Friday, February 1, 2013

Networking Group Day

60 members joined MSAE for our first-ever Networking Group Day on 1/31. It was a great way to kick off 2013, showcase and participate in MSAE's six networking groups, connect with members and share ideas. Here are the top takeaways from each Networking Group discussion:

Allied Networking Group

Marketing Sales Techniques
  • “Cold calling” / prospecting – utilize resources like LinkedIn, Google search and Facebook; rethinking preferred method – email; send subtle follow up.
  • Concessions – comp stay “secret shopper” evaluations with video testimonials; making sure both parties are benefitting.
  • Building the relationship / creating the experience.
Creative Approaches to Close the Sale
  • My competition doesn’t have “me” – the relationship is the close.
  • The authentic close – engaged and aware of their needs. Listen.
  • Simple gestures go a long way and sometimes inexpensive gestures go further and mean more to the clients.
Communications Networking Group

Google Apps & the Cloud
  • Utilize Google Alerts to have specific web content delivered to you via email on the regular basis you specify.
  • Use the "trick" of searching a specific website right from Google's homepage by typing into the search bar: "search term" site:[website domain]. Example: "communications" site:msae.com
  • Consider the potential issue of "Who owns the data?" when it comes to cloud applications.
2013 Communication Trends
  • The idea that we are no longer in the "information age" - we are in the "attention age" - you must communicate to get people's attention and then keep it!
  • Websites are the primary source of communication today and "responsive web design" is a trend to watch - part of the evolving conversation of what it means to "go mobile."
  • Infographics are a new communications tactic that you can use to deliver information in a visually interesting, easily digestible way. Reconsider "stock" print collateral like membership brochures, annual reports and holiday cards to see if infographics could be employed to better deliver this content.
Financial & Accounting Networking Group

Budgets & Project Allocation
  • Consider line item for reserve line item.
  • Project allocation – consistency and look at big picture time allocation from software.
  • Need detail to produce good reports and good association management software to provide accurate information.
Controls & Fraud
  • Separation of duties, multiple people review purchases and statements.
  • Credit card controls protect from unauthorized access.
  • Financial audit is not fraud investigation. 
Meeting Management & Education Networking Group

Special Events
  • Serve meal without dessert and auction off desserts.
  • Incorporate community/charity outreach projects within events.
  • Hold an event at a high-end car dealership.
Great Meeting Ideas
  • Social Media Bar to train and increase social media presence.
  • Ignite sessions – igniteshow.com.
  • Experience – people want an experience at meetings/committee meetings.
Membership Networking Group

Increasing Dues and Revenue Streams
  • Affinity programs / partnerships.
  • Establish ROI – professionally and personally for members.
  • Proprietary packaging brings in money.
Member Engagement
  • To create an experience for everyone to take away.
  • Engagement is about feelings; if you can create positive feelings in all events, communications, etc., you’ll be creating engaging experiences.
  • Take join OFF your website; you’re not joining, you’re connecting.
  • Have fun!
Young Professionals Networking Group

Generations in the Workplace
  • Using a “mentor” to go to about advice / approaches with different generations can help in challenging situations.
  • Important to find right communication styles between generations – will help working relationships.
  • Build mutual respect is key.
Managing Relationships
  • “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.”
  • Follow up after initial contact with something light to maintain your relationship with the planner.
  • Find a mentor.
For more information on MSAE's Networking Groups, visit www.msae.com.

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