Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks Photo attribution: http://www.ology.com/sports/jeremy-lin-becomes-latest-fad-sweep-new-york-city/02072012?quicktabs_10=1

  I’m not here to break down his basketball game. I’m certainly in no position to do that.

What I am interested in talking about is what the sensation of Jeremy Lin means for your organization.

He’s an Asian-American in a sport where 78% of the professional athletes are African-Americans and only 1% are Asian. No greater disparity exists between two races in a major US sport. He’s beaten the odds. As Americans, we like that kind of story. According to a USA Today post earlier, “Kenny Au-Yeung, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., said the Asian-American community was taking great delight in Lin…’It was going to happen sooner or later. It’s good to see it’s happened in New York. We actually have a face now that represents the Asian community.’ ” What are you doing to foster similar results- and a similar reaction- in your organization?

Jeremy Lin went to Harvard. Now, I don’t expect anyone to feel sorry for him about this. But, in terms of basketball pedigree, the Crimson are not exactly cranking out NBA talent. Or as I read in one article, Harvard has produced twice as many US presidents as they have NBA players. So, what we have is an unlikely talent from an unlikely source. Can anyone do the math on this? I’m pretty sure I could win the lottery three times or get struck by lightning seven times before this combination happens again. The point is… is your organization looking for talent in unlikely places? Do you have your finger on the pulse of what’s really happening in your industry or is it business as usual?

Jeremy Lin can score, but he also looks to get assists. I’ve heard references to humility and team basketball, and Lin credits the Knicks system for giving him success. In a me-first era, this really stands out. Is your organization only listening to the loudest voices, those who are self-promoting? Or are you identifying those who can contribute and are not looking for the credit but for the good of the whole? Are you creating a system where employees, members, and customers can thrive? Or do they merely survive, waiting for the next place they can truly be a part of?

The Knicks are winning. As I write this, their win streak stands at seven in a row, and they have returned to .500. It would be a great story regardless, but winning magnifies it, winning gives it buzz. What is your organization doing to help its members, employees, or customers to achieve success and win? I guarantee that people will be talking if you do this.

Lastly, I like this from Sameer Pandya (You can read his entire “The Jeremy Lin discussion” post on ESPN.com.): “Lin feels more like us, albeit with a better jumper and a quicker first step off the dribble. Under the magnified lights of the Garden, Lin has been living out the everyday revenge fantasy we all entertain, made even more poignant in our recessionary time. His success speaks to everyone who feels ignored, waiting for a chance to show the skill that we believe lies within us, to prove the naysayers wrong.”

What other lessons do you see from the Jeremy Lin story?

What opportunities is your organization giving for success? And once achieved, what are you doing to effectively tell their success stories to your employees, members, customers, and community?

From My 5 Words for 2012 (December 2011):

Jenise Fryatt:  What an EXCELLENT list of 5 words. I may have to adopt all of them myself! Of course you know my favorite one is improvisation. At a time when so much is changing so fast, skilled improvisation is really the only way to effectively manage it all! You asked for blog suggestions? Here’s one: http://www.eventprov.com . I’m also amazed at how quickly mobile has taken over the planet. We live in a very different world as a result, but I’m not sure most people are aware of this. Thanks for a truly insightful post. See you in 2012!

Shelly Alcorn:  I love these! And the acronym MIICE made me laugh out loud when I read it….. I really hope this strategy is useful for you this year and I love your words….Improvisation is a great term to keep on the top of your mind…. All my best…..

Thanks, Shelly, for your post on this which inspired mine!

From 5 Lessons from Regis (November 2011):

Dave Sabol: This is a really solid round-up of lessons learned from Regis’ pretty phenomenal career. I didn’t have the opportunity to see much of him “live” but a recent illness while I was attending a conference confined me to my hotel room and provided the perfect opportunity to catch one of his final broadcasts! I think what I found most interesting, and perhaps telling, about Regis was how widely respected and admired he was. He genuinely connected with people and left a lasting impression. I can’t help but believe that what you detailed above is part of his magic. He could be zany and outspoken but he could also be very thoughtful and serious, somehow he knew when to be what and shifted gears seamlessly. However, what got him to where he is today was the fact that he knew who he was and wasn’t afraid of it, he embraced it. I think associations, businesses and organizations alike could all benefit from taking a good look at Regis and taking his example to heart. Have a personality and an opinion, share the stage – with your members, volunteers, clients, customers, etc. – and let them shine, have some fun and don’t be afraid to be human! In the end, I believe that those that leave a mark, make an impression or are generally honored and remembered are those who chose to exemplify those ideals but who also make mistakes (and learn from them) and always continue improving! I can’t help but believe that it’s a universal truth that applies whether you are an individual, for-profit, not-for-profit, etc. A really thoughtful – and thought provoking – post. Nicely done.

Chrissy Ward: Okay – Jay, I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but you are a great ambassador for social media. The sunniness in your voice and your immediate willingness to embrace SoMe neophytes and show them the ropes. You are Regis and are leading by example. Now to your post… Regarding #3: Say What You Think – I look at this as a dearth of leadership, both on the part of the organization and the communicator. Social media provides an incredible and immediate ability to lead movements and constituents. One of the things that annoys me about associations is that they don’t develop their staff expertise in writing content or empowering them to speak/interact through social media. Heck, even RT’ing relevant contact to make their members smarter and more efficient. Aren’t we all advocates for our collective mission? Find it strange and utterly non-strategic. Glorious post. I truly look forward to meeting you!

From 3 Lessons of Unintended Consequences (October 2011):

Linda Chreno: Very interesting commentary – and I totally agree that we sometimes read something totally unrelated to associations that clearly describe an association behavior! To answer your questions, associations often have policies established by the “good old boys” in the “good old days” that are no longer valid in the current environment. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to change these policies or programs because of the “rules” that were established to safeguard the organization. Too often I have seen procedures in the Bylaws where they should not be located (generally). I have also seen association staff – who need to “police” the rules/policies – want to change the rules or policies, but the volunteers do not like to be “told” by the staff what to do — after all it is their association! My solution was to have a task force of members and staff do a periodic review so that input could be obtained from both segments.

Deb Rexon: Great thoughts! As president of a 501c3 (volunteer ems) I have vowed that as we rewrite our bylaws, we will, hopefully, eliminate roadblocks to change, creativity, flexibility, and leadership styles. Tapping our human capital is always a challenge, because sometimes, in the back of our minds is the little voice that says, “What if they do a really good job, and then they TAKE my job/position/post?” We don’t always look at the big picture of growing our organization for success, survival, and longevity.

From InnovationTalks Day: A Reflection (September 2011):

KiKi L’Italien: I wish I’d been at ASAE in person…I would have loved to have seen you. Jay, thanks for writing this post – you made me feel as if I were there. It helps to read your greatest takeaways and to be able to learn from those presentations without having seen them. I love the fact that ASAE is promoting innovation for all organizations and asking us to make a commitment to support it. Barring something unforeseen, I will definitely be there next year!

Lowell Aplebaum: I can not agree with Kiki more – you really did a great job of giving the feeling of actually attending the sessions. I am excited for the release of the recording to see what I missed. I think this widespread week of innovation holds so many ideas that have the potential to change our association realities – sometimes the hardest part is just where to start. I think a poster with the Top 10 innovation thoughts from this week as I jump into 2012 planning may be in order. Thanks for such a great post Jay.

From What Your Event Should Learn from a Japanese Steakhouse (September 2011):

Deirdre Reid:  I’m still thinking about #1. Conferences are a time to refocus and reset, at least for me they are. 9-5′ers already spend so much time in bland offices, board rooms, meeting rooms, and if they’re on the road a lot, they’ve seen their share of long escalators and cavernous exhibition halls. Turning a trade show floor into a spa resort might not be the answer, but I like your idea of immersing attendees in the association culture, assuming you have one you can identify and that’s worth sharing. It might take a lot of creativity to stay within budget and not do something just for the sake of novelty. Something unexpected that takes attendees to a different mindset, that helps them turn off one part of the brain and turn on another. I’d love to hear how any associations already do this.

Amy Trapp:  Nice post! Change can be a struggle for many associations (at least that’s their perception). Just this week I was having a conversation with a customer about ways to get their attendees and members involved in their annual planning process and how that can often have so many benefits. The associations who I’ve worked with, that include their membership as a part of the planning committee, have more often than not found some creative and interesting ways to enhance their program offering, more readily embrace newer technology options and appeal to their audience, as a whole. Bringing the right experience to any event is so important and having the members and attendees assist in that process can really be invaluable. Now I need to make plans to visit a Japanese Steakhouse, because that sounds like a lot of fun!

From Social Media and Missed Opportunities (April 2011):

Sheila Scarborough: Unfortunately, I’m more surprised when a brand actually responds than I am when I’m ignored. Too many don’t know how to listen, or they don’t understand that, hey, you’re supposed to SAY SOMETHING BACK.

From The Ultimate Events and Social Media Checklist: 17 Important Questions (March 2011):

Nathan Smoyer: Great, great list! I would like to point out how you addressed follow up to an event. The follow is so important for an event for several reasons. The sponsors need to know it was worth their while and (if this is an annual event) you want those who didn’t make it to hear that the event was a success so they will want to come next year. Thanks for posting! follow @boxochatter

From What do Greg Jennings and Kahlua cheesecake have to do with good Customer Service and Social Media? (January 2011):

Brenda Stoltz: Good post. Companies need to listen not just for negative comments, but also for positive. In fact, while not suggesting the negative should be ignored, I do believe responding to the positive has a greater long-term impact in building brand loyalty. The person who had a negative experience may be pleased and give the brand another opportunity, but maybe not. However, additional reinforcement of the positive experience through engagement, I think would go far in furthering brand loyalty and winning repeat business. Go Packers!

Reading back over these seems like a “Who’s Who” of so many I interact with regularly on Twitter. Some comments made me smile again, and they also remind me of how much I’ve learned from you through your comments, your blog posts, and at events and conferences. Going through this process has also motivated me to comment more on blogs. Thanks for your readership and support!

Just recently I read an article on the “Top 10 Play Innovations” in the NFL so I thought it would be a good time to explore what innovation lessons are held there for us.

First, let’s talk about what they didn’t do in pro football. It may be obvious, but teams didn’t diversify into baseball or basketball or any other sport. They also didn’t expand their footprint by using the sidelines, stands, or concession areas for certain plays. Coaches didn’t suddenly start playing 12 or 13 players at a time to gain the upper hand. Teams also didn’t elect to use an object other than a football like keys, a shoe, or a pineapple (Sorry, Southwest Airlines!) on their possessions.

So, what did coaches and teams do to create competitive advantages while staying within the confines of the rules of the game? Just how did they create innovation in what might be perceived to be limiting circumstances?

This is not a lesson on football (I wouldn’t be the right one to give it), and I’m not going to go into great detail about schemes, formations, and defenses. Here are, however, a few themes I noticed that have lessons in innovation for all of us:

Placement- Most innovation in offensive or defensive schemes starts with the placement of the players. Use of more running backs, more wide receivers, or an extra defensive back created options and changed the game. Words like “pressure” and “neutralize” are used to describe the effects of these inventive formations. Does your organization have people assigned to the right positions? Do you need to shift areas of responsibility? Would putting more emphasis on a given facet of your “game” create a competitive advantage?

Motion- The movement of players at the onset of a play also was a means of bringing innovation to football. Words like “mismatches” and “uncertainty” are key. Do your employees, members, prospects, customers, and/or competitors always know your next move with communications, marketing, public relations, branding, etc.? Are they certain of your tactics at conferences and trade shows with exhibits, sponsorships, advertising, etc.? Do your constituents already have you classified, pegged, nailed? What can you do to create a mismatch, to make them have to respond accordingly and not think of your organization in the same way? What can you do to develop new efficiencies (wins) and at the same time make it more exciting for your “fans”?

Time Management- At times innovation in football has focused on the management of the clock. Terms like the “no-huddle offense” and ”2-minute offense” have become universally known. Looking at the clock and play calling differently has led to long-term success for some franchises. How does your organizations approach project management and deadlines? Are you effective at the division of responsibilities? We’re all dealing with tasks that need to be done that need to be finished by a certain date or time. Does your organization procrastinate until you’re woefully behind and then try to scramble in the last two minutes of the game? How can you create an organizational culture that addresses the need for purposeful time management from start to successful completion?

Intent- Teams have found success when they took a step back and stopped doing what the rest of the pack was doing. They embraced a different approach. These teams stopped settling for what was tried-and-true; and, instead, they innovated. They stopped going with limited opportunities with defined results and forged a new paradigm. In short, they took a risk, a gamble. They could have looked like idiots if their new methods failed. Instead, they developed options for running backs, trick plays, short passes, deep passes, and schemes for linebackers to get sacks. And, these franchises came up big! What are the ways you see that you could approach problems and issues differently? What large opportunities await but haven’t been addressed because the organization is too focused on the tasks at hand? Where has dynamic leadership simply become adequate management? How do you take time to reflect and plan strategically, to truly innovate in your field?

What are the innovation lessons you see in football or from another sport? How are these being applied in your organization? What more can be done to take these examples from the field to the office?

For my 5 words I’m sticking to concepts that are relevant to my professional development while not necessarily being central to my daily tasks. In other words these are primarily areas of interest for me while also having a bearing on my work life. Lastly, each of these concepts is of some importance to the circles I move in and as a result I’ve had opportunities over the past year for learning and discussions around these. I expect many more in 2012.

My 5 words for 2012 are (drumroll please)…

Mobile- More and more statistics show what kind of computing is being done via mobile devices. More email than ever is being sent via mobile. e-Commerce on smartphones is seeing dramatic increases. I was astounded to learn from a presentation by Luke Wroblewski (@lukew) at ASAE Tech ’11 earlier this month that many people around the world are using only mobile devices. In other words what they see in the palm of their hand is the only way they see that information. They never see what I take for granted on the larger screen of a laptop. If you’re not thinking mobile, you’ve been asleep Rip Van Winkle-style. The phone is not used much as a phone much anymore. The implications for conferences, social networking, e-Commerce, geolocation, etc. are huge. I want to give more thought and attention to mobile, what kind of experiences I’m looking for in apps, mobile sites, functionality, and how that translates to people I talk with regularly.

Innovation- It seems to me that the recent death of Steve Jobs has only served to bring the concept of innovation more to the forefront. Jobs, seemingly the patron saint of innovation, is referenced frequently in discussions on the topic (I’ve even done it myself, not because I’m an Apple fanatic but because his life, methods, and products bring out great illustrations). More organizations are having discussions around streamlining. Gone are the days when an association tried to be all things to all people. We’ve seen how large businesses can fail because they didn’t focus on their core competencies. The public is crying out for more customized experiences. They want- no, they demand to see value for hard-earned dollars. This will force creativity and innovation from otherwise complacent organizations. I like what I heard from Scott Steen and Jeffrey Cufaude (@jcufaude) at an ASAE InnovationTalks Day. basically that how one frames the question will help to determine the results. Are you trying to build a better mousetrap? Is the problem getting ride of mice? Are you trying to create a safe and clean environment? Are you a problem solver or an innovator? In 2012 I want to think more along the lines of being an innovator and be an integral part of discussions with organizations that are willing to look at their missions with fresh sets of eyes.

Improvisation- Because, after all, how much of life is scripted? Through the work of Jenise Fryatt I’ve been exposed to more concepts and principles regarding improvisation. It’s not just for comedy clubs anymore. Improvisation has applications related to sales, customer service, social networking, etc. and for interactions with members, colleagues, customers, prospects, and partners. Companies, associations, and even governments can no longer hide behind well-scripted statements and press releases. Teaching the skills of improvisation while giving employees appropriate training in other areas and empowering them to make decisions leads to responsive individuals and organizations. I’m looking to learn more in the area of improvisation and apply to my interactions with others. And, it’s just so darn fun!

Collaboration- I’m all for any tools, resources, or methods which allow people to work more closely together. Technology is some of the answer, but it’s not all. Corporate culture dictates whether a collaborative spirit thrives or is moderately successful or dies despite the rhetoric. As I heard Jeff De Cagna say recently, “No one person in the room is smarter than everyone in the room.” We give mental assent to this kind of notion but then go back to departments, divisions, or agencies and then act as solitary agents, never seeking best practices, never asking for the input of an experienced colleague, in effect never tapping into the expertise that is all around us. In 2012 I want to do my part to be more collaborative, to learn more about collaborative technologies and techniques, and to set the tone for others in collaborative endeavors.Engagement- I try to be engaged wherever I am, whether it’s in a one-on-one discussion, at a conference, online, or on the phone. I respond to others’ ideas and acknowledge their contributions. I take note of what interests those around me, and I myself have varied interests. In short I’m engaged. So, why is this a word I have selected for 2012? Because the name of the game for organizations moving forward is engagement: customer engagement, membership engagement, community engagement, constituency engagement, etc. You get the idea. Social media has only expedited and elevated this concept. Social media could go away tomorrow, and I’m convinced that we’d still be left with this sense that engagement matters. The public no longer wants to be talked to, lectured, sold to. They want to interact- with athletes, with actors, with elected officials, with brands. They want to provide input. They’ve been talking to their friends, neighbors, and co-workers for years, offering opinions and insights. Now they’re just willing to make them public, a part of a permanent landscape of online feedback. Tapping into this power of engagement will be key for all types of organizations. And I, for one, want to learn more and offer more in the way of engagement.

If I had to choose a sixth word it would be gamification. Why? Because it has some interesting applications and potential. And it’s just fun to say. Say it with me now: “gamification“. And now try using it in a conversation with someone today. Do they know what it means?

Anyway, so those are my 5 words for 2012. They make a great acronym: MIICE. So, while I’m watching the MIICE in 2012, what will you be watching? Have you selected your 5 words for 2012?

Oh, and if you have any reading material, blogs, conferences, etc. related to any of the letters in my MIICE, send ‘em my way. After all, I’m here to learn as much from you as hopefully you are learning from me.

See the value in blogging, but don’t know where to start? Want to try a risk-free way to begin? ChatterBachs is conducting a “Will Blog for _______” contest. Until February 29, 2012 (yes, it’s leap year; crazy, I know…) the ChatterBachs team will evaluate all offers to trade products or services for a single blog post (list value $250). This post could be the first of a long-term agreement or perhaps the only one- just to get you started.

These blog posts will not appear on the ChatterBachs blog. You will own the content and may do with it as you wish. We can discuss the voice that will be used.

So, here are just some of the ideas that the ChatterBachs team hopes to see come our way:

• Round trip flights to exotic locations like New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Argentina, Omaha, Atlanta, etc.
• Hotel or resort stays
• Dining credits or restaurant gift cards
• Tickets to sporting events, museums, theme parks, and other attractions
• Bus or train fares to Philly, NYC, and/or Boston
• So, basically, travel and entertainment stuff… right?
• T-shirts w/ really cool, customized ChatterBachs images and quotes on them
• Pens w/ really cool, customized ChatterBachs images and quotes on them
• Mugs and/or cups w/ really cool, customized ChatterBachs images and quotes on them
• I think you’re beginning to see a theme here, aren’t you?
• Fitness club memberships (Hey, we like to stay in shape too!)
• Spa services (not my thing but…)
• Video production work
• Graphic design work
• Advertising
• Books, CDs, DVDs
• Techie gadgets
• Remodeling work
• Lawn maintenance (because, hey, most of us would rather be writing than taking care of our yards.)
• Pool maintenance (I’m not sure any of us actually have a pool, but this is a minor detail.)
• etc. (and, really, this covers a lot of territory after all… doesn’t it?)

So, maybe you don’t have any of these items, but maybe you know someone who knows someone and there could be a trade for a trade for a trade. You get the idea.

Still don’t know what to do? Or maybe you just think… “What a great idea!” and want to get in on the fun? Anyone who tweets about the “Will Blog for _______” contest with @ChatterBachs and the hashtag #willblogfor in the tweet will be entered to win gift cards! How many and for what amounts will be determined by the number of tweets and retweets (but, let’s put it this way, there will be choices of prizes… and we all like that, don’t we?)

For more details or to pitch an idea our way, please contact Jay Daughtry at 703.430.6411 or jay@chatterbachs.com. Or, if you don’t mind making your proclamation of love for ChatterBachs public, you can leave your offer below. Or you can just leave comments on or feedback about this crazy idea; we like reading those too!

1. Be personable, approachable- Most of us think of Regis as an eccentric neighbor, a crazy uncle, or a kindly grandfather figure. He makes us laugh. Regis also makes us feel comfortable.We’ve invited him into our living rooms for close to 17,000 hours of television over a few decades. We’ve invited him into our lives. Does your organization get invited into the lives of its members, employees, and/or customers? Or are you viewed begrudgingly as an uninvited guest or an obligatory participant? What can you do to change the dynamics so your constituents want to spend more time with you? So you’re invited to be a part of their dialogue?
2. Share the spotlight- Part of the appeal of Regis is that he doesn’t have to have the spotlight to himself. He’s actually more effective when he has a co-host- someone to bounce ideas off or have playful banter with. Getting along with others and playing nicely in the sandbox is a lesson we learned in kindergarten. What can your association, company, or agency do to better recognize and promote its partners, vendors, thought leaders, and other members of its circle of influence? Are there opportunities to turn competitors into valued partners to better advance your cause? What are the ways that highlighting the work of others reflects well on you and your accomplishments?
3. Say what you think- Another key ingredient to the success of Regis has been his willingness to make off-the-cuff remarks. Now, this is the area in which we tread lightly, especially those of us accustomed to the carefully-crafted press release or prepared statement. Saying what you think doesn’t always win; sometimes it may get you in trouble. In this era of social media, however, organizations need to have quicker responses, they need to move as a living organism and not hide behind official statements. Associations, companies, and agencies need people who are well-trained and can think on their feet. The moment won’t wait for you and your team to do research, polls, or surveys. Train them. Trust them. Let them go. Are the wins adding up? Are they greater than the temporary setbacks of missed cues or foot-in-the-mouth moments?
4. Be outRegis- From crazy costumes to inane skits to interesting guests, Regis has shown his willingness to take risks. He showed himself to be vulnerable. Regis snatched success from the jaws of failure. Most of us would have been too self-conscious to pull off much of what he’s done. But, we’re the National American Society for the Association of Professional Hydragoposcatators (NASAPH, for short). Who cares?! Take a moment to recognize and enjoy the accomplishments. Ensure that there’s time to get to know members, employees, and customers on a personal level. What are you doing to stand out? And not just as a mammoth organization or a leader in your industry?
5. Thanks for the memories- From humble origins in the Bronx and a Catholic education to the national stage, Regis genuinely seems to connect with childhood friends and mega-superstars alike. He’s also invested in the lives of young men by providing scholarships to Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. He took a circuitous route through local television in California and back to New York  to become a fixture on national TV in his late 50′s. Take time to remember where you came from and who got you there. It’s taken many people and perhaps many years to get you to where you are today. Do you have moments to celebrate and recognize the contributions of staff, volunteers, customers, members, etc.?

What are the lessons you’ve learned from Regis?

I write because I am a teacher, not as a profession- at least not any longer- but in my heart it’s who I still am. I want to share what I’ve learned, who I’ve met, the resources I’ve discovered. I was “sharing” and “liking” long before the internet, long before Facebook and Twitter and Google+. I was the type who would tear articles out of magazines or cut columns out of newspapers to give to friends with a passing comment of “I read this and thought of you” or with an “I thought this was relevant to our discussion the other day” note attached with a paper clip. Perhaps you’re nodding as you read this because you are this person or you have a friend just like me.

Social media has only magnified this behavior. It’s easier now to simply retweet or comment on blogs, articles, news, announcements, etc. that I think my friends, associates, and colleagues would be interested in or benefit or learn from.

If being a teacher is at the very heart of who I am, writing is woven into the very fabric of my being. I could certainly regale you with tales of how writing has been integral to key moments of my life from memorable classes to scholarship applications to time overseas to business ventures through poetry, creative writing, journals, blogs, publication, etc. I choose to write and am compelled to blog because it gives me that voice to lend a perspective to what I’ve learned, who I’ve met, the resources I’ve discovered.

I like to talk to people, to interview them, and to learn of their stories. I am naturally curious. I enjoy doing research about a topic I am unfamiliar with. Like a reporter I want to ask thought-provoking questions that bring about well-thought-out answers that take the dialogue to a new level or on another trajectory. I want to put the angle on a story that no one envisioned. I stay sharp by reading the thoughts and perspectives of others. These tendencies lead me to formulate new ideas and responses, to bring together more than one concept into a new light.

Why they read

People love a good story. If you know me, you know that I love a good story. Everyone has a good story. It’s really a matter of asking questions to get at that story.

The problem is when organizations begin to think that their purpose in writing is merely to sell publications or increase conference attendance or give the latest statistics pertinent to their industry. When this happens, they’ve lost their way, they’ve lost their soul. Even corporations, associations, and businesses need to tell stories.

We’re in the business of storytelling. In fact I have this concept for a future blog post on “The Art of Storytelling”. When you tell stories, people respond. Your employees, members, and customers begin to see themselves in these stories. Stories should be about successful transitions- the little guy who makes it big, the one who was down and out who overcame odds or obstacles, the one who has a unique take on an all-too familiar problem.

When you tell stories like this… guess what? Your employees, members, and customers will start repeating them for you. They’ll start sharing your stories- not because they’ve been asked or to win a prize in a contest. They’ll be compelled- and it won’t be just online.

The first article had to do with the premise that as athletes use better, safer equipment they tend to play more recklessly thus to some extent negating the intent of the safer equipment. Similarly, the second article stated that people who use coupons tend to consume more thus offsetting some of their savings.

I believe there are lessons on unintended consequences here for those of us who are involved with organizations or are responsible for or actively participate in conferences or events.

Are there policies that are stifling creativity and innovation in your department, agency, association, or company? There’s a good chance that the policies originated from a valid concern or worthwhile goal. Have they outlived their purposes or usefulness? I can’t help but think of a blog I read this week.  Here’s an excerpt:

There was a new chapter leader at my association who was full of energy and ideas. Periodically, he would call and ask permission to do something. It always violated the chapter bylaws, and I always told him “ne day, after I shot down yet another idea, he asked me, “Do you ever say ‘yes’?” I was so distracted with defending the rules (bylaws) that I lost sight of a leader willing to look at the big picture from a different angle. Rather than be flexible to his ideas, I stifled his creativity.

You get what you reward. What are you rewarding?

Is your organization heavy-handed in the way it develops programs? Is it dictating from the top down what content you will want at a seminar or conference instead of simply asking you or seeing what kind of expertise is within the group?  I like that this week ASAE asked me to rate 20 or so proposed sessions for their MMC Conference in the spring of 2012. That did two things for me (and for others who have an interest in this conference). One, it made me an active participant, months in advance. I now have something at stake in how this conference is developed. Two, it gave me a sneak preview of what may be offered. The descriptions of some sessions created a sense of excitement and the hope that others had rated those prospective sessions as highly as I did.

Similarly, I was struck by Jenise Fryatt’s recollection of Event Camp East Coast 2010 in “How an Unconference Changed My Life”. You see, I was there. I recognize the people in the photo. I benefited from this unconference. I was in Jenise’s session, learned greatly from it, and later went on to teach some of the improv exercises to kids I work with at church. I also led a session on “Social Media 101″ with Jenise so I was right there with her with the feelings of “I was nervous and excited and compelled to say yes, even though it was a very scary proposition.  I mean, could I do a good job with no preparation?” The answer was, “Yes!” It also opened my eyes to realize that there are experts all around us. We just haven’t asked the right questions; we haven’t tapped into the resources who are our co-workers, peers, or valued business partners. We’ve been blinded by PowerPoint presentations and slick videos rather than just having conversations and exchanging ideas.

Where have policies and programs left your organization and its employees, members, or customers wanting?
What can you do to help reshape the approach and vision?

I welcome your comments, insights, and ideas below and on Twitter.

What I hope to provide for you below is not simply a recounting of the day but rather a reflection on some of my own tweets and the insights I gleaned from the presenters and resulting discussions. I also intend to provide you with ways to reflect on the direction of and decision-making for your organization whether you were a participant or not. Lastly, if you are a part of the association community, I want to challenge you to be a part of the next InnovationTalks Day. I know that when it is announced it will be a not-to-miss item on my calendar.

Jeffrey Cufaude of Idea Architects began the day with “Innovative Results Require Innovative Beginnings”. Part of the premise of Jeffrey’s presentation was that different starting points lead to different results. We need to reframe the discussion and throw out (at least momentarily) some of the items that we consider givens. 

One of the questions Jeffrey asked was, “What if your general session had the energy of a rock concert and the intimacy of a coffeehouse?”  Doesn’t that give you a different frame of reference and challenge your assumptions? At first glance, you may say it’s impossible. Part of the approach lays in looking at the success other businesses in unrelated industries have had and asking why? Bring a different perspective. You’ll get a different result.

Dave Coriale of DelCor was next with “Innovating Your Approach to Technology”. Dave helped us to realize that concepts from 30-40 years ago that were science fiction have become reality in many regards. Technology shifts with the iPad, social media, etc. weren’t on our radars a decade ago. How do these changes in technology impact our organizations?

One of the questions Dave posed was, “What happened to the National Association of Switchboard Manufacturers?” From our 21st Century vantage point, we read this question and laugh. Of course, technology came along and made NASM obsolete. But the $10 million dollar question is, “What technological breakthroughs will do the same to your organization?” Just because you exist today doesn’t mean that you’ve earned the right to exist 5, 10, or 25 years from now. Are your glory days behind you? Or how are you harnessing technology to prepare for the future and provide value to your members, employees, and/or customers?

Scott Steen of American Forests presented on “Design Thinking for Associations”. He talked about the role of design in so many aspects of our lives, business, and experiences. Scott highlighted companies like Apple, Whole Foods, OXO, and Dyson that incorporate design into everything they do to create fantastic and memorable experiences for their users. Furthermore, he gave us the 5 elements of great design: 1. functional 2. simple 3. elegant 4. natural 5. surprises & delights. Surprise & delight: What’s that little thing that you can do that no one else is doing and no one expects?

Here are excerpts from my tweets from Scott’s talk:

• Great design starts with great questions.
• Get rid of preconceptions. Ask naive questions about the problem before you develop solutions.
• Don’t stop at the first great idea. Push to develop more options.

It’s the last point that I desire to comment on. How often do you sit in meetings where someone puts forward an idea that’s met with, “That’s a great idea! Let’s do it!” But, how often do you suspend decision-making and take an extra 10 minutes to see if the team can come up with a better idea? You may find it’s worth the additional investment as you push your colleagues to think through the issues and opportunities more thoroughly.

While I missed much of Rhea Blanken’s presentation on “Organizations Don’t Innovate; People Do!” due to another commitment, I did see enough of it to glean that “play” (like with blocks, puzzles, and Tinker Toys) can help us to look at problems differently and develop innovative solutions.  In fact I like her statement that “Creativity is stimulated when opportunities to challenge the status quo are created.” What opportunities are you giving to your team members to look at problems differently by taking them out of their everyday work environment? It will spark creativity as they use different parts of their brains, and in the process you’ll get employees who are more engaged and energized. Oh, and, Rhea, I’m proudly displaying my Creativity Certificate on my wall which recognizes me as “a thinking outside the box individual possessing the quality and ability to think creatively and to create solutions in innovative ways”. If that fails, I do have the quotes on creativity and play from famous people close at hand.

Karen Gonzales of Destination Marketing Association International presented on “Innovating Your Membership Expectations”. The biggest takeaway I have here is that “Membership is not just about revenue. It’s about engagement; it’s about awareness.” Don’t get locked into looking at your membership, employees, or customers one way. Don’t just look at what you get from your members in a transactional way. What is it that your members bring that adds value or influences others? How are you engaging them? For me a lot of this is about treating people as individuals, not as an employee or membership number.

Dave Will (@peachdave), chief executive peach, of Peach New Media (seeing a trend?) closed out the day with “The New Rules of Online Learning”. Dave challenged us with the concept that “information transfer and learning are not the same thing”. He helped us to think through how online learning can be more engaging for participants. Dave gave us a vision that online learning doesn’t have to solely be an individual sitting passively in front of a computer screen. Oh, and, Dave, the pink pony video was classic!

InnovationTalks Day had an all-star lineup both in terms of presenters and participants. Many of the speakers also gave opportunities for discussions and activities at tables. I also learned greatly from association colleagues who sat in other parts of the room.

Please add your comments, ideas, and insights below or dialogue with me on Twitter.

Here are those lessons:

• Immerse people in the culture- In a Japanese steakhouse it’s in the decor and the artwork and the architecture, the costumes or uniforms, and the signs on the wall. Your brain is sent a signal from the moment you arrive that this will be no ordinary meal out. This signal was so strong that my younger son asked me to take his photo next to a sign with Japanese characters on it as we waited for our table. I don’t know what the sign said; hopefully it was something appropriate and didn’t merely mock English-only speakers. For that time, though, we were in Japan (or at the very least, in the Japan we imagine as virtual tourists). To what measure are you going to prompt your participants to forget that they are in a hotel, a conference room, or a convention center? What are you doing to immerse them in the culture of your organization, its message, and the awesome learning and networking opportunities you’re offering them?
  
• Give choices but not too many- A Japanese steakhouse offers a few entree choices, mostly steak (thus the name “steakhouse”) and seafood. They’re not trying to be Applebee’s or Cheesecake Factory or any other restaurant that offers you a food catalog when they seat you. I’m sorry, but when a dining companion makes a recommendation and you have to ask what page they’re on, that may be too many choices. Similarly, is your organization trying to be all things to all people? Perhaps it’s time to re-focus on your core competencies, the topics that your members and/or attendees look to you for when it comes to valued content.
• Give people a peek behind the curtain- I think the thing I find most amazing about a Japanese steakhouse is that they take what every other restaurant is doing in the kitchen and they turn it into a show. Now you’re no longer waiting, wondering when your food will arrive. No, you’re watching your meal be prepared. Are there ways that you can give attendees a glimpse of staging areas- literal and/or virtual? Can you make them active participants before the conference? Think about it. Simple accessibility may make the event more meaningful to them. It could also make the meeting a more powerful learning experience for delegates as they gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the association.
• Make it fun, even a little goofy- Let’s face it… the humor from a chef at a Japanese steakhouse is never going to make it to Comedy Central. Even as I write this, I don’t remember too many of the specifics, except something about watching “butter fly”. All I know is that I was laughing frequently. I remember having a good time, watching the reactions of others around me. I will go back. I know what you’re going to say, and you probably know what I’m going to say, but I’ll go ahead and say it. First, I’ll pretend to be you. “Jay, our members will never go for that. They are professionals in the field of (fill in the blank- accounting/dentistry/chemical engineering/neuroscience/rodeos/etc.) They’re just here for the professional growth.” Really?! No… really?! Last time I checked, most people don’t want to be serious professionals all the time. Last time I checked, most people like to laugh. Even while they’re learning. Most people will tell their friends what made them laugh more than they’ll tell them the latest statistic or trend. Just check out what people are posting on Facebook. Most people will come back to events like this… and perhaps they’ll bring one of their friends next time.

What have you learned from a Japanese steakhouse? From a Chinese restaurant? How ’bout an Indian one? Or what about Thai? (Oh, I love Shrimp Pad Thai!) Okay, how about an Asian restaurant of any variety? Please share your comments below or with me on Facebook or Twitter.