My power went out for several hours yesterday afternoon – the wind knocked a tree down on the lines in our neighborhood. I had just returned from a committee meeting and was ready to start working when…darkness. Once it came back on, I had to choose between making dinner and writing an intro to this post. Sorry, folks, dinner rules.
However, I had already selected a few posts to share with you this week. Consultant Sheri Jacobs, CAE, takes a look at “five consumer trends associations shouldn’t ignore and raises some questions to consider as you plan for the future.”
Keep this Socialfish post bookmarked. It’s a social media cheat sheet updated with info on image sizing, new features, tools, sharing tips and more.
Why do some solopreneurs use the pronoun “we” on their website to describe their company and services? Who’s the We? Me, myself and I? I assume they want to give people the impression they’re running a company with employees, but why? Why is that better? Why be so dishonest? “Act your size,” says Jason Fried, founder of Basecamp. “If it’s just you say I, not We.”
Now, onto the list of this week’s free webinars and learning events. If your organization has a webinar scheduled in the next few weeks, please send me the link. I’ll be happy to feature it as long as it’s not too product-centric.
Mon 1/30 at 12 p.m. – Corralling the Chaos: A Case Study in Harnessing the Power of a Social Media Storm
When faced with a fast-moving social media response, how do you influence the tone and direction in a positive way? In this case study, learn how the American Nurses Association leveraged social and traditional media, resulting in more than 38 million media impressions and increased pride in the profession. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Marketing Section Council
Presenters:
- Jessica Ek, social media engagement manager, American Nurses Association
- Joan Hurwitz, vice president, communications, American Nurses Association
- Lisa Lloyd, social media specialist, American Nurses Association
- Christina Garneski (moderator), director of marketing and communications, Association for Psychological Science
*All times are Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted.
Tue 1/31 at 11 a.m. – Food Rescue for Your Events
Learn about the food rescue program developed for this year’s National Association for Catering and Events, including recommendations for tracking, communication and other guidance to help you implement your own program. More info/register.
Host: Green Meeting Industry Council
Presenters:
- Joanna Berens, independent planner
- John Buschman, adjunct instructor, Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Florida International University
Tue 1/31 at 12 p.m. – Making an Impact: The Art of Social and Environmental Responsibility
Attendees of all ages are increasingly interested in the environmental and social impact of the events they attend. Learn how meeting professionals across the globe are embracing social and environmental practices in new and unique ways, and discover easy things you and your partners can do to get started on impactful social and environmental programs. More info/register.
Host: MPI
Presenter: Jessie States, CMM, manager of professional development, MPI
Tue 1/31 at 12 p.m. – Making Mobile Work for your Organization
Ed. note: I don’t have any additional information on this one.
Host: Intuitive Business Concepts
Presenters: Results Direct and Michael Jones
Tue 1/31 at 2 p.m. – How to Have Massive Creativity in Your Online Community (Association Chat)
Learn how to improve your creativity and give yourself an edge in business and your career. Watch/participate live or view the recording.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, founder, Amplified Growth
Guest: Kayla Hollatz, copywriter and brand strategist
Tue 1/31 at 2 p.m. – Be a Productivity Superhero
Learn how to manage your time and focus your attention to get the results you need without working yourself to the bone. Find out how to single-task—and why you should, improve your focus and push through clutter to what really matters, and work more effectively, authentically, and efficiently. 0.5 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MeetingsNet
Presenters:
- Neen James, keynote speaker, author, and productivity and attention expert
- Sue Pelletier (moderator), content director, MeetingsNet
Wed 2/1 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Rebroadcast: PCMA Convening Leaders LIVE 2017
The rebroadcast schedule will feature some of the most talked about sessions from Convening Leaders. 5 CMP credits. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Wed 2/1 at 12:30 p.m. – The Association Role in the New Education Paradigm
The US higher education system and, with it, traditional pathways into employment for young people are being disrupted by a host of factors. At the same time, associations are desperate to attract new members, particularly younger members. Is this a perfect storm? No – it’s a perfect opportunity. Learn more in this 20-minute live chat. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Executive Management Section
Presenters:
- Shelly Alcorn, CAE, founder, Alcorn Associates Management Consulting
- Elizabeth Engel, CAE, founder, Spark Consulting
Wed 2/1 at 1:00 p.m. – 10 Steps to Make Your Social Media Marketing Strategy Rock
Learn how to leverage social media to drive engagement with your audience, incorporate social media marketing into every stage of the buyer’s journey, and effectively measure social media marketing to determine real business ROI. More info/register.
Host: American Marketing Association
Presenters:
- Lisa Marcyes, senior social media marketing manager,Marketo
- Scott Minor, online marketing program manager,Marketo
- Selma Avdic (moderator), American Marketing Association
Thu 2/2 at 12 p.m. – Creating a Stellar Chapter Development Plan
It’s still the beginning of 2017 and you might be scratching your head on where to begin with your chapters. First things first, you need goals and a plan. In this webinar, we’ll walk through an example of a chapter development plan and provide tips on how to create your own. More info/register.
Host: Billhighway
Presenter: Kyle Bazzy, director of growth, Billhighway
Thu 2/2 at 2 p.m. – Top Ten Cybersecurity Tips for Nonprofits: Managing Your Technical and Legal Risks
Ever-evolving and persistent cyber threats make it imperative for organizations to stay informed, create policies and procedures, and plan. This panel brings together both technical and legal speakers to highlight the top ten cybersecurity challenges facing nonprofits today, and offers practical advice for tackling them. CAE credit. Attend in person (Washington DC) or virtually (webinar). More info/register.
Host: Venable LLP
Presenters:
- Christopher Ecker, chief technology officer, DelCor Technology Solutions
- Brian P. Sheehan, vice president, DelCor Technology Solutions
- Julia Tama, partner, Venable LLP
- Jeffrey Tenenbaum (moderator), partner and chair, nonprofit organizations practice, Venable LLP
Thu 2/2 at 2 p.m. – Why You Should Be A/B Testing Your Member Communications
Not sure which email content, design, subject line or send time will yield the best results? A/B test it. By A/B testing variables in your association messaging you get real insight into the preferences of your members, allowing you to hone and optimize your strategy moving forward. More info/register.
Host: Real Magnet
Thu 2/2 at 2 p.m. – This Is How Our Most Successful Clients Fill Their Events
Learn about three trends preventing people from registering for your events, one simple way to avoid event-related cash flow problems, and a proven three-step process to fill events fast and cut your workload in half. More info/register.
Host: Wild Apricot
Presenter: Terry Ibele, growth specialist, Wild Apricot
Thu 2/2 at 3 p.m. – Small Steps, Big Results (Reston VA Idea Swap)
Improving your customer experience doesn’t have to mean overhauling your website or looking for the next “big idea.” In fact, you can find success by starting small and implementing changes gradually. Hear five simple digital strategies — implemented by associations like yours — that have resulted in big payoffs for members and the organizations. Location: Reston VA. More info/register.
Organizer: ASAE Greater Washington / National Capital Community
Presenter: Alex Mouw, solutions consultant, Results Direct
Fri 2/3 at 3 p.m. – Ecommerce for Associations
Ed. note: I don’t have any additional information on this one.
Host: HighRoad Solution
That’s it for this week. If you can’t attend a live webinar, go ahead and register if the topic interests you. Most webinar hosts send registrants a link to the recording.
Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If your organization offers professional development for the association community, please send me the link via email or Twitter.
Creative Commons licensed photo of a wind worn cypress by Sharon C. Johnson
Association Brain Food 