Posted by Maddie Grant under
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I thought of another concept I really love about web 2.0, which I don’t know if anyone has really talked about much in the context of associations. That is the beta test, or “second phase” of testing a product or service, where it’s rolled out to a small sampling of the intended audience.
Everyone (or I should say all “techies”, anyway) loves being part of betas - as a “tester” of a new or upgraded product, you feel like your opinion matters, especially when further upgrades are made which reflect suggestions and improvements which you might have thought about and which were made by you or other users like you. It also implies that the creators of the software/web program/whatever consider YOUR input to be an INTEGRAL part of the process of creating something new and better. They make you feel special, by requesting your participation and input. That special feeling is like being part of a members-only club, or VIP room…and people will happily pay for that, although not too much - being invited is better!
I wonder if the model of the innovative association (Associations 2.0, I like to call it) is actually something like that - a special club where our members’ participation as beta-testers could drive any number of new projects.
This still necessitates a certain structure, a staff, an implementation/marketing/promotional structure, a communications plan, a Board with fiduciary responsibility, but the strategic thinking is done by the members and is enabled through every level of the association, not limited to the top tier.
Just a thought!
Posted by Jeff under
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2008 is fast approaching, and it is going to be a very significant, and quite possibly, historic year for both our country and our world. Not only will America elect its 44th president next fall, but all eyes will be on Beijing during the month of August as China plays host to the Games of […]
Posted by bkmcae@gmail.com (Ben Martin) under
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Posted by CindyAE under
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Outsource many projects and value paid professional assistance - work with significant number of consultants. One current project involves design. I didn’t like a change from an initial version provided that loved … consultant was totally, and I mean totally, put off by that. Even complained about how quickly I gave feedback. Is one of us funding this relationship?
Most consultants are professional, accommodating, results-oriented, punctual … but not all. Those outside association world can miss point that association executives may be accountable to others for approval, and have deadlines or significant timing issues - e.g., pre-scheduled meetings and presentations.
14 tips for consultants:
1. Get cost/budget estimates and proposals in by client deadline - whole project at risk for underfunding or not getting approved at all if can’t get right numbers, on time.
2. Payment will be according to terms in agreement - stick to that schedule.
3. If unanticipated factors delay or change costs - communicate immediately - not after you make decision. Client answer may be no-go.
4. Sign-off is condition of a project - don’t whine or send angry email if you don’t get your way - be professional.
5. Important to respect one who signs the contract - trying to work around client with others has likely never worked for any consultant.
6. If get feedback, and change requests, pay attention. Client shouldn’t have to ask for same change over and over. Ignoring requests hoping it will lead to not changing a bad strategy.
7. It’s not about you - ultimately client reputation and organization at stake - yours isn’t their primary concern. Leave client/project out of portfolio if you don’t like it.
8. Watch out for client’s best interest when hire subcontractors for part of project - ensure all rights retained for client, not subcontractor.
9. You were selected for talent - we both know that. You’re getting paid, not doing a favor - skip any arrogance as sours relationship.
10. Client likely knows their industry better than you do. Listen. You may not get agreement on everything you want for very valid reasons. Like it or not, client will make final decision.
11. Ignoring phone messages and emails when delays adds to disfavor client will have with you.
12. Do not miss deadlines. Ever. That alone could stop client from hiring you again.
13. Are you planning to put me on client list? Think about what client might say.
14. Word of mouth marketing applies to consultants too. Might never be mentioned, or worse, may find lose opportunities. I believe I’m absolutely huge asset to consultants that I like. Know lots of people.
Because work with so many excellent consultants (probably 95% have none of above issues) it’s exceedingly clear (and really annoying) when working with any consultant who lacks understanding or care of client needs, requests and timing issues. Some consultants surely have long list of why they don’t like clients - but if it’s profession you chose, either decide not to work with most clients or figure out how to make client satisfied - without angst. Deliver on time.
