Salesforce, by its very name, sounds like a product that only for-profit companies can leverage. Yet, as Kristen Singleton – Director of Tools and Technologies at Education Resource Strategies (ERS) – explains, Salesforce can play a significant role in the information management at non-profit organizations as well. On this podcast we discuss how ERS is leveraging Salesforce, challenges they faced in transitioning to using a CRM, as well as several of the features ERS has started using that go beyond just managing contacts. We also get into how ERS has integrated Salesforce with their online tools, allowing them to better understand the value the tools offer and how people are leveraging the tools.
Talking business intelligence (BI) tools with Mike Fletcher, the Director of Information Technology at the Endocrine Society. Mike recently went through the process of finding a BI tool, ultimately deciding on Power BI. We discuss why he wanted a BI tool, the process of picking a BI tool, some of the advantages the tool offers over using Excel, and features that you should consider when picking your own tool.
On this podcast I’m joined by Irving Washington, Deputy Director at the Online News Association and Brian Kirkland, Senior Director, Learning at American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) to discuss the upcoming Online Conference for Small-Staff Associations. We talk about what people can expect from the conference, how it’s designed for small staff organizations, and what kind of takeaways to expect from the conference (hint: it’s not pens).
We’ve recently rebranded the podcast as the Non-profit Tech Podcast, presented by fusionSpan. This week I spoke over the phone with Dan Labert, the executive director of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys about his recent move from listservs to an online community platform (Higher Logic) integrated with their member database (netFORUM Pro). We touch on challenges he has faced, how he gets members’ input, and his general approach to strategic use of technology.
This week I got to sit down with Elizabeth Weaver Engel (@ewengel), CEO and Chief Strategist at Spark Consulting, and Guillermo Ortiz de Zarate (@GuillermoOZ), Director, Information Systems, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, to discuss their recent white paper, “Innovate the Lean Way: Applying Lean Startup Methodology in the Association Environment.” The white paper is free to download, so check it out. We discussed what lean startup methodology is, why it’s a great fit for small staff associations, and how to get started.
I got to talk with Adam Thocher about his new position as Executive Director at the American Association for Public Opinion Research and what it’s like being a part of an Association Management Company (AMC). We also discussed what the “perfect” association technology would look like, what his organization is going to focus on in the near future, and why millennials should be thinking about when joining an association in their field.
We got a chance to talk to Mark Ace, President of Kavi Corporation, about his recent blogpost, “Five Characteristics of High-Performing Teams.” We also discuss the ways different organizations are leveraging their technology in order to accomplish their collaboration goals, as well as some of the issues small staff organizations face with regard to technology that you should try to avoid.
I got a chance to sit down with Edward Grandi, the Executive Director of the National Genealogical Society. We talked about his approach to leadership, how he works to get the most out of a small staff organization, and what are some of the things front of mind for him going forward. Make sure to follow NGS on twitter @ngsgenealogy.
The Microstaff blog is launching the Small Staff, Big Impact Podcast, and our first conversation was with the creator of ReviewMyAMS.com, Teri Carden. She discusses the value of an association management system (AMS), how associations are using their AMS, and when it might be time to consider a new AMS. She also talks about her upcoming AMS Fest Event – a great place to connect with other association staff regarding their AMS and explore options out there for you. Event is Thursday, September 17th in Crystal City, VA. But the seats are limited so make sure you register now to reserve your spot!
