defining AI use, educating staff, and keeping pace with evolving AI trends.