Successful Associations Today Podcast
Mary Byers takes a bold, no-nonsense look at the realities of today’s marketplace and what it will take for associations to prosper moving forward. She addresses not only the challenges associations face but the actions essential to a thriving future. As host of the interview series Successful Associations Today, Mary helps associations remain relevant in an increasingly competitive environment. The author of Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations and Road to Relevance: 5 Strategies for Competitive Associations, she’s worked with a wide variety of associations (both individual membership and trade groups) and helps volunteer leaders and staff alike create a viable and sustainable future.
Ep #21: Chad Littlefield – Creating Conversations that Matter
Questions are how we change the world, one conversation at a time. And sometimes, that means putting something in between two people that gives them permission to connect with each other. Learn more about a simple but powerful tool that does just that! Go here for...
Ep #20: Elizabeth Bailey – The Case for Giving: Making Fundraising Less Difficult & More Relevant [Part 2]
Building a compelling case for giving is crucial to effective results for your organization or foundation. It's not enough to have an earnest desire to make a difference. Learn about the necessary pieces for building a true fundraising infrastructure.
Ep #19: Elizabeth Bailey – Why Life Cycle of Membership is Important [Part 1]
The days of assuming someone joins your association and stays through retirement are gone. Learn why it's crucial to have a deep understanding of who your members are and where they are in their life in order to develop your best strategy.
Ep #18: Amanda Kaiser – New Member Engagement [Part 2]
What is a "culture of hospitality" and how can it improve member engagement? Join us for part two of our conversation around new member engagement and the two critical elements that will enhance your recruitment and retention.
Ep #17: Amanda Kaiser – New Member Engagement [Part 1]
Want to learn how you can boost new member renewal rates by as much as 10% or what associations with high new member retention do that others don't? If so, join me for this episode with member engagement specialist Amanda Kaiser.
Ep #16: Jeff Hurt – How Pageantry Hurts Association Meetings
Where is society moving that you and your members need to move? It’s a powerful question and one your leaders should be asking regularly. Many associations have governance that’s holding back meetings, and tollbooths that keep progress from happening.
Ep #15: Steve Smith – Generating Topics for Generative Discussions that Lead to Board Engagement
If you struggle with board engagement, you’ll want to listen to my interview with Steve Smith of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine to hear how his board uses generative discussions to enhance engagement.
Ep #14: Linda Koch – Compliance Issues Lead to Home Run for Association
The Illinois Bankers Association developed an intuitive website designed to help compliance officers navigate the maze of regulations governing their work. The site has received rave reviews—and resulted in a dozen new members for the association.
Ep #13: JT Forbes – Innovation and Tradition are Not Mutually Exclusive
JT Forbes, CEO of the Indiana University Alumni Association says, “Innovation and tradition are not mutually exclusive.” That’s just one of the pithy thoughts he shares about how he is keeping his 160-year-old association relevant today.