Association 4.0 Sherry Budziak

This episode of the Association 4.0 Podcast reveals a truth that practically everyone can relate to. The interest in networking and in person connection has never been more prominent than it is today in this post-COVID, technology-driven, world. That’s good news for associations and nonprofits, according to our guest, Kim Robinson, President of Frontline Co.

The demand for finding and connecting with like-minded people is only going to become more prevalent over the next few years. People appreciate in-person activities because of the isolation they’ve experienced during the pandemic and are craving human connection, says Robinson. This is how associations and nonprofits play such a huge role during this societal transition.

With their ability to bring industry professionals together over a common goal or interest, it’s clear the impact of associations and nonprofits isn’t dwindling anytime soon. Tune into this episode to learn more about opportunities for associations to engage their target audiences, how nonprofits can leverage artificial intelligence, and whether or not advocacy should be on an organization’s mind. Listen in!

To learn more about Kim Robinson and her team, visit https://frontlineco.com

Think of AI as a highly intelligent coworker or partner. It can help us create. It can help us predict. It can help us understand. It can help us see the hidden. While artificial intelligence can help elevate associations in numerous ways, our guest, David Reid, Owner of Strategic and Consulting Services, suggests that the software needs to be regulated and monitored by the right people. With a strong background working in the IT department for companies like AT&T, AmeriTek, and NASA, we’d say Mr. Reid knows a thing or two about this subject.

For the CEO’s sitting at their desks, looking at their associations wondering how in the world they are going to incorporate AI into their strategic plans, fear not, this episode is for you. In truth, the reality is that artificial intelligence isn’t coming…it’s here. According to Reid, you don’t really have a lot of time to wait and see where this AI thing is going. So don’t stand with your feet on the ground because the train is moving on. Tune in to this vibrant discussion to learn more about generative AI and how to leverage its knowledge in your organization or business.

To get in touch with David Reid, please email david@reid-iba.com.

Links from this episode:

Artificial Intelligence | 60 Minutes

https://youtu.be/aZ5EsdnpLMI?si=L0z-ZmJLMOyuuriJ

What is generative AI and how does it work? – The Turing Lectures with Mirella Lapata

https://youtu.be/_6R7Ym6Vy_I?si=awGCLalAVPBRaEjW

Figure Status Update – OpenAI Speech-to-Speech Reasoning

https://youtu.be/Sq1QZB5baNw?si=cpHaHv-qbRddzOkv

Compare the big 3 AI models

https://youtu.be/ELMDugD5dCA?si=IL_pH77Suy353FgK

Introducing DBRX: A New State-of-the-Art Open LLM

https://www.databricks.com/blog/introducing-dbrx-new-state-art-open-llm

Alignment problems (Robert Miles)

https://youtu.be/bJLcIBixGj8?si=ilWk2QtLhLFvP0Vr

It’s all too common for organizations to use the word “lead” in their mission statement. While this isn’t a negative quality to highlight, Garth Jordan, CEO of the American Animal Hospital Association, and Sharon Rice, Managing Director of Business Strategy at .orgSource, urges associations to think twice before using that word in their mission statements.

In their experience, organizations are more successful if they focus their energy on the value they provide to their members and consumers rather than using a catchy word to create a certain image. To members, value might mean how much “stuff” they get with their membership. However, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, member-benefits like magazines or newsletters, may lose their luster over time.

This refreshing conversation redefines what true leadership means in associations and how they can go beyond the material value of a membership and create a lasting, positive impact on society and for the greater good. Listen in!

Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of how contemporary associations are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive unprecedented change and efficiency. “AI Unleashed: Real-World Solutions and Results in Today’s Associations” is an enriching conversation tailored for association leaders, technology enthusiasts, and innovation strategists. Our esteemed panelists are Jason Wampler, Senior Information Technology Executive of the International Society of Automation, Luke Vidacovich, Director of IT and Digital Strategy at the American Animal Hospital Association, and Brian Willard, Director of IT for the CCIM Institute.

From membership engagement, personalized communication, to data-driven decision-making, learn how associations of various sizes and sectors have effectively implemented AI solutions.

To invest in AI or not? That is the question so many associations face. While artificial intelligence may seem innovative and technologically advanced, organizations need to think hard about whether it’s the right move for their company.

Too often, our guest, Joseph Knecht, CEO of Proteus, sees associations fail after throwing everything they have into AI or a new software system. In their mind, investing in a new software should solve all their problems because it’s the “digital era.” However, Knecht suggests that associations become more “strategy-minded rather than software-minded” and to focus more on the needs of their customers or members.

“Know your customers and what they need from you and equip yourself with the right infrastructure to do that. In that order,” says Knecht.

It’s time to stop blaming marketing or another department for any low registration numbers and to start understanding what values your members seek from your organization and create a solid business model that reflects that.

Tune in to this wisdom-packed episode to learn more about how to leverage AI more effectively and tips to build an organization that will last for years to come. To learn more about Joseph Knecht and his company, visit https://www.proteus.co or email Knecht directly at jknecht@proteus.co.

In the hot seat this week, is North Carolina Association of CPA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Soticheck. Mark weaves his extensive experience in accounting to this enlightening conversation with .orgSource’s CEO/Founder, Sherry Budziak. Together, they discuss how Artificial Intelligence has impacted their organizations, the potential demise of bookkeeping in associations, and when to unlearn any bad habits acquired over the last few years and reestablish new boundaries, new guides, and new ways of working together.

One of the simplest and most effective ways the NCACPA overcomes the challenges of communicating with their team, is by ensuring each person has their camera turned on during zoom meetings. This helps everyone become more intentional about their time and encourages their team to problem solve together.

Listen in to this episode to hear how Mark and his team create a balance between innovation and stability and to be reminded of the importance of being curious about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.

To learn more about Mark Soticheck and his organization, visit https://www.ncacpa.org or get in touch with Mark directly at msoticheck@ncacpa.org.