Networking = Critical Success Factor

Can I please have a show of hands of those not-for-profit associations that do not have networking as a key element of their member value propositions?  Truth is that associations were formed out of a critical mass of people with common needs and shared interests.  Does that not sound like a description for the perfect networking crowd?

Likely, members demand networking opportunities from their associations because they consistently place a great deal of value on connecting with their peers.  But have we stopped to consider why?  Is it the beverages and food...or is it something deeper that creates the value they seek?

Interestingly, many people believe networking is directly related to job hunting.  When I was in sales, networking was about filling the pipeline with prospects.  In the association world, networking is about connecting, gathering information, sharing resources and building relations.  Networking provides access to solutions, lays the groundwork for innovation and builds resources that may be a significant benefit both personally and professionally.

Networking is a critical success factor for high performing associations and a foundational element of the member value proposition.

The recent CSAE National Conference can be considered uber-networking central!  Of course, there are many educational opportunities, but I have always considered the networking as the greatest value.  Why?  Because while education provides a great foundation of general, theoretical information...networking provides knowledge in the lessons learned from the real life application of that educational information.  We get that knowledge from interacting with our peers through networking.

This article looks at why networking is so popular with the members.  It provides tips for networking success and provides suggestions as to how an organization can facilitate networking at its events.  What it doesn't discuss is the etiquette of networking.  While the etiquette is very important for making that all important first impression, the focus here is one the what, why and how of networking.

What is networking?

Networking is about connections that build your resource and support base that can be called upon when required.  Networking is like an online game...you build up points to be able to buy stuff.  You get imaginary points by helping others through sharing resources, connecting people, pointing them in the right direction or some other value-added assistance.  Then when you are in need, the door is open to reap some returns.

It is very much relationship building.  Relationships are value exchanges where both parties obtain something of value.  As with any relationship, some effort is required to make and maintain the connections.  The beauty about networking is there is no pressure to take the relationship to the next level.

Networking is also an excuse to leave behind the day-to-day grind and refocus on the important issues, rather than the urgent.

Stay tuned for the second part of this - Why is it valued?

This article was written by Dana Cooper, MBA, CAE (Executive Director, Orthotics Prosthetics Canada)

Image courtesy of cuteimage at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ron Tite (@rontite) to Keynote #CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau #TeteaTete

If over 160 exhibitors, free registration, and David Usher isn't enough for you - we bring you Ron Tite.

The Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter is thrilled to announce, in conjunction with Speakers Spotlight, that Ron Tite will be the Lunch Keynote Speaker for the upcoming tradeshow - in the tradition of providing quality presentations at the show, and in celebration of Tête-à-Tête's 25th anniversary.  The addition of a second keynote speaker is a special addition to the show this year.

Relevant, engaging, and interactive, Ron Tite exceeds expectations each and every time he takes the stage. Named one of the "Top 10 Creative Canadians" by Marketing magazine, the award-winning advertising writer and executive creative director addresses a variety of topics surrounding branding, corporate strategy, creativity and social media. Boasting training from Second City, Tite's presentations are not only information-packed, they're also infused with his unique humor--guaranteed to have you laughing while you learn.

Tite has created advertising campaigns for clients including Air France, Evian, Kraft, Intel, Microsoft, Volvo, and many others. His work has been recognized by The London International Advertising Awards, The New York Festivals of Advertising, The Crystals, The Extras, The Canadian Marketing Association, The Marketing Awards and others.

Currently, he is CEO of The Tite Group, a content marketing agency based in Toronto. He has also written for a number of television series, penned a children's book, and wrote, performed, and produced the play, The Canadian Baby Bonus. His first book, Everyone's An Artist (Or At Least They Should Be), will be published by HarperCollins in spring, 2015.

Visit http://www.speakers.ca/speakers/ron-tite/ to learn more.

Join us on January 29th - Tête-à-Tête is open to all Association and Not-For-Profit Executive Directors and Employees, Professional Meeting Planners and Government Procurers. Closed to Non-Exhibiting Suppliers.  AND, it's FREE.  Click here to register.

David Usher (@davidusher) to Keynote at #CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau #TeteaTete

If you have not decided to register for Tête-à-Tête on January 29th, this may help make your decision for you.

The Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter is thrilled to announce, in conjunction with our Professional Development Partners Ottawa Tourism and the Shaw Centre, that David Usher will be the Breakfast Keynote Speaker for the upcoming tradeshow - in the tradition of providing quality presentations at the show, and in celebration of Tête-à-Tête's 25th anniversary.

David Usher is a creative tour de force. As the front man of the internationally acclaimed rock band Moist, and as a solo artist, David has sold more than 1.4 million albums, won countless awards--including five Junos--and performed at sold-out venues around the world. Believing that creativity and creative success is a learnable skill that anyone can master, his unique and dynamic presentations employ music and video to show audiences the steps they can take to stimulate the creative process at home and at work.

When David is not making music, he is equally passionate about using technology to build new and interesting businesses. His company, Cloudid Creativity Labs,works on a vast range of innovative projects, from building web platforms to creative consulting for clients like Cirque du Soleil, Deloitte, and the Toronto International Film Festival.

David sits on the advisory board of McGill University's Institute for the Public Life of Art and Ideas and is is the founding director of Amnesty International's Artists for Amnesty.

David has a degree in political science from Simon Fraser University and has lived and traveled all over the world. When he's not on the road, he can be found in front of a computer dreaming up something new to create. His new book on creativity and the creative process is due in spring 2015, while his upcoming album will be released in September 2015. Visit http://www.speakers.ca/speakers/david-usher/ for more information.

Join us on January 29th - Tête-à-Tête is open to all Association and Not-For-Profit Executive Directors and Employees, Professional Meeting Planners and Government Procurers. Closed to Non-Exhibiting Suppliers.  AND, it's FREE.  Click here to register.

Measuring Success in your Marketing & Communications

In November 2014, a number of marketing-communications professionals gathered in downtown Ottawa to discuss analytics and measurement challenges facing non-profits and associations.  The discussion was led by CSAE member Joe Boughner, the Director of Communications at the Association of Canadian Financial Officers and also an analytics instructor at Algonquin College.

The key takeaways for participants were to ensure first that marcomm (marketing-communications) efforts align both organizational goals and to the needs of your members at every stage of the life-cycle.  In so doing, Boughner argued, you allow yourself to align your marketing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) with your overall corporate objectives.  He recommended that all organizations create detailed journey maps for their key persona's to help all stakeholders, not just marketing and communications people, understand the member experience better.  He also advised the group to ensure that there is a straight line between organizational and marketing objectives.

By way of example, the group brainstormed a model for an association that is looking to increase membership revenue.  First, the participants boiled it down to a measurable goal - to increase new members (as opposed to looking at retention, for example).  Then they concluded that marketing analytics could then align to this goal, such as click through rates on ads geared for new members; form completion rates on the sign up form, etc.

Moving forward, this focus on member needs and organizational objectives can make measurement easier, which ensures ongoing buy-in for your marcomm efforts.

This post was written by Joe Boughner, Association of Canadian Financial Officers, and originally featured in the OG CSAE Winter Executive.

Image courtesy of Keerati at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Join us this year for #CSAE #TeteaTete January 29, 2015!

Will YOU be joining us for the 25th Anniversary of Tête-à-Tête (January 29th, 2015)?

This day-long event is open to all Association and Not-For-Profit Executive Directors and Employees, Professional Meeting Planners and Government Procurers. Closed to Non-Exhibiting Suppliers.

2015 marks the 25th anniversary of Tête-à-Tête, and we have lots to celebrate!  We recently wrote an article on our humble beginnings (click here to learn more).

This year, we will have a 25th Anniversary Reception, Great Prizes and over 160 Exhibitors and Sponsors.

Join us for a complimentary breakfast keynote presentation with David Usher, Juno Award-Winning Musician. David Usher is a creative tour de force. As the front man of the internationally acclaimed rock band Moist, and as a solo artist, David has sold more than 1.4 million albums, won countless awards--including five Junos--and performed at sold-out venues around the world. Believing that creativity and creative success is a learnable skill that anyone can master, his unique and dynamic presentations employ music and video to show audiences the steps they can take to stimulate the creative process at home and at work.

NEW for 2015, complimentary keynote lunch presentation. Branding and creativity expert Ron Tite exceeds expectations each and every time he takes the stage. Named one of the "Top 10 Creative Canadians" by Marketing magazine, the award-winning advertising writer and executive creative director addresses a variety of topics surrounding branding, corporate strategy, creativity and social media. Boasting training from Second City, Tite's presentations are not only information-packed, they're also infused with his unique humor--guaranteed to have you laughing while you learn.

The Tête-à-Tête Tradeshow with over 160 exhibitors and sponsors is your opportunity to get all the latest news from the premier suppliers to the association and meetings industry.

AND, did we tell you that registration is FREE?  Will you be joining us?