Leadership

Thursday Buzz: Steve Jobs Lives On

Associations can learn from the legacy of Steve Jobs. Plus: How should your association handle data?

“I want to put a ding in the universe.”

This quote from Apple Cofounder and CEO Steve Jobs inspired everyone from the moment he said it.

And he doesn’t inspire just executives, managers, designers, and technologists. Jobs’ advice can greatly influence associations as well. Putting a “ding in the universe” for associations is creating new standards, supporting new ideas, and standing out.

For the Socious blog, writer Christina Green pulled together six leadership and management lessons from the technology icon to honor the fifth anniversary of his death.

“A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them,” he once said. This rings true for many associations that are working to present themselves as resources in their industries. This could mean they present educational, training, and job opportunities.

A lot of work by organizations is based around member recruitment or retention, in keeping missions crystal clear, and making member onboarding an easy process.

As Jobs put it, “That’s been one of my mantras—focus and simplicity.”

All About That Data

Data is a huge resource—if it is used properly. Problem is, if you’re collecting the wrong types of data, it doesn’t organize well, or it can’t be used in ways the meet your business goals, you might have a problem.

“Only collect data that you will use and that you will continue to update over time,” data management pro Wes Trochlil explains at the Effective Database Management blog. Consider it the sensible standard for data management in associations.

It’s also handy in listening—to your members. When properly collected and organized, data can help associations see what members need, what they like, and what they dislike.

Meanwhile, Alorica’s Pamela McGlone, writing at CMS Wire, argues that surveys aren’t always enough. She believes, with data analysis, observations should be listened to and responded with action.

Other Links of Note

What is an event without entertainment? Pulling it off can be challenging, though. The team at Visit Cincinnati’s MTG PLNR blog shares three creative ways to bring entertainment to your next event.

Let’s bridge social media to real life. On the Headlines Partnership Publishing blog, Kayley Sugars writes about how to make social media followers feel valued in order to eventually turn them into association members.

(Ben Stanfield/Flickr)

Patrick deHahn

By Patrick deHahn

Patrick deHahn is a contributor to Associations Now. MORE

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