Storytelling: The (Marketing) Tie That Binds

  Who’s the storyteller in your family?  We all have at least one.  Growing up, my dad’s mom, “Grammie,” was the storyteller in our family.  She worked as a waitress at Howard Johnson’s on the PA Turnpike for over 35 years.  A widow at a young age, with a limited education and three small boys to raise, she saw her …

ASAE: In Honor of Women Luncheon

  How do you define an exemplary leader?  My own experience has taught me that leadership style is a very individual thing.  Effective leadership inspires us and sets a standard for us to aspire to. Yesterday, at the Fairmont Hotel in DC, the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) held a luncheon and awards ceremony, “In Honor of Women,” to …

2

Millennials: The Economic Engine of the Future

The wedding is just over 5 weeks away. After marrying 3 sons off in the last three years, I FINALLY get to play the role “Mother-of-the-Bride!” As the parent of 5 millennials, it’s easy to identify with the stereotypes of this younger generation as entitled, spoiled and non-committal. Wedding planning is a great microcosm to see these characteristics at their …

Gen Y: Retention and Loyalty

Our daughter was recognized as an Outstanding Scholar recently at her university and I was truly touched with the intimacy of the ceremony and recognition given to each student.  But what blew me away was the tribute to the educators and influencers that helped motivate each student to achieve such a high level of excellence. As an educator myself, I …

Associations, Are You Talking to Me?

I’ve been waiting to see if some of the associations that I’m interested in would reach out to me first. Why? I’d rather spend the money on a weekend get away or dinner at my favorite restaurant, unless you can convince me of the value of membership in your association. I love to read posts by XYZ University’s Shannon Neeser. …

Brand Congruence: WHY Mission and Vision

Last in a series exploring mission vision & brand congruence. For more info, register for our FREE webinar presentation on Wednesday, March 20, at 10 AM—3 DANGEROUS TRENDS FACING ASSOCIATIONS AND NON-PROFITS.   “Congruence: n. agreement, harmony” Have you ever stood in the grocery store line, picking up items to make a favorite family dinner and had the cashier try to …

Mission and Vision: HOW Mission Statements

This is the fourth in a series of posts exploring the difference between mission and vision, leading up to our webinar presentation in March—3 DANGEROUS TRENDS FACING ASSOCIATIONS AND NON-PROFITS.  .   For my children, the searing memory of the Twin Towers of New York collapsing will define a part of their personal history. I remember that when Kennedy was …

2

Vision and Mission : WHY Vision Statements

This is the third in a series of posts exploring the difference between mission and vision, leading up to our webinar presentation in March—3 DANGEROUS TRENDS FACING ASSOCIATIONS AND NON-PROFITS.  .  Today we’re talking about WHY vision statements, manipulation vs inspiration and setting expectations… There were two stonemasons working on the exterior walls of a building in medieval Europe.   A …

Digital Marketing: 3 Things Dave Matthews Band Can Teach Us

Tuesday, December 18th was a big day for me. I turned 25, attended AMADC’s panel discussion on digital marketing  for non-profits, and topped the evening off with the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) concert at first Mariner Arena inBaltimore. I’m a huge DMB fan. Every time the band comes around the area, I make a point to attend his concerts. I …