Technology

Lunchtime Links: A Pinteresting Approach to Maps

Pinterest gives social gurus a new tool to geotag their bookmarks—something that might be of note for meeting planners. Also: The importance of reputation management for organizations.

Pinterest gives social gurus a new tool to geotag their bookmarks—something that might be noteworthy for meeting planners. Also: the importance of reputation management for organizations.

Pinterest is popular, though it definitely draws a mixed reaction from some audiences who don’t “get it.”

But a new change to the visual bookmarking platform might be just the thing that could win the naysayers over—especially if, say, they’re planning a trip soon. More in today’s Lunchtime Links:

Taking on the world: Pinterest is getting into the map business—and your association might want to get on board. On Wednesday, the company announced its latest endeavor, Place Pins, which adds geotagging to the company’s already-bookmark-friendly social offering. The tool, already in use by a number of hotel chains and travel brands, could help your content team map out some plans for your next conference. Any ideas coming to mind?

Nothing sacred: Is now the time to experiment with your association’s biggest cash cow? In a post for YourMembership, the company’s industry resource director Rick Rutherford writes about the Georgia Society of Association Executives’ Grand Tradeshow Experiment, a standalone event that’s largely focused on the tradeshow over educational sessions. Rutherford, on the vendor end of things, found the event “refreshing” and applauded GSAE for trying something out of the norm, even if there were some kinks to be worked out. “From a financial standpoint, there is still work to be done,” he said. “Obviously, the financial challenge for GSAE is they are adding the expense of a separate event to their budget. Timing is also a question, as they work to determine the best month to hold the event.” In the end, Rutherford says GSAE’s willingness to mess with a “sacred cow”—one that the group will continue to hold until at least 2015—is inspiring. Where have you found room to shake up your traditional event structure?

Your reputation matters: If you’re looking to win over volunteers, don’t forget to burnish your reputation. That’s the message of VolunteerMatch guest contributor Kristina Richards, who says that organizations are so easy to research online that it’s important for your nonprofit to focus on its Google results—both good and bad. “Consumers are increasingly savvy each year, and to ensure that they are willing to get involved with your organization, you need to look as reputable as possible,” Richards writes. Read more tips from Richards over this way.

How’s your reputation looking online these days? Offer some insights on how you’ve burnished your own brand in the comments.

(Pinterest screenshot)

Ernie Smith

By Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. MORE

Got an article tip for us? Contact us and let us know!


Comments