The Blogoclump

Read & discuss at Hilary's blog.

I have been busily preparing for a major presentation to ASRT’s senior leadership team.  We are seeking support and funding for a major expansion of our professional development offerings by building a personalized, customized member educational portal.  This educational portal will house a comprehensive suite of applications including a self-assessment, offerings in multiple delivery vehicles […]

Read & discuss at teestefan's blog.

In calling an association in another part of the country, was surprised to hear the receptionist answer the phone, “Hello, this is (name), how can I empower you today?”

I’m rarely speechless, but my “can I speak with (another name)” response seemed insufficient. As the day goes by I’ve thought about how she could empower me - send me a Wonder Woman outfit; give me whatever the list would be of how she believes she could empower me; ask what makes me sound un-empowered; etc. I can’t even picture what the potential answers might be if we answered the phone that way.

In any event, if I ever contact that association again I’m asking for a copy of their strategic plan and latest issue of their publication. That question gives the sense they’re out there doing something unique; and at a minimum challenging the thinking of every caller, regardless of the purpose of the call.

1. What question does your association ask when answering the phone?
2. How can I empower you today?

Read & discuss at CindyAE's blog.

Read & discuss at Matt Baehr's blog.

Read & discuss at Tony Rossell's blog.

Read & discuss at Tony Rossell's blog.

Read & discuss at Hilary's blog.

A panel of future national leaders was asked what they would say to a member who says they don’t have time to volunteer. Here’s the range of answers:

1. I don’t have the time either - and then explain finding balance and time. The busiest people can be the best volunteers.
2. What would you have time for - try to narrow the ask if other options with less commitment. Or they may do community service or golf tournament.
3. It will only take you a few minutes to write a check to our PAC - some will give money if won’t give time.
4. Let me tell you the business success I’ve had as a result of volunteering - and give examples.
5. Don’t think of it as a burden, think of what professional opportunities and friendships you may miss.
6. I’m not going to give up, I know you’ll be a great volunteer. Sometimes no could mean ask me again later.

Read & discuss at CindyAE's blog.

A while back I launched “Ask the CAE,” your opportunity to ask me any question you’d like. “Where can I get practice CAE exams?” is by far the most frequently asked question so far.

It has been years (thankfully) since I needed a practice CAE exam, but last I heard, the best place to get them is at ASAE & The Center’s Emerging Leaders Learning Community. I turned over all the practice exams I had accumulated to the volunteer who set up a CAE area in that community. In order to join the Emerging Leaders Learning Community, you have to fill out a short form. An ASAE staff will approve your membership, and away you go.

Another place I’ve seen practice exams is on a wiki set up by a CAE candidate last year. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Finally, I’ve heard a rumor that the Greater Washington Network’s CAE Action Team is compiling what they hope will become a comprehensive resource for CAE candidates. At the moment, this doesn’t appear to include practice tests. Hopefully they’ll get to that.

Tagged: Association Management; Associations; CAE; Certified Association Executive

Read & discuss at bkmcae@gmail.com (Ben Martin)'s blog.

   Well that’s a big duh!
Driving back to the airport, I saw a billboard proclaiming, “Farmers are the Only Ones Who Grow the Food.”
At first I didn’t understand why someone would write that on a billboard.
Of course, farmers grow the food…

And the thought just planted itself in my mind.
The drive was dull and radio worse - […]

Read & discuss at Cynthia D'Amour's blog.