Association Adviser - ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition

Education on the Go

To overcome insurmountable odds, Major Mary Jennings "MJ" Hegar said you just have to take things one step at a time.

The Purple Heart-decorated pilot and soldier who challenged a discriminatory military policy, winning women the right to serve on the front lines for the first time in history, spoke during the Game Changer session titled "Be the Change."

Hegar, author of "Shoot Like a Girl," told of one particularly harrowing story during her time served in Afghanistan and the lessons she learned about leadership and teamwork, and how those experiences are bringing about change in the world.

She said to bring about change, you have to first have credibility. It’s not enough just to be right, you have to be an example of who you’re advocating for, demonstrate you have the skills required and have experienced what you’re fighting for.

She said there are four key points that keep her focused and drive her success:

1. Be the change

2. Know your audience’s "What’s in it for me?"

3. Have empathy, not enemies

4. Hold on to your why

Get Your Shine On: A Young Professional Roadmap to Fulfillment

In "Get Your Shine On: A Young Professional Roadmap to Fulfillment," panelists Genevieve Borello, Paul Leahy, Brittany Shoul and Jacob Wilder shared their experiences (so far) navigating the office and finding a meaningful work life.

Below are some of our favorite tips and lessons learned from these young association professionals.

Remember: You are your own champion; fight for yourself and be the biggest proponent of your own work.
You’ve been hired to do a job, so master it first and then look to where you can contribute above and beyond your current role. Prove yourself, and then earn the opportunity to reach higher.
Don’t become too comfortable in your own space. Build relationship with people who can help push you outside your comfort zone. Seek out experts in the association space who you admire and respect.
Take advice from different people. Each person you’ll meet will have different strengths and weaknesses – learn from them all.
Always be learning. Look for articles, online resources and communities, like ASAE or your state allied society. Read, listen and watch everything you can get your hands on.
Don’t be afraid to say "I don’t know," and don’t be afraid to fail. You will, and it’s OK, as long as you learn from it.
Break out of silos and avoid the "It’s not my job" mentality.
Develop stretch goals that will take you down a path you love and plays to your strengths.

Transition to CEO: Brace for Impact

New CEOs can set themselves up for success and create a culture where staff can thrive – all within the first 100 days.

Panelists and recently transitioned executives Nancy Green, Chris Busky, Alison Keane and Lawrence Sloan discussed the importance of onboarding as part of "Transition to CEO: Brace or Impact." While onboarding is just one aspect of the process of taking over the helm of an association, all agreed that the first 30 to 60 days can be particularly important and offered advice to those looking to move up the ladder.

The early days are the time to make first impressions and build the foundation of relationships that will be important during your tenure. Find out early who you need to meet with and when – not just members, but also volunteers, non-members, industry leaders and other stakeholders.

Also, accelerate your learning about the industry. Make sure you know important acronyms and terms, research, legislation and issues. Talk to members about their needs and challenges.

You also want to establish credibility early on. It doesn’t hurt to look for areas where you can get a few easy wins under your belt.

Before you introduce yourself to the industry at large, make sure you have a comprehensive communications plan in place for the transition. Be strategic about your messaging that goes out to media, sponsors, advertisers and the community at large.

Finally, don’t forget your staff. Make sure they know how important they are to the success of the organization. Establishing a culture will take longer than the first 30 days, but you can get off to a good start by valuing your staff’s time, knowledge and experience.

It’s OK not to say yes to everyone right out of the gate. You don’t have to effect change overnight. Go slow and listen first.

Naylor News

Read All About It: Association Adviser, the Magazine

The 2017 edition of Association Adviser magazine is out now and available to readers. Stop by Booth 603 for your copy and read it online and on the go! Inside, you'll find articles and advice from Naylor Association Solutions experts and industry leaders on how your association can innovate and achieve in the years to come. Share your feedback with us on the new issue @AssocAdviser, and make sure to read new content weekly at AssociationAdviser.com.

With our interactive digital edition, you can bookmark articles for later, share with friends or post on social media with a quick click. Read the digital edition today!

From the Exhibit Floor

Are You Entered to Win an Echo Show?

Visit the Naylor Association Solutions team at Booth 603 to enter to win an Amazon Echo Show. While you're there, make sure to try our signature drink – the Naylorini – made with blue curacao, apple juice, lime juice and prosecco. Mimosas and non-alcoholic options will be served as well.

Social Snippets

Let the Good Times Roll!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Badali Bar and Cucina on Sunday evening for drinks and hors d'oeuvres for the Naylor Client Party, co-hosted by the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). A fun time was had by all, and we can't wait to do it again next year!

Other Resources

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