The Blogoclump

Read & discuss at Matt Baehr's blog.

A while ago I mentioned that some organizations were asking attendees to bring their own conference bags as a way to cut down on waste at meetings. Well, Nancy over at Pretentious Musings of a Green Meeting Planner has uncovered another reason to ask people to BYOB: It can be a whole new way to […]

Read & discuss at Sue Pelletier's blog.

I’ve posted a new article on my website, entitled “Business Intelligence: What it Means for Membership and Marketing.”
Of course, if you’re already on my announcements list, you would have received notice of this new article right in your email box. Not signed up yet? Sign up here.

Read & discuss at Wes Trochlil's blog.

   Could be an insult.
I’ve gone to the same place for pedicures for five years now.

When I walk in, I know people by name.
It’s a happy place for me.

Until today…
To save money (my guess) the salon adopted an email appointment reminder - rather than the personal calls they used to make.

I understand the transition - especially in a […]

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

Two amazing things just happened in one evening.

1) OMG!!! That was fast!! This blog made it into Alltop - “Diary of a reluctant blogger” is now listed under social media! Check out my sweet new badge on my sidebar. Thank you to everyone who recommended me and thank you to Alltop for listing me!

And,

2) I just got notice I have been appointed to the ASAE Technology Section Council, joining some really awesome and smart people. This is sweet. It’s going to be SO FUN. Rock on!

So please come celebrate with me!!! - we’re having our next YAPpy hour at Rio Grande Cafe in Ballston, VA on Tuesday July 1. SAVE THE DATE. Details will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, don’t forget to get your individually customizable YAP flare and/or gear. Remember we are ETERNALLY BETA so suggestions, comments, criticisms, ideas for YAPpy hours, etc are always welcome.

Thank you to everyone for all the props you give me. I really love you guys.

xoxo

Mads

Read & discuss at Maddie Grant's blog.

Read & discuss at Hilary's blog.

Well, I’m taking off for my summer sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands. I’m trying to line up some posts for while I’m gone so this place won’t be totally dormant, but if anything exciting happens and I don’t say anything about it, at least you’ll know why.
See you all when I get back […]

Read & discuss at Sue Pelletier's blog.

  Of being a volunteer.
Today I attended a budget discussion for a group I volunteer with.
In preparation for the meeting, I weeded through years of data - and found an interesting story to tell.
Knowing not all people like numbers as much as I do, I needed a way to make understanding easy to do.

I recently purchased […]

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

“Start with the problem, not the solution,” is good advice. Unfortunately, people don?t always properly identify the problem.

They really think the problem is the lack of an association trade show, blog, or Washington D.C. office. They believe these items have value and feel their absence is the problem.

Many association members ? and, yes, even staff ? accept certain operational trappings as givens because successful organizations have them.

Don?t be afraid to challenge conventional thought about association activities. It may help to identify the real problem.

Read & discuss at AEM's blog.

Ever heard this expression before: “Don’t fish off the company dock“? Translation: “Don’t sleep with or date your members or your vendors. Disaster, a broken heart or a lost job waiting to happen.”

Special thanks to my colleague and friend CG who shared an upcoming presentation she’s giving to association execs that includes this and many, many other pieces of advice. You’ll be reading more of ‘em here in the future!

Read & discuss at CindyAE's blog.