Determining What Technology Will Support your Chamber's Mission

It was stated in a technology session I attended the other day that we've had more technology in the last five years then in the previous 50 years.

I've been around long enough to know the difference between an "off the shelf" versus a "proprietary" version of an association management system.

I'm a fan of "off the shelf" as a solution.

Let me explain!

In my experience, the more you try to make your system a proprietary system, the more money you'll spend and the longer it will take to get the system up and running.  In addition, it will probably take longer to make future updates/changes.

Let's file this under the less is more way of thinking.

We all want a system that works all day, every day.  Think electricity!  You hit that switch and it works.

Isn't that what you want with your association management system?

Besides, technology is changing so fast, let your technology partner do the upgrades, based on their clients' feedback, from all sizes of chambers and then you can make the appropriate upgrades in a timely fashion.

Again, proprietary systems will need special programming (think more money, time delays).

It's nice to know that your technology partner will just automatically make the upgrades.

Think how Microsoft works on your computers.  Same philosophy applies, they're getting feedback from customers across the world and they send periodic updates automatically to your computer to optimize its function.

In my opinion, "off the shelf" is definitely the way to go!

For a great blog for ongoing information on database management please visit Wes Trochlil’s blog HERE.

Public Speaking 101: 3 Tips to Remember

There have been many articles and books written on public speaking from how to deliver a great speech to how to control your breathing.

Here are three things I think about before giving a presentation.

And by the way, these three are on multiple lists, just Google it!

  • Knowledge
  • Audience
  • Delivery

Knowledge

It goes without saying that giving a speech about a subject matter you know well is a great confidence booster.  I would suggest you don't give a speech on a subject you know little or nothing about.  You must be credible.  Don't' fake it!

Audience

It's important to know the audience you're speaking to and how they identify themselves.  Speaking to a group of business people and talking about organizations or vice versus is a killer.

I also put the room set-up in the "audience" category.  It's important that you visit the venue where you will be speaking to get comfortable with the lighting, make sure your AV works and how you will project your message.

Delivery

Watch those nervous ticks!  I hate when a speaker says "um."  It's a pet peeve of mine.  Remember, silence is golden.  Don't rush your delivery and stay on message.

Open strong, tell a story and end with a powerful quote or fact to bring it all together.

If you keep these three things in mind the next time you're about to give a speech, you'll do great.

Just get out there and do it!

For two blogs on public speaking go HERE and HERE.