Engaging in the Next

Episode 17 - What the Fs: Building Effective Relationships with Lawmakers

Reaching out to elected officials only after a potentially harmful legislative or regulatory issue arises could put your or your members’ livelihoods in jeopardy. In this episode, we talk to Mike Bober, president and CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network.  We chat about the four Fs of effectively communicating with lawmakers, the role of technology in advocacy efforts, why advocacy should be more proactive than reactive, and how the association's rebrand positively impacted the organization's advocacy efforts. 

Episode 16 - Put Me In Coach: The Importance of Executive Coaching for Association Leaders

Coaches play an important role in grooming a child's self-confidence, discipline and overall skills. But they are equally as important for association leaders looking to improve their leadership capabilities, boost team performance, or strengthen their resiliency to change. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Lakeya Cherry, an executive leadership coach and former CEO of the Network for Social Work Management. We chat about the benefits of coaching for association leaders, the importance of mentorship, combatting burnout, the future of work in the association space, DEI, and traits of a great leader. 
Show notes
For more information about Dr. Cherry, visit her website at lakeyacherry.com.

Episode 15 - Elevating Engagement: Creating Exceptional Member Experiences

In this episode, we talk to Amanda Lea Kaiser, association keynote speaker, researcher, innovator, and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community. We chat about the importance and challenges of member engagement and what motivated her to write a book on the topic; the perceived value of an association; and our favorite parts of each chapter of the book.
 
Show notes
Amanda Kaiser is an in-demand keynote speaker for audiences of association leaders worldwide. As a researcher, author, co-creator, and innovator, she is at the forefront of exploring how member engagement is rapidly changing within professional communities.
Order the book here.
For more information on booking a keynote presentation, visit here. 

Episode 14 - Be a Cruise Director: Connecting Members and Navigating Growth

While every ship needs a captain, equally as important is having a cruise director – the one that connects people and finds new ways for them to collaborate. In this episode, we talk to Dante Preciado, vice president of Member Engagement & International Relations for the American Society for Nutrition and one of the best "cruise directors" in the association space. We chat about connecting members, organizational growth opportunities, the importance of member advocacy, and professional development. 

Episode 13 - Balancing Act: Creating a State of Well-Being in Your Association

The struggle is real. Well-being at work isn't always easy to maintain.  But there are many strategies an association can implement to foster an environment of well-being in the workplace. In this episode, we talk to Gilda VanderHeyden, the founder of The Non-Profit Path, a well-being at work practice that helps professionals in the non-profit space find the balance they need to avoid burnout and live a more productive life. We chat about why associations should care about the wellbeing of their staff and volunteers, how to ask for help if you're struggling, and advice on maintaining a strong work-life balance. 
 
Show notes
To download the free resources mentioned in this podcast, visit nonprofitpath.com.

Episode 12 - Purposeful Presence: The Future of Work for Associations

As we enter 2023, more and more employers are asking employees to return to the office. Yet, workers are still demanding flexibility. So where do associations stand? In this episode, we talk to Mike Moss, president at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), about the future of work in the association space and what he calls purposeful presence within his office.

Episode 11 - Let’s Get Personal: Tips for Advancing Your Personal Brand

Whether you're right out of college or a seasoned association executive, developing a personal brand is important in building relationships. advancing your career, or simply showing off what you are passionate about. In this episode, we talk to Allegra Tasaki, communications director with the National Association of Bond Lawyers, about ways to define and promote your personal brand, tactics to invest in, how both extroverts and introverts can effectively advance their personal brands, and the importance of networking. 

Episode 10 - Every Member Matters: Knocking on Doors and Creating Authentic Membership Journeys

Moving away from a "one size fits all" membership model takes planning, dedication and the willingness to knock on doors and make personal connections with members and prospects. And that's a large goal of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. In this episode, we talk to Dan Schuberth, chief revenue officer at NAW, about creating personalized membership journeys, the importance of hitting the reset button, the leadership change the association recently experienced, and helping YPs advance their careers. 
 

Episode 9 - The Karaoke Effect: Engaging Members Through a Community Forum

An inactive community forum is like a quiet karaoke bar. Without engagement, why would anyone go? In this episode, we talk to Beth Arritt, marketing strategist and association evangelist, about the importance of an association's tech stack, advice on creating and maintaining a successful online community, the definition of an association influencer, and how online forums can help small staff associations. 

Episode 8 - Crafting a Compelling Data Narrative: Telling a Story Through Data

Because they represent such niche audiences, associations have a great opportunity to engage with their industries through creative storytelling. And data is a huge component of that narrative. In this episode, we talk to Audra Kruse, director of public affairs and digital engagement for AHIP, about the advantages of data storytelling, how to craft a compelling data narrative while avoiding some common mistakes, and data visualization and its place within the narrative.