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I'm excited to announce that 2024 edition of the <a href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1701839370508_Magazine_-_AEJ_2024_-_Digital_-_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://smsonline.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AE-2023-Beyond.pdf" data-mce-href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1701839370508_Magazine_-_AEJ_2024_-_Digital_-_FINAL.pdf" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Associations Evolve: 2024 &amp; Beyond Journal</a> is finished and ready to share.&nbsp; Over 50 association thought leaders from around the world have contributed inspirational insights, practical tips, and motivational stories to get you fired up for 2024 ... hopefully after you get a relaxing break over the upcoming holidays first. A huge Thank You to our fabulous contributors (for sharing their wisdom), <a href="https://destination.ntbusinessevents.com.au/" data-cke-saved-href="https://destination.ntbusinessevents.com.au/" data-mce-href="https://destination.ntbusinessevents.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Northern Territory Business Events</a> (whose support makes this publication possible), and Angela at <a href="http://www.answers.net.au" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.answers.net.au" data-mce-href="http://www.answers.net.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Answers for Associations</a> (whose editing help was critical to this going out with my eyesight intact).&nbsp; Happy reading and all the best for a fabulous festive season!

Associations Evolve: 2024 & Beyond Journal - RELEASED TODAY!

I’ve just wrapped up a couple of interesting projects seeking to understand how associations can engage better with younger members. We took a deep dive into the needs and preferences of the younger demographic and their needs from professional associations. From this work, following are the six key strategies we identified for enhancing engagement and fostering a more inclusive environment for these younger members.Digital Engagement: More than Just a BuzzwordIn our digital age, a kickass online presence is not just nice to have – it’s an absolute must. Think of your association’s digital platforms as your virtual handshake with tech-savvy youngsters. Dive into the world of Instagram and TikTok, where you can share snappy, relevant content that strikes a chord with them. This content should be a neat blend of informative, entertaining, and as concise as a tweet. Don’t forget to make your website as easy to navigate and inviting as a favourite local café, where everything is right where you need it, from resources and events to career opportunities. And yes, GPTs, Chatbots, and AI assistants are your new best friends in keeping these interactions smooth and savvy.Communication: It’s All About the FeelsTo resonate with the younger generation, your communication needs to be as engaging as a Netflix drama. Focus on storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings, highlighting journeys that mirror their dreams and hurdles. Mix up your delivery methods – think podcasts, interactive webinars, and Q&amp;A sessions – to cater to their diverse tastes. The key? Keep it short, sweet, and super relevant.Community Building: More than Just NetworkingCreating a sense of belonging is crucial. Imagine your association as the ultimate social club, where you host events that mix business with pleasure, catering to their interests and helping them build networks and skills. In these socially-distanced times, virtual networking platforms are the new normal. Consider special interest groups for students and early career professionals to provide a tailored community experience within the larger association.Addressing Their Unique Challenges: One Size Does Not Fit AllIt’s essential to understand the unique challenges faced by different groups among your younger members. Different younger members are having different experiences – consider the vast difference between those working in the cities versus those based in rural areas. Acknowledging their diverse experiences and adapting their membership experience is key. Offer guidance on various career paths and provide practical resources to help them navigate their careers like a pro.Education: Keep it Practical, Keep it RelevantTailor your educational resources to suit the palate of your younger members. Focus on practical skills that they can apply faster than they can swipe right. Providing inclusive education that caters to a diverse membership ensures everyone gets a piece of the knowledge pie, enhancing the value of your association.Battling Professional Isolation: Mentorship is KeyMany young members face professional isolation, more so in less urban areas. Counter this by rolling out a rock-solid mentorship program. This program should be like a matchmaker, connecting professionals with students and early career professionals for career guidance and growth. Add moderated online forums into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for an engaged, connected community, no matter where they are.Keeping up with the younger generation can feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall. The market is shifting quickly and these strategies are not a one-size-fits all. Test and refine different ideas to find what works for you.And, if you need some help, let us know.

Strategies for Engaging Younger Members in Associations

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Have you caught wind of OpenAI's latest? Did you wake up at 4am last Tuesday to watch the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/juliansmoore_at-4am-this-morning-7th-november-brisbane-activity-7127435729785237504-POx8?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" data-mce-href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/juliansmoore_at-4am-this-morning-7th-november-brisbane-activity-7127435729785237504-POx8?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">openAI Dev Day keynote</a>?... Nope, just me then lol.&nbsp;They've introduced some impressive AI tools that can make a big impact on associations. One of those is the ability for anyone to create their own, custom version of GPT.What’s a GPT?A GPT is like having your own version of ChatGPT – but tailored to your specific requirements. It &nbsp;&nbsp;even contains your own data. It learns from a lot of data, which means you can teach it about your specific topics and needs. Whether it's crafting specialised articles, responding to unique questions, summarising information in a particular way, or engaging in conversation, a customised GPT can handle it. This customisation feature makes GPTs extremely versatile and valuable, especially associations.Here's a few examples …For CEOs. Think of custom GPTs as your strategic assistant. It's not just about crunching numbers; it’s about insights and foresight into your association profession or industry. For example, you can create a &nbsp;custom GPT to analyse market trends and data. It’s an efficient and cost-effective tool that makes executive decision-making sharper and more informed.For Membership Managers.Personalised AI apps, or GPTs, can help with member engagement. These tools can automate communication, providing a tailored experience for each member. For example, you can create a GPT-driven chatbot (like a traditional chatbot but on steroids) that provides personalised responses to member inquiries, boosting engagement and reducing response times.For Event Managers.Planning events? Custom AI models can be your secret weapon. From managing intricate details to offering personalised event experiences, these models are like having an extra pair of hands, dedicated to making every event a success. For example, create a custom GPT to coordinate vendors and schedules, streamline event planning and introduce dynamic, personalised agendas for attendees.For Marketing and Communications.AI-driven content creation and customer engagement tools can elevate your marketing game. These GPTs offer a blend of creativity and efficiency, ensuring your message always hits the mark. For example, uses a customer GPT to generate targeted content campaigns, adapting to member interests and behaviours.Worried about Privacy and Compliance?Data privacy and legal compliance are crucial. OpenAI’s custom models prioritise security and privacy, keeping your data under lock and key. Plus, they offer legal support to navigate the tricky waters of copyright issues.How? Making Your Own AI.Setting up your personalised GPT-4 model is easier than you might think, especially if you're already subscribed to GPT-4 for a reasonable $20 USD per month (that’s approx. $30 AUD). From your user interface, click on your name. Then click on the 'My GPTs' option. From there, just follow the prompts.Here’s One We Prepared Earlier …Think of it as unveiling a technological masterpiece that you've carefully crafted. An excellent example of this is the model we created, "<a href="https://chat.openai.com/g/g-viiPqd4Vc-association-guru" data-mce-href="https://chat.openai.com/g/g-viiPqd4Vc-association-guru">Association Guru</a>”.&nbsp;We’ve uploaded some PDFs and given it instructions on how to use these and how to answer questions.&nbsp; The responses are slower, as it is retrieving information from our documents, but ask it about anything associations and you will get quite an unbelievable answer.If you’d like to understand how your association can practically leverage AI to immediately begin achieving significant productivity increases and maximise member experiences, contact Julian Moore on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au">julian@smsonline.net.au</a>&nbsp;or +61 (0) 401 648 533.

OpenAI’s Latest Game-Changer: Custom GPTs for your Association

The future isn't just knocking at our door—it has already walked in, made itself comfortable, and is sipping a cup of coffee on our most expensive couch! Just pause for a moment and consider where we are today: you can create a website in a mere minute and build an iPhone app in less time than it takes to finish lunch. You can clone your video self for virtual meetings and replicate your voice to send personalized messages across the globe.&nbsp;We're living in an era where an AI system can simultaneously engage in 10,000 unique telephone conversations without batting a digital eye. Want to reach out to someone? No need for endless Google searches. Today's technology can locate any email or phone number in the world. Customer service issues? Chat assistants are now so advanced they can resolve virtually any issue your member might have.And here’s the cherry on top: you don’t need to be a programmer to do any of this. Forget Python, Java, or C++; the most effective programming language today is English. Natural language commands are all you need to harness these powerful technologies.So why does all this matter? Because if technology has come this far, in just 12 months, imagine the tectonic shifts awaiting us in the next 12/24months. Hold onto your ergonomically designed office chairs because we're about to delve into predictions that will not merely be game-changers, but game-obliterators. The next 12 to 24months will redefine our understanding of progress itself, and as CEOs, it's crucial you are prepared to ride this wave.I believe it’s essential for you as association leaders to understand that the world is not just changing; it's about to metamorphose in ways we can scarcely imagine. The next 12/24 months will see a cascade of advancements so disruptive, yet so beneficial, they will redefine our understanding of progress itself.A Medical Revolution: From One Cure to an AvalancheBy 2025, gene editing technology will not only cure a major disease but will also set off an avalanche of subsequent cures. Think of it as a medical domino effect, one where the fall of the first piece heralds a chain reaction. This phenomenon mirrors the evolution of Artificial Intelligence: what began as a specialized field has exploded into thousands of new innovations every week. As leaders, we must be ready to adapt our healthcare strategies and policies to accommodate this rapid rate of progress.The Dawn of AGI: The Skies the LimitArtificial General Intelligence (AGI) is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it’s our imminent reality. Before 2025 is finished, we're going to witness the birth of the first AGI. Why so soon? The pace at which technology is advancing, coupled with the multipliers at play in data, processing capabilities, and integration, means that AGI is just around the corner. This will alter how businesses operate, leading to unimaginable efficiencies and opening doors to new possibilities we can't yet fathom.The End of the ICE Age: Electric Batteries Take the WheelIn the very near future, the efficiency of electric batteries will skyrocket, allowing vehicles to cover 500 miles (or 800 km for our metric aficionados) in any weather condition on a single charge—also cutting the charging time in half. This breakthrough will render Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) almost obsolete. The automotive industry will need to hit the accelerator on adopting these new technologies, as the end of the ICE era heralds a sea change in transportation and logistics.Home Sweet Automated Home: Meet Your New RoommateIn 2024, humanoid home assistants will start walking—literally—into our lives. Capable of performing tasks like vacuuming, polishing, and even loading the dishwasher, these robotic comrades will redefine the concept of household chores. As CEOs, this means contemplating the social, economic, and ethical implications of a world where manual labour is increasingly automated.The Next Entertainment Frontier: Personalized TV SeriesThe realm of entertainment is about to get a makeover too. Imagine a world where you could input your preferences into YouTube or a TV platform and receive a fully AI-generated episode tailored just for you. As the boundary between creators and consumers blurs, this could herald a new wave of hyper-personalized content. Businesses in the entertainment sector will have to adapt to this viewer-driven model or risk being left in the proverbial dust.The 200-Year Life: Turning Back the ClockIf you're planning for retirement, you might want to think long—really long—term. Advancements in supplements and health technology indicate that the first person to live until 200 has already been born. The burgeoning field of longevity research is creating effective ways to combat aging and age-related diseases. This will not only impact healthcare but also social structures, economies, and workforce planning.ConclusionThe world is on the cusp of changes so significant they will rewrite the rulebook on what's possible. The time for leadership is now. As CEOs, you are not just witnesses to this unfolding future; you are the stewards, the architects, and the pioneers. The question isn't whether we'll adapt to these changes, but how swiftly and effectively we can lead our associations and members through this uncharted territory.Fasten your seat belts, ladies, and gentlemen, because in the next 14 months we're about to take off into a future so dazzling it outshines science fiction. And unlike the movies, there’s no turning back and no alternate endings. This is our reality, and it’s spectacular.If you’d like to understand how your association can leverage AI to achieve positive outcomes today, contact Julian Moore on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au">julian@smsonline.net.au</a>&nbsp;or +61 (0) 401 648 533.

Predictions for the next 14 months - The Imminent Wave of AI-Driven Transformation

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When making decisions that have a significant impact your associations strategic direction, or its members, it’s crucial to rely on solid evidence. Just like you wouldn’t build a house on shaky ground, you shouldn’t base strategic decisions on gut feelings alone.It’s paramount that decisions impacting our members are anchored in concrete evidence. This means truly understanding the nuanced needs, preferences, and challenges of your members and the sector you operate within.So, where does one find this invaluable evidence? Some of my favourite places include:<ul><li>Your Current, Past, and Never Members: It’s right under your nose. Directly engage with your market through surveys, focus groups, and feedback forms. Understand their firsthand experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This continuous feedback loop ensures that the association remains attuned to evolving member needs. It can also offer insights into potential areas of improvement or untapped opportunities.</li><li>Stakeholders: From sponsors to industry experts, their external perspectives can shed light on areas that may be overlooked internally. Regular check-ins, surveys, and collaborative workshops can help harness their insights.</li><li>Other Associations:&nbsp; This immensely useful information source is often overlooked. Don’t need to reinvent the wheel when other associations have overcome similar challenges. Collaborating and sharing knowledge with other associations (even from unrelated industries) can lead to better strategies for all involved. If you’re short on connections, check out the ‘<a href="http://www.answers.net.au/" data-mce-href="http://www.answers.net.au/">Answers for Associations</a>‘ free online community. One click on the “Ask the Community” button sends your question to over 2,000 association professionals.</li><li>Industry Research: Stay updated with the latest studies, reports, and whitepapers relevant to your industry. This macro perspective is invaluable for strategic planning and anticipating future trends.</li><li>Competitive Analysis: Keep a tab on peer organisations. Analyse their strategies, initiatives, and member feedback to identify benchmarks and potential areas of differentiation.</li><li>External Consultants and Experts: Their bird’s-eye view, combined with industry expertise, can offer a fresh perspective on challenges and potential solutions.</li><li>Social Media Monitoring: Digital platforms are rife with discussions, feedback, and emerging trends. Regular monitoring can provide real-time insights into member sentiments and industry shifts.</li><li>Trade Shows and Conferences: These events offer a dual opportunity: direct member engagement and a glimpse into industry advancements. Feedback forms and open forums during these events can be a source of immediate and relevant feedback.</li></ul>Grounding decisions in evidence ensures not only alignment with member needs but also positions the association for future success. If you are looking for some support to gather evidence and insights to inform your activities, please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au">belinda@smsonline.net.au</a>&nbsp;and I’d be happy to share some of the strategies we use with our association clients.

Generating Evidence to Inform Decision Making

Discussing pay packets can sometimes feel like treading on eggshells. It’s all about striking the balance between offering attractive salaries and what the association can realistically afford. When walking this tightrope, it is worth considering the benefits of externally benchmarking salaries. These include:<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Fairness and Transparency</h4>This approach bring fairness and transparency to the table. When you weigh your organisation’s pay packages against the going rates in the association sector, you’re setting the stage for a fair and transparent pay culture. It’s like giving your team a morale-boosting high-five, while championing openness at the same time!<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Recruit and Retain Quality Staff</h4>Paychecks talk, even in the association sector. Mapping salaries against market trends ensures your salary packages remain competitive – helping you retain your existing team and ensuring you are attractive when recruiting new staff. It’s about making sure your team knows they’re valued, without the fear of greener pastures elsewhere.<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Realistic Budgeting</h4>In the association sector, where squeezing the most out of every dollar counts, benchmarking salaries help you avoid inadvertently overpaying or underpaying your team, letting you channel funds where they matter most.The best place in Australia to find salary benchmarks for associations is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.enterprisecare.com.au/portal-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Enterprise Care's NFP Remuneration Portal (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://www.enterprisecare.com.au/portal-overview/">Enterprise Care’s NFP Remuneration Portal</a>. Their portal enables you to view 80 roles across Board, CEO and Staff. Within each role you can view data as Base Salary or Total Package Value and filter these by a raft of organisation characteristics such as organisation expenditure (OPEX), headcount, NFP Classification, State and more.Until Tuesday 2 October, Enterprise Care are collecting the data that will inform the 2024 benchmarking data. If you&nbsp;<a href="https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s.aspx?s=62a5a5de-9b6e-4a1d-bbb1-fa57d7c77aee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s.aspx?s=62a5a5de-9b6e-4a1d-bbb1-fa57d7c77aee">complete a 5-10 minute survey&nbsp;</a>they will send you a very useful complimentary summary report of the data they collect.

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Associations Evolve: 2024 & Beyond Journal - RELEASED TODAY!

Strategies for Engaging Younger Members in Associations

OpenAI’s Latest Game-Changer: Custom GPTs for your Associ...

Predictions for the next 14 months - The Imminent Wave of...

Generating Evidence to Inform Decision Making

Why Salary Benchmarking Matters.